Catch the Bug's Christmas in July...Day 1

Welcome to our 10th annual Christmas in July! Our theme this year is Santa's Workshop; we have a full week of fun challenges so buckle up for some fun! Did I mention there will be prizes?

Before I proceed with the challenge details, I would like to honor our late Design Team member Julie. Julie was a fixture on the team since 2011 and we will miss both her and her creations. Here is a link to her blog.

Here is our inspiration photo for today's challenge:

I went with Reindeer Christmas Goodies today; you can color the reindeer like a "regular reindeer" or you can color him like Rudolph! (We have always loved Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer at our house!) I wonder what is in the present and stocking full of goodies created in Santa's workshop? He is colored with pencils an I added some glitter to the string of lights on his antlers and some glittery snowflakes for embellishing.

Image: Bugaboo "Reindeer Christmas Goodies" Digital Image
Ink: Printer
Paper: G.P. 110 CS, PTI Stamper's Select CS, PTI Pure Poppy CS, Doodlebug Patterned Paper, Doodlebug Sugar-Coated CS
Extras: Prismas/Crayolas/Goo Gone, Art Glitter in Angel Dust, Lawn Fawn Dies (rectangle frames), Art Impressions Dies (snowflakes), Lil' Inker Designs Die (heart), Foam Tape

Please check out the rest of the DT's creations for today at Catch the Bug! We would love to have you play along; remember Bugaboo images are not required for any of our challenges, however we would love to see what you do with Bugaboo! Our only request is that you follow the daily theme when you create. Check out the challenge details here. Please leave me a comment on today's post if you enter today's challenge, I want to check out your creation!

Here's a link to Jodie's Bugaboo Shop; now is the time to stock up on her adorable images. There really is something for everyone!

Challenges entered:

Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge: Sketch #377

Colour Crazy Craft Challenge: Week 28 Anything Coloring Goes
C.R.A.F.T. Challenge: #564 Christmas or Humourous
Creatalicious Challenge: #191 Anything Goes w/ 3 of a Kind (snowflakes)
Christmas Craft Creations: Christmas Characters
Cutie Pie Challenge: #149 Cute
Festive Friday: Inspiration Challenge #FF00063 (heart, pink, green, sparkle, die cuts)

My Time to Craft: #436 Christmas in July
Shopping Our Stash: #424 Christmas in July

Thank you for stopping by!

Angela

Holiday Critter Chaos 2019

Good morning! Welcome to Catch the Bug's annual Holiday Critter Chaos! Get ready for a week of fun, inspiration, and prizes...we do hope you will play along! To kick off the week we would like you to create a project using a Holiday Critter AND Snow

Here's what I have created for you:

Does that wee birdie count as a critter? Why yes, indeed she does! I love today's theme; here in the Midwest we have plenty of snow. (The last 2 snowfalls have been the light, fluffy stuff so it's easy to scoop; I'm very thankful for that!) I've pulled some snow themed papers from my stash and colored the image to coordinate. I've used sparkly die cut snowflakes for embellishing. Here's a close-up:

Image: Bugaboo "Snowman 004" Digital Image
Ink: Printer
Paper: G.P. 110 CS, PTI Stamper's Select CS, SU! Ruby Red CS, Imaginisce Patterned Paper, Doodlebug Sugar Coated CS
Extras: Prismas/Crayolas/Goo Gone

Please check out the rest of the DT's creations here, along with the challenge details here. Play along for chance to win awesome Bugaboo images from the shop!

Challenges entered:

Addicted to Stamps: #180 Cold and Frosty
Alphabet Challenge: "S is for Snow"
Always Fun Challenges: #140 Snowflakes
Crafting Happiness: #26 Winter
Cute Card Thursday: #612 Anything Goes
Through the Purple Haze: #162 Let it Snow

Thank you for stopping by!

Angela

Bugaboo New Release Tuesday

Good morning! It's New Release Tuesday at Catch the Bug and I love this adorable bird perched in the snow! This image is perfect for the weather we are having in the Midwest...snow...and more snow! I've colored her with pencils and accented her with glitter and die cut snowflakes. The sketch is from Sunday Stamps.

Image: Bugaboo "Winter Bird 2" Digital Image

Ink: Printer

Paper: Neenah CS, SU! CS, PTI CS

Extras: Prismas/Goo Gone, Art Glitter, Martha Stewart Glitter, Lil' Inker Designs Die (heart), Foam Tape

Here's a close-up:

Please check out the rest of  the DT's creations here...they are sure to inspire you. It's fun to see the different variations using the same image!

