Hoot! Hoot!

Good morning! Today I have a card to share that I made for one of our COVID-19 physicians. We have 2 on the unit, 1 day shift and 1 night shift. Both are great! One of the nurses made a special bulletin board for them and some adorable owl pot holders since they both like to cook. She asked me to make them cards "with an owl". I made a quick trip into Hobby Lobby, which recently re-opened, and bought the one and only owl stamp. Would I have chosen this image? No! Sometimes you have to work with what you've got!

Just some thoughts.... I know that in Iowa many counties are "opening up"; meaning businesses are re-opening with restrictions. This is really scary to me! We have not peaked and are not scheduled to peak until mid-June. I encourage you to continue practicing social distancing. If you need to be in public, please wear a face mask, use hand sanitizer, and remember not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth! Make your trip brief by having a list and a plan before entering the store. We all need to do our part for the safety of everyone! As someone with an inside, front and center view...this is crucial!

I've colored the owl with pencils and added a dash of glitter. I loved the sketch from Tuesday Morning Sketches this week and realized at the last moment that I had to flip it because of the sentiment I had already printed for the inside...so glad that I had'nt glued it down! The patterned papers are from Lawn Fawn, I love the combo of pink and green! Here's a close-up:

 

I computer generated a sentiment:

I found the cutest Hero Arts set of sentiments to stamp on the back of the card too! Here's one:

Image: The Paper Studio
Sentiment: Hero Arts (back of card)
Ink: Palette Noir, Printer
Paper: G.P. 110 CS, PTI Hibiscus Burst and New Leaf CS, Lawn Fawn Patterned Paper
Extras: Prismas/Crayolas/Goo Gone, Art Glitter in "Angel Dust", Lawn Fawn Dies (open stitched circles), Spellbinders Nestablities, Lil' Inker Designs Die (heart), Foam Tape

Challenges entered:

Crafting Happines: #47 Anything Goes-Optional Birds
Creations in Pink: #21 Anything Goes in Mainly Pink
Fab 'n' Funky: #480 Cute Critters
Get Creative Challenges: #91 Make it Sparkly
Southern Girls:  Team Trace: Anything Goes
Sweet Stampin': Bright and Beautiful
Tuesday Morning Sketches: #553

Watercooler Wednesday: #270 Tristan's Challenge: Anything Goes with a Feminine Twist

Thank you for stopping by!

Angela

Happy Easter

Good Morning! Happy Easter to my Christian followers! Easter sure crept up on me this year. As a nurse I am considered an essential employee, so with social distancing I go to work and venture out to the grocery store about once every 1-2 weeks. I make big Easter baskets for my kids every year, even though they are 19 and 21; they are light on the candy and I would fill them with fun items the kids like...books, video games, clothing, coffee pods, gift certificates, etc. Designing them is always such fun for me, but his year they are getting a deposit in their bank accounts!

Speaking of social distancing, I urge you to comply! It benefits you, your family, your friends, and health care workers. I know some do not understand the importance of this and think "It won't happen to me." but it can and you can spread it to your loved ones. The U.S. now has the highest number of COVID-19 related deaths in the world! Even more scary, it has not peaked here in the U.S.! As a RN working front and center during this pandemic, please stay home!

Those cute teeth made me pick this image as I was looking through all of Jodie's cute Easter images. Seriously though...those teeth! Love them! This bunny is colored with pencils and I've accented the eggs with glitter. The paper has been in my stash a long time; if you look closely you will see that it has a gold shimmer...it is so pretty in real life! Also, the paper I've used for matting is purple, not black...it did not photograph well...darn it! This is so pretty in real life! Here is a close-up:

Image: Bugaboo "Rabbit Eggs" Digital Image
Sentiment: MFT PI One of My Favorite Peeps
Ink: Printer, Palette Noir Black
Paper: G.P. 110 CS, SU! CS, Reminisce Patterned Paper
Extras: Prismas/Crayolas/Goo Gone, Martha Stewart Glitter, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Lil' Inker Designs Die (heart), Foam Tape

Here is the fun sketch I am working with today; you have 2 weeks to play along, so give it a try!

Please check out the rest of the DT's creations here...they are sure to inspire you!

Challenges entered:

Aud Sentiments Challenge Blog: #248 Anything Goes + A Sentiment
Crafty Cardmakers: #254 Easter
Crafty Gals Corner: #206 Easter/Spring
Craft Rocket: #69 Furry Friends
Cut It Up: #197 Hopping Down the Bunny Trail
If You Give a Crafter a Cookie: #139

My Time To Craft: #429 Easter Cuties
Use Your Stuff: #395 Easter

Thank you for stopping by!

Angela

Humor Me Wednesday

Good morning...it's Humor Me Wednesday at Catch the Bug! 

Holidays for the week are:

February 9th: Pizza Day, Toothache Day

February 10th: Umbrella Day

February 11th: Make a Friend Day, White T-Shirt Day

February 12th: Plum Pudding Day

February 14th: Valentine's Day

I went with Valentine's Day and colored up this adorable little bee! How can you not love that smiling little face? I went a bit untraditional with the colors, used a simple layout, and embellished simply with glitter, mini brads, and some die cut hearts. Here's a close-up:

Image: Bugaboo "Bees-Be Mine: Digital Image
Ink: Printer
Paper: G.P. 110 CS, PTI Stamper's Select and Pure Poppy, Doodlebug Sugar Coated CS, The Paper Studio Patterned Paper
Extras: Prismas/Crayolas/Goo Gone, Lil' Inker Designs Dies, Spare Parts Mini Brads, Martha Stewart Glitter

Please check out the rest of the DT's creations here...they are sure to inspire you! Or...make you laugh!

Challenges entered:

Allsorts Challenge: #558 Add a Heart
Always Fun Challenges: #149 Love/Valentine's Day
CAS on Friday: #173 Love
C.R.A.F.T. Challenge: #543 Love/Valentine's
Crafty Cardmakers: #250 Love is All You Need
Crafty Friends: #128 Love/Romance
Cut It Up: #193 Love is in the Air (must include die cuts)
Dream Valley Challenges: #218 Love 10
Get Creative Challenges: #88 Use Hearts
Sweet Stampin': All You Need is Love

Thank you for stopping by!

Angela

Stella Says Sketch

Good morning! We've got a new sketch for you at Catch the Bug; it's a versatile one and you've got 2 weeks to play so I hope you'll give it a try. Here it is:

I colored up the adorable "Bee Bear Sitting" and added some sparkle to the antennae, wings, and heart. I turned this into a Valentine card and I'm liking the non-traditional colors. After I had photographed the card I realized I had forgotten the embellishment in the upper left corner...shoot! I seem to make most of my cards embellishment free these days. How about you...embellishments, yes or no? Here's a close-up:

Image: Bugaboo "Bee Bear Sitting" Digital Image
Sentiment: MFT Pure Innocence "Honey Bee" Set
Ink: Printer, Palette Noir Black, Signo Uni-ball Gel Pen (eyes)
Paper: G.P. 110 CS, SU! Daffodil Delight CS, PTI Pure Poppy CS, Pinecone Press Patterned Papers
Extras: Prismas/Crayolas/Goo Gone, Art Glitter in "Angel Dust", Spellbinders Nestabilities, Lil' Inker Designs Die, Foam Tape

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

Challenges entered:

Always Fun Challenges: #147 Sparkle
2 Crafty Critter Crazies: #35 Anything Goes With a Critter
Crafty Friends: #128 Love/Romance
Creatalicious Challenges: #180 Anything Goes (with optional hearts)
Cute Card Thursday: #619 Valentines
The Cutie Pie Challenge: #143 Cute, Clean and Simple

Thank you for stopping by!