Challenges entered:

Brown Sugar: #286 Recipe 3-2-1 (3 embellishments, 2 patterned papers, 1 living thing that flies)

Card Mania: CMC #112 Baby It's Cold Outside

Color Crazy: Coloring (anything goes)

Craft Rocket: #55 Winter

Sunday Stamps: SSC #196 Sketch

Thank you for stopping by!

Angela

Bring On the White Elephant Gifts

Good morning...welcome back to Day 3 of Awkward Holiday Chaos at Catch the Bug! Our theme today is Bring On the White Elephant Gifts...we want to see anything that could be used for gifting...a tag, a bag, etc.

Here is what I made:

I decorated a purchased gable box. "Rudolph Presents" is colored with pencils, embellished with glitter, and I've framed him with a die cut. I used patterned paper to decorate the box, adhered the image with foam tape, and added some snowflakes and a heart for embellishing. I added iridescent shred to the box, see below:

Image: Bugaboo "Rudolph Presents" Digital Image

Ink: Printer

Paper: Cryogen White CS, SU Melon Mambo CS, Doodlebug Sugar Coated CS in Sugar Cube, Fancy Pants Designs Patterned Paper

Extras: Prismas/Crayolas/Goo Gone, The Paper Studio Gable Box, Art Glitter in Angel Dust, Lawn Fawn Dies (frame and snowflakes), Lil' Inker Designs Heart Die, Foam Tape

Please check out the rest of the DT's creations here, along with the challenge details...play along for the chance to win awesome Bugaboo images! Below is a list of challenges for the week:

Challenges entered:

2 Crafty Critter Crazies: #21 Anything Goes With a Critter
Addicted to Stamps: #169 Christmas Non Traditional Colors
Christmas With the Cuties: #22 Anything But a Card
Crafty Cardmakers: #223 Anything But a Card
Daring Cardmakers: Bags and Boxes
The Sisterhood of Crafters: Use Stitched Dies

Thank you for stopping by!

Angela

Holy Flurry of Chaos!

Good morning! It's that time of year again...time for Awkward Holiday Chaos at Catch the Bug!!! We are kicking off the week with a Holy Flurry of Chaos...that's right, we want to see projects with some type of snow! 

Here is what I have created for you: 

I went with snowflake paper and some sparkly snowflake diecuts and paired them with this goofy (slightly awkward!) reindeer. The image is colored with pencils and I've used this week's Tuesday Morning Sketches sketch.

Image: Bugaboo Goofy Reindeer Digital Image
Ink: Printer
Paper: G.P. 110 CS, PTI Kraft and Pure Poppy CS, Doodlebug Sugar Coated CS, American Crafts Patterned Paper
Extras: Prismas/Crayolas/Goo Gone, Inka Dinka Doo Snowflake Dies, Lil' Inker Designs Heart Die

Please check out the rest of the DT's creations here, along with the challenge details...play along for the chance to win awesome Bugaboo images! Below is a list of the challenges for the week:

Challenges entered:

Alphabet Challenge Blog: "R" is for Reindeer
Cards 4 Guyz: #208 Christmas Critters
Challenge Up Your Life: #101 Winter Animals
Mod Squad Challenge: Happy H-Owlidays (Use a Critter)
Tuesday Morning Sketches: #481 Sketch

Thank you for stopping by!

Angela

Catch the Bug: Oldie But Goodie

Good morning! It's Oldie But Goodie Thursday at Catch the Bug and in honor of the snow (and ice!) we've been having, I decided to make a snowman card. This image was released last month, so I am hoping that qualifies as an "oldie"...it was so cute I couldn't resist!

The image is colored with pencils and and accented with glitter. I've used a past Freshly Made Sketches sketch, which I flipped. I embellished with some die cuts and a bit more glitter on the snowflakes. Here's a close-up:

Image: Bugaboo "Goofy Snowman Set" Digital Set
Ink: Printer
Paper: G.P. 110 CS, SU! CS, Echo Park Patterned Paper
Embellishment: Martha Stewart Glitter in "Sugar Cube"
Extras: Prismas/Crayolas/Goo Gone, Lawn Fawn Dies (sentiment, snowflakes, circle) Lil' Inker Designs Die (heart)

Please check out the rest of the DT's creations here. What is your favorite OBG?