Angela

Catch the Bug's 10th Annual Birthday Bash

Welcome to Day 1 of our week-long Down on the Farm Birthday Bash! Farm life is great, I grew up on one! We raised cattle, hogs, and sheep; there were also horses, cats, and dogs. My playhouse was an old chicken coop and my younger siblings were on their pony at the age of 2. It was a peaceful, wholesome life. I digress...back to the challenge! For today we would like you to create a farm themed project.

I love Jodie's selection of chicks in the store and had a blast coloring this one up! I used pencils and added a bit of glitter to the balloons and to her "eyeshadow". After all, a chick has got to be fancy! Right? Here's a close-up:

Image: Bugaboo "Chickz-Happy Birdday Chickie" Digital Image
Sentiment: MFT PI "Happy Birthday to You"
Ink: Printer, Palette Noir Black
Paper: G.P. 110 CS, SU! Daffodil Delight and Melon Mambo CS, PTI New Leaf CS, Echo Park Patterned Paper
Extras: Prismas/Crayolas/Goo Gone, Art Glitter in "Angel Dust", The Eyelet Outlet Enamel Dots, Lil' Inker Designs Die (heart), Foam Tape

Please check out the rest of the DT's creations here, along with the challenge details. Check out the entire week's challenges here. We do hope you will play along...there are prizes to be had! Remember, this is a birthday bash so projects must be birthday themed. Bugaboo images are not required, but we would love to see them used. Here's a link to the store, Jodie has a huge selection of images perfect for the occasion.

Challenges entered:

Color Crazy: Week 1 Anything Goes
ModSquad: Birthday Balloons
Paper Craft Crew: #365 Sketch

Seize the Birthday: #180 Layer It

Thank you for stopping by!

Angela

Catch the Bug's Christmas in July: Sketch Challenge

 

Welcome to Day 2 of Catch the Bug's annual Christmas in July! It's Sunday so that means we have a sketch for you:

Again, the theme is "The Best Christmas Movies Ever" so here is your inspiration movie for today's challenge:

I chose DeDe Christmas Bells...because she has jingle bells and because I like her quirkiness! She's colored with pencils and accented with glitter. Gray isn't a typical color I'd use for a Christmas card, but I think it works with the pop of red. I did a bit of distressing and used ribbon and enamel dots for embellishing. Here's a close-up:

Image: Bugaboo DeDe Christmas Bells Digital Image
Ink: Printer
Paper: Neenah CS, PTI Smokey Shadow, Pure Poppy, and New Leaf CS, Simple Stories Patterned Paper
Extras: Prismas/Crayolas/Goo Gone, SU! Red Grosgrain Ribbon, Eyelet Outlet Enamel Dots, Martha Stewart Crystal Fine Glitter, Art Glitter in "Angel Dust", Spellbinders Nestabilities, Lil' Inker Designs Die (heart), Foam Tape

Please check out the rest of the DT's creations here, along with the challenge details here. Play along for the chance to win Bugaboo images from Jodie's online store! Check it out, there might just be a sale going on...wink!

Challenges entered:

C.R.A.F.T.: #522 Christmas
Crafty Catz: #471 Anything Goes (w/ option Christmas in July)
Crafty Friends Challenge Blog: #114 Use 2 or More Patterned Papers
Crafty Gals Corner: Christmas in July
Creative With Stamps: #40 Stripes

Cut It Up Challenge Blog: #178 Christmas in July
Happy Little Stampers: July Christmas Challenge: Anything Goes (w/ optional sparkle)
Merry Little Christmas Challenge Blog: #12 Anything Christmas Goes

Thank you for stopping by!

Angela

Catch the Bug's Annual Christmas in July: The Best Christmas Movies Ever

 

Welcome to Day 1 of Catch the Bug's annual Christmas in July! This year our theme is "The Best Christmas Movies Ever" and to kick off the festivities we have a Theme Challenge for you! The choices are The Santa Claus, Miracle on 34th Street, or A Charlie Brown Christmas:

I went with A Charlie Brown Christmas. I've watched this countless times over the years; first as a child, then with my children. I chose the image AKV Christmas Tree, which gives a nod to both the animation and Charlie Brown's simple Christmas tree.