Challenges entered:

Aurora Wings: #64 BINGO (vertical middle row: glitter, die cuts, layers)



Craftaholics R Us: #8 Anything Goes
Paperminutes: #576 Framed

Thank you for stopping by!

Angela

Sketch Saturday #423

Good morning sketch fans!  Today is the 5th Saturday of the month so that means you can pick any sketch from the Sketch Saturday Archive.  Don't you just love having so many choices?  I know I do!

I went with Sketch #216, and changed the format from square to rectangle.  (I've had this image colored and on standby; this sketch was the perfect opportunity to use it!)  Here's the sketch:

The image is colored with pencils and I've added lots of glitter...my favorite embellishment!  The red panel is embossed; the dots remind me of a blizzard.  The patterned paper is pearlized and so beautiful in real life.  I've added a smattering of sparkly snowflakes embellished with brads/mini brads, along with some tiny foil snowflakes.  (The snowflakes dies are from Lawn Fawn; I love the mini size!)  Here's a close-up:

Image: CC Designs
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper: PTI Stamper's Select, SU! Ruby Red, KI Memories Patterned Paper, Doodlebug "Lily White" Sugar Coated CS, Gold Foil CS
Embellies: Spare Parts Brads, Martha Stewart Sugar Coated CS, Doodlebug "Lily White" Glitter
Extras: Prismas/Goo Gone, SU! Embossing Folder, Lawn Fawn Dies (snowflakes), Foam Tape

Please check out the rest of the Saturday Girls' creations here, along with the challenge details.  Play along to win 3 digital images from Star Stampz!

Challenges entered:

Aud Sentiments: Anything Goes + A Sentiment
Brown Sugar: Anything Goes
Crafty Gals Corner: Anything Goes
Fab 'n' Funky: Christmas
Holly Jolly Christmas Challenge: Show Us Some Sparkle
Little Red Wagon: Christmas in July
Mod Squad: Christmas in July
Simply Create Too: Lots of Sparkle
Southern Girls: Anything Goes    
Winter Wonderland: Show Us Your Gold/Silver and/or An Embossed Background

Thank you for stopping by!

Angela

Bugaboo: Christmas in July

Welcome to Catch the Bug's Christmas in July!  We have a fun week planned for you; lots of amazing challenges to play along with and amazing creations from the team to inspire you.  It's going to be a great week!

Today's theme is "Some of My Best Friends are Flakes!".  (That's right, we want to see snowmen and snowflakes!)  I was so excited for today because this type of card is one of my very most favorite to make!  I went with a fun image that I hadn't colored up before and paired it with a color challenge and a sketch challenge.  I've added some glitter to the "snow" in the image and used lots of glittery snowflakes and Swarovski flatbacks for embellishing.

Image: Bugaboo "Bobblehead Christmas-Snowman" Digital Image
Ink: Printer
Paper: G.P. 110 CS, PTI Stamper's Select and Pure Poppy CS, Doodlebug Sugar Coated CS, The Paper Studio Patterned Paper
Embellies: Doodlebug Glitter, Swarovski Flatback Crystals in "Light Siam"
Extras: Prismas/Crayolas/Goo Gone, Spellbinders Nestabilities and Snowflake Dies, Lawn Fawn Snowflake Dies

Please check out the rest of the Design Team's creations here, along with the challenge details.  We do hope you will play along!  Also, don't forget that Bugaboo is having a sale throughout the month of July! (wink, wink)

Challenges entered:

colorQ challenge: Challenge #339

Inky Chicks: Christmas in Summer
The Sketch File: Sketch

Thanks for stopping by!

Angela

Sketch Saturday #419

Good morning!  Saturday means we have a new sketch for you at Sketch Saturday, along with a new sponsor...Sami Stamps!  Here's our sketch:

I was trying to figure out how to make the sketch work and I remembered some dies I had from Memory Box...it all came together from there!  The papers have been in my stash for years, but I thought they were perfect for the image; I have done some light distressing to the edges.  The image is colored with pencils and accented with glitter.  This was a fun way to briefly escape the summer heat and I like the non-traditional colors!