I've colored the image with pencils and added a healthy dose of glitter. I like the vintage vibe of the paper paired with the crisp white card base and modern embellishments...a juxtaposition of old and new. Here's a close-up:

Image: Bugaboo AKV Christmas Tree Digital Image
Ink: Printer
Paper: Neenah CS, PTI Stamper's Select, New Leaf, and Pure Poppy CS, Simple Stories Patterned Paper
Extras: Prismas/Crayolas/Goo Gone, Art Glitter in Angel Dust, Doodlebug Sprinkles in Limeade Glitter, Lil' Inker Designs Die (heart), Spellbinders Nestabilities (circle), Foam Tape

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

Challenges entered:

ABC Christmas Challenge: N=No Peeking or O= Ornament
Colour Crazy Challenge: #28 Anything Goes With Coloring
Crafty Calendar: Christmas in July
Crafty Gals Corner: #196 Christmas in July
Modsquad Challenge Blog: Christmas in July
Shopping Our Stash: #400 Christmas in July
The Holly and Ivy Christmas Challenge: #52 Anything Christmas Goes
Try Stampin' on Tuesday: #416 Sketch, plus Optional Theme: Christmas in July

Note: The color palette for Friday's challenge inspired my paper choice for this week's cards. I thought immediately of a Simple Stories 6x6 paper pad in my stash and decided to use it all week. I thought it would be fun to use the same color palette but vary the style of both the images and the cards. A bit of a challenge within a challenge!

This paper is perfect for Friday's color palette!

My color palette for the week of challenges.

Wendel approves! LOL He just had to get in on the action!

Thank you for stopping by!

Angela

Stella Says Sketch #711

Good morning! It's Sunday so we have a fun sketch to share with you. As a reminder, beginning in May through August, we will have only 1 Stella Sketch each month due to the summer season. Are you ready? Here it is:

It's a great one, right? I do love a good sketch! I used one of Jodie's adorable chicks today; she's colored with pencils and accented with a touch of glitter. I was unsure at first how the patterned paper would look because of the larger scale, but I think the colors are subtle enough that it works. I do love the pretty pastels! I have embellished simply with 3 enamel dots. I realized as I was uploading that I forgot my signature heart! I even layed the die out on my work space. I must be getting old! Here's a close-up:

Image: Bugaboo Digital Image
Ink: Printer
Paper: Neenah CS, PTI CS, Echo Park Patterned Paper
Extras: Prismas/Goo Gone, Doodlebug Enamel Dots, Martha Stewart Glitter, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Foam Tape

Please check out the rest of the DT's creations and challenge details here, at Catch the Bug, they are sure to inspire you. I would like to see your interpretation of the sketch, so if you create a card please leave a comment on this post so I can come and check it out.

Challenges entered:

2 Crafty Critter Crazies: #27 Feature a Critter
2 Sisters on the Blog: #28 Things With Wings
Moo-Mania and More: #192 Things With Wings

Thank you for stopping by!

Angela

Humor Me Wednesday

Good morning...it's Humor Me Wednesday at Catch the Bug! Humor Me Holidays for the week of May 19-25 are:

May 19: Scooter Day
May 21: I Need a Patch for That Day
May 22: World Goth Day
May 23: Eat More Fruit and Vegetables Day/World Turtle Day
May 24: Brothers Day
May 25: Wine Day

I'm going with Eat More Fruit and Vegetables Day...these cherries look good enough to eat! I don't know about you, but I'm looking forward to fresh produce. Any gardeners reading this post? I would like to hear about your garden!

I've colored the image with pencils and added a touch of glitter to the red cherry. The sketch is from Try Stampin' on Tuesday. Here's a close-up:

Image: Bugaboo Retired Digital Image
Ink: Printer
Paper: G.P. 110 CS, PTI New Leaf, Dark Chocolate, and Pure Poppy CS, Doodlebug Sugar Coated CS, Doodlebug Patterned Paper
Extras: Prismas/Crayolas/Goo Gone, Art Glitter, Lil' Inker Designs Die, Foam Tape

Please check out the rest of the DT's creations here.