Image: Sami Stamps "My Snowey Friend" Digital Image
Ink: Printer
Paper: G.P. 110 CS, PTI Stamper's Select and New Leaf CS, Fancy Pants Designs Patterned Paper
Embellies: Art Glitter in "Angel Dust"
Extras: Prismas/Crayolas/Goo Gone, Memory Box Dies (Frostyville Wreath, Snowflake Corner), Foam Tape

Please check out the rest of the Saturday Girls' creations here, along with the challenge details.  Play along for the chance to win $12 worth of images from Sami Stamps!

Challenges entered:

Sami Stamps: Anything Goes
Winter Wonderland: Snow Much Fun

Thank you for stopping by!

Angela

Let it snow!

Good morning!  We have a new challenge for you from the ladies at Ruby's Rainbow; for this fortnight Silvi has chosen a Color Combo!  She would like to see Red, Green, and White/Cream...sounds fun!

I immediately thought of Christmas and used one of Faith's Birdbrains that I already had printed.  The image is colored with pencils and I've added some glittery "eye shadow".  The sketch is from Mojo Monday; I've done some simple layering and embellished with a glittery snowflake and sentiment.  I think the Birdbrain looks a bit disgruntled at the prospect of snow...the same way I feel!  Here's a close-up: 

Image: From the Heart Stamps "Birdbrain Winter Scarf" Digital Set
Sentiment: SU!
Ink: Printer, Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper: G.P.110 CS, PTI Stamper's Select and New Leaf CS, Lawn Fawn Patterned Paper, Doodlebug Sugar Coated CS
Embellie: Martha Stewart "Lemon Drop" Glitter
Extras: Prismas/Crayolas/Goo Gone, MFT "Let it Snow" Die-namics, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Foam Tape

Please check out the Ruby's Rainbow DT creations here, along with the challenge details.  We do hope you will play along!

Please check out the From the Heart Stamps Mid-week Inspiration Post here; remember there's still time to play along with this week's Sketch Challenge!

Challenges entered:

52 Christmas Card Countdown: Little Christmas Critters
A Snowflake's Promise: Anything Goes w/ Christmas/Winter 
Crafty Calendar Challenge: Things with Wings 
Mojo Monday: Sketch #449

Thanks for stopping by!

Angela

Winter blessings, my friend!

Good morning!  I have a card to share using this week's From the Heart Stamps sketch.  The twist this week is to "Make a Shaped Card"...you can use the sketch, the twist, or both!  Here's the sketch:

Since we still have a lot of snow around here I went with a snowman, but I used Spring-ish colors because hopefully Spring will soon be here!  The image is colored with pencils and I've added a touch of glitter to the "snow".  I've embellished with a sentiment banner and snowflake.  Here's a detail shot:

Image: From the Heart Stamps "Winter Friends" Digital Set
Ink: Printer
Paper: G.P. 110 CS, PTI Blueberry Sky CS, Doodlebug Patterned Paper, Doodlebug Lily White Sugar Coated CS
Embellies: Art Glitter in Polar Bear, Doodlebug Sprinkles in Lily White Glitter
Extras: Prismas/Crayolas/Goo Gone, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Corner Chomper, The Cat's Pajamas CutUps Die (snowflakes)

Please check out the rest of the teams inspiration cards here.  Remember, there is still time to splay along with the sketch; challenge details here.

Challenges entered:

A Snowflake's Promise: Anything Goes with a Winter or Christmas Theme
Aud Sentiments: Cute + A Sentiment
Brown Sugar: Anything Goes

Thanks for stopping by!

Angela

Flurry of Wishes

Good morning!  It's Monday so that means we have a new sketch (and twist) for you at From the Heart Stamps...here it is:

I had to use one of Faith's newest images...Flurry!  (It is so appropriate for the weather we are getting here.  For the last 4 weeks we have had snow or blizzards at the beginning of the week...thankfully it was just snow on Sunday, I think it will be okay getting to work Monday.)  I think this is one of the cutest snowmen ever!  I've colored it with pencils and added just a touch of glitter to his heart.  I kept it clean and simple with minimal layering, and added some paper piercing and brads for interest, along with a die cut snowflake.  Here's a close-up:

Image: From the Heart Stamps "Flurry" Digital Set
Ink: Printer, Signo Black Gel Pen
Paper: G.P. 110 CS, PTI Stamper's Select CS, SU! Baja Breeze CS, Doodlebug Sugar Coated CS, Echo Park Patterned Paper
Embellies: Art Glitter in "Polar Bear", Recollections Mini Brads, Spare Parts Brad
Extras: Prismas/Goo Gone, Corner Chomper, The Cat's Pajamas Die (snowflakes), Lasting Impressions Piercing Template/Piercing Tool

Please check out the rest of the DT's creations here, along with the challenge details.  We hope you will play along!