Challenges entered:

Colour Crazy Craft Challenge: Week 19 Anything Goes Colouring Challenge
Pearly Sparkles Challenge: #40 Tracy's Recipe Challenge Pink, Pearls, Sparkle (pink and sparkle)
Southern Girls: Sparkle, Shimmer, and Shine 
Try Stampin' on Tuesday: #408 Sketch

Thank you for stopping by!

Angela

Oldie But Goodie

Good morning! It's Oldie But Goodie Day at Catch the Bug. This adorable little chick just says "Spring" to me, which I am really looking forward to after our snow this past weekend. Yes, I said snow...LOL! 

I've colored her with pencils and accented the flower and heart with a touch of glitter. I've used this week's Tuesday Morning Sketches sketch, although I did leave off the accent on the left side, I just couldn't make it work. I've embellished simply with pink enamel dots. Here's a close-up:

Image: Bugaboo Easter Chick Flower Digital Image
Ink: Printer
Paper: Neenah CS, PTI CS (yellow and green), SU! CS (pink), Doodlebug Patterned Paper
Extras: Prismas/Crayolas/Goo Gone, Martha Stewart Glitter (yellow and pink), Doodlebug Enamel Dots, Lil' Inker Designs die (heart), Foam Tape

Please check out the rest of the DT's creations here; I can't wait to check them out myself!

Challenges entered:

The Sisterhood of Crafters: Chicks 'n Bunnies
Try it on Tuesday: Things with Wings
Tuesday Morning Sketches:Sketch #501
Watercooler Wednesday: WWC219 Heidi's Feminine "Anything Goes" Challenge

Thank you for stopping by!

Angela

ABC

Good morning friends; it's ABC Monday at Catch the Bug! Graduation is just around the corner, so I have some gift packaging for my "Anything But a Card" project today. I purchase these handy gable boxes at Hobby Lobby when they are 50% off; they're nice to have on hand and easy to decorate. They give your gift a little extra oomph!

I've colored the image with pencils, layered it with a die cut and popped it up with foam tape over a simple band. I've added a touch of glitter to the stars and diploma and a die cut glittery star and heart for embellishing. Here's a close-up:

Image: Bugaboo Digital Image (not yet in store)
Ink: Printer
Paper: G.P. 110 CS, PTI CS, The Paper Studio Patterned Paper, The Paper Studio Glitter Paper (black), Doodlebug Sugar Coated CS (pink)
Extras: Prismas/Goo Gone, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Lil' Inker Designs Dies (heart, star), Foam Tape

Please check out the rest of the DT's creations here...they are sure to inspire you!

Challenges entered:

2 Crafty Critter Crazies: #25 Anything Goes with a Critter
Animal Friends: #73 Sheep/Lamb
Crafty Catz: #458 Anything Goes (Optional Twist: All Things Great and Small)
Dragonfly Dreams: Include an Animal
Mix It Up Challenge Blog: #24 /Anything Goes Plus Black and White Plus 1 Other Color

Thank you for stopping by!

Angela

New Release Tuesday

Good morning! It's New Release Tuesday at Catch the Bug and these cute daffodils are perfect for your Spring cards. I'm loving the Spring vibe; it's beginning to look like Spring here in the Midwest, but the temps are actually pretty chilly. No worries...it's just nice to see the sun!

I've colored the image with pencils and added a touch of glitter to the watering can, because I like to add it wherever I can...I do love glitter! I've used an older sketch from Sketch Saturday and kept it simple with monochromatic patterned paper. My significant other saw this sitting on the counter after I photographed it and said, "What a pretty card, Honey." How sweet was that? (I really need to make him a card and drop it into his briefcase for a surprise.) Here's a close-up:

Image: Bugaboo "Daffodil Water Can" Digital Image
Ink: Printer
Paper: Neenah CS, PTI CS, SU! CS, Lawn Fawn Patterned Paper
Extras: Prismas/Goo Gone, Martha Stewart Glitter in "Sugar Cube", Lil' Inker Designs Die

You can view the rest of the DT's cards here...I always love to see the different creations using the same image! You can view the New Releases here. Remember that New Release images are 50% off for the week. If you make a card with this image, leave me a comment...I would love to take a peek!

Challenges entered:

Addicted to Stamps: #172 Spring
Allsorts Challenge: #513 Use Yellow
As You Like It Challenges: Favorite Coloring Medium and Why (I prefer pencils. They are easy to use and you can easily add color or take it away with an eraser. You can blend different colors together. They are economical; my $150 tin of pencils has lasted me for years and there are so many colors to choose from! Not sponsored! LOL)
CCEE Stampers: CCEE1913 National Pencil Day!
Crafty Friends: #106 Spring Colors
Crafty Gals Corner: #188 Spring is Here!
Sisterhood of Crafters: Let's Celebrate Spring!
Sketch Saturday: #557 Choose a Past Sketch

Thank you for stopping by!

Angela

Stella Says Sketch

Good morning! Stella has a great new sketch for you at Catch the Bug...check it out, Stella Says Sketch #705:

The ewe is colored with pencils and I've given her a pink hat...because...why not?! (I wanted to add a pop of pink to my card!) I've added just a touch of subtle glitter to the shamrocks. Here's a close-up:

Image: Bugaboo Happy St. Patrick's Day to Ewe Digital Stamp
Ink: Printer, Signo Black Gel Pen
Paper: Neenah CS, PTI New Leaf and Raspberry Fizz CS, Reminisce Patterned Paper, The Paper Studio Patterned Paper
Extras: Prismas/Crayolas/Goo Gone, Martha Stewart Crystal Fine Glitter, Lil' Inker Designs Dies, Spellbinders Nestabilities

You can check out the rest of the DT's creations here, along with the challenge details. Play along to win Bugaboo images...I can't wait to see your take on the sketch! There are lots of cute images in the St. Patrick's Day section, check them out here.

Challenges entered:

2 Crafty Critter Crazies: #24
Addicted to CAS: #154 Fluffy 
As You Like It Challenge: Layers, One or Many (and why)? (Minimal...trying for clean and simple.)
Cut It Up: #168 Clovers
Cute Card Thursday: #571 Greens
Little Red Wagon: #486 LOVE It! (
Mod Squad Challenge: Use Stripes
Papercraft Challenges: #31 All the Critters

Thank you for stopping by!

Angela

Freebie Friday...at Catch the Bug!

Good morning! It's Freebie Friday at Catch the Bug and Scarlette Cafe is up for grabs. It looks like she is out relaxing with a Martini.... Hmm, I've never had a Martini! Have you? If so, I would like to hear your recommendation! 

I've colored Scarlette with pencils and accented her purse clasp with a dot of pink glitter. I've embellished simply with a bit of ribbon and a sparkly heart. It seems I am on a minimalist embellishment kick! I'm just going to roll with it....  I'm curious to know, are you a minimalist embellisher or do you like to pile them on? Do tell! Here's a close up:

Image: Bugaboo Scarlette Cafe Digital Image
Ink: Printer
Paper: Neenah CS, PTI/SU! CS, Bo Bunny Patterned Paper, Doodlebug Sugar Coated CS
Extras: Prismas/Crayolas/Goo Gone, Martha Stewart Glitter, PTI Satin Ribbon in Fine Linen, Lil' Inker Designs Dies, Foam Tape

Please check out the rest of the DT's creations here; also don't forget to pick up your Freebie at the Bugaboo store. If you make a card with her, please leave me a comment so I can check it out!

Challenges entered:

Color Crazy: Week 7 Anything Goes/Coloring
Crafting With Friends: #80 Anything Goes
Moo-Mania: #185 Women

Thank you for stopping by!

Angela