Challenges entered:

A Snowflake's Promise: Anything Goes with a Winter or Christmas Theme
Sweet Stampin': Clean and Simple

Thank you for stopping by!

Angela

Project 100 Snowmen Blog Hop

Good morning!  It's time for From the Heart Stamps February Blog Hop; our theme this month is "Project 100 Snowmen"...hop along for some fabulous inspiration from the DT!

As you hop along, please leave a comment on each entry.  One random commentor will be selected on each blog to win an image of choice from Faith's store.  

 If you have arrived from the From the Heart Stamps blog you are in the right place, if not why don't you start at the From the Heart Stamps blog so that you don't miss anything? 

We were challenged to create a card using one of Faith's "Project 100 Snowmen" images...this was such a fun theme since I happen to love snowmen!  For my card today I have used the adorable  "Snowman Valentine".   The image is colored with pencils and I've layered it with die cuts and foam tape to create a shaker card.  (Note to self: It's a good idea to look up a tutorial instead of "winging it" when trying a new technique!  LOL  I had paper and dies all over the place...next time I try one of these it will go much quicker!)  The beads are from SU!...I have had them in my stash for years and never used them...I'm really glad I  found them; surprisingly they were right where I thought they were!  LOL  I had planned to embellish with hearts, but I went with snowflakes and Swarovski flatback crystals.  The "snowy" paper and snowflakes are reminiscent of the blizzard we had earlier this week!  The sketch I used is from Die Cuttin' Divas.  Here are some detail close-ups:

Image: From the Heart Stamps "Snowman Valentine" Digital Image

Ink: Printer

Paper: G.P. 110 CS, SU! Baja Breeze CS, PTI Pure Poppy CS, Lawn Fawn Patterned Papers, The Paper Studio Glitter CS, PTI Acetate

Embellies: Swarovski Flatback Crystals in "Light Siam", SU! Beads

Extras: Prismas/Crayolas/Goo Gone, Spellbinders Nestabilities and Snowflake Die, Lawn Fawn Snowflake Dies, Foam Tape

Now head on over to Brenda's blog to check out her fabulous creation!

Thanks for hopping along with us today; the hop will end on Monday, February 8th at 6:00 a.m. EST.  Winners will be posted on the From the Heart Stamps blog on Wednesday, February 10th.

Challenge entered: 

A Snowflakes Promise: Christmas/Winter

As You Like It Challenge: Favorite, One or Multi Layer (I tend to go with multi layer as I havn't really mastered CAS.  I like the definition that comes with matting your layers too.)

Crafting From the Heart: Anything Goes

Crafty Cardmakers: Punches and/or Dies

Crafty Girls Creations: Anything Goes

Craft Your Passion: Anything Goes

Deep Ocean Challenge: Winter Wonderland

Die Cuttin' Divas: Sketch

If You Give a Crafter a Cookie: Photo Inspiration

Thank you for hopping along with us!

Angela

You're my Beastie

Good morning!  We have a fun, new sketch for you at From the Heart Stamps, along with a twist..."Shabby Chic/Vintage".  You can go with the sketch, the twist, or both!  Here's the sketch:

I had some new papers sitting on my table that I wanted to use...I thought the Yeti would be perfect!  I've embellished with glitter, glittery snowflakes, and bling.  This would be a fun one to send to a friend!

Image: From the Heart Stamps "Yeti" Digital Image
Ink: Printer
Paper: G.P. 110 CS, PTI Stamper's Select CS, SU! Brilliant Blue CS, Doodlebug Sugar Coated CS, Doodlebug Patterned Papers
Embellies: Martha Stewart "Sugar Cube" and "Mica Flake" Glitters, MAMBI Bling
Extras: Prismas/Goo Gone, Lawn Fawn Snowflake Dies, Foam Tape

Please check out the rest of the DT's creations here, along with the challenge details.  We hope you will give the sketch a try!

Challenges entered:

Animal Friends: Snow
Card Mania: Winter Fun
Cards and More: Woodland Animals
Crafting By Designs: Winter, Glitter, Sparkles
Double "D" Challenge: Brrrrr! Challenge

Thanks for stopping by!

Angela