Happy Birthday to Ewe!

Good morning! It's ABC Monday at Catch the Bug...that's right, Anything But a Card! I have a gift box to share with you. I love the pre-scored gable boxes from Hobby Lobby; I stock up when they are 1/2 price because they are so simple to just fold on the scored lines to assemble, then add an image, band, and die cuts, fill with shred and insert gift...easy peasy! Cute too!

The darling sheep are colored with pencils to coordinate with the scrap of patterned paper from Doodlebug. I went with orange and blue because my son loves orange. Here's a close-up:

Image: Bugaboo Topper-Happy Birthday to Ewe Trio Digital Image
Ink: Printer
Paper: G.P. 110 CS, PTI and SU! CS, Doodlebug Patterned Paper
Extras: Prismas/Crayolas/Goo Gone, The Paper Studio Gable Box, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Lil' Inker Designs Dies (stars, heart)

Please head on over to Catch the Bug to check out what my teamies have created for your inspiration!

Challenges entered:

Aud Sentiments Challenge: #253 Anything Goes + A Sentiment
Color Crazy Challenge: Week 24 Anything Coloring Goes
Crafty Friends Challenge: #138 Men and/or Boys
Just Add Ink: #510 Fancy Fold
Little Red Wagon: #554 Animal Antics

Thank you for stopping by!

Angela

AKV Army Salute

Good morning! It's New Release Tuesday at Catch the Bug. Today I'm paying tribute to our service people using AKV Army-Salute. The image is colored with pencils and it actually coordinates well with the CS in real life...I always wonder why the colors are different? If you know, please tell me! Here's a close-up:

Image: Bugaboo AKV Army-Salute Digital Image
Ink: Printer
Paper: G.P. 110 CS, SU! CS, PTI CS
Extras: Prismas/Crayolas/Goo Gone, SU! Black Grosgrain Ribbon, Lasting Impressions Piercing Template/Tool, Lil' Inker Designs Die (heart), Spellbinders Die (circle), Foam Tape

Please check our the rest of the DT's adorable creations here. You can also check out Jodie's images in the Bugaboo store...with her wide variety of images and styles, there is truly something for everyone!

Challenges entered:

Corrosive Challenge:  #5 Always Anything Goes
Crafter's Cafe: #241 Anything Goes
Creative Craft Cottage: #129 Make it Masculine

Thank you for stopping by!

Angela

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

Happy St. Patrick's Day to Ewe

Good morning, it's Oldie But Goodie Thursday at Catch the Bug! Since St. Patrick's Day is quickly approaching, I decided to break out a bit of green (and pink, of course!). I colored up this cute little ewe with pencils and used the sketch from Try Stampin' On Tuesday. I've embellished with some die cuts and black enamel dots. Here's a close-up:

Image: Bugaboo Happy St. Patrick's Day to Ewe Digital Image
Ink: Printer
Paper: G.P. 110 CS, PTI New Leaf, Raspberry Fizz, and True Black CS, Reminisce Patterned Paper
Extras: Prismas/Crayolas/Goo Gone, Spellbinders Nestabilities, QuicKutz Die (shamrock), Lil' Inker Designs Die (heart), The Eyelet Outlet Jewels, Foam Tape

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

Challenges entered:

Crafty Friends Challenge: #130 Animals/Birds
Cut It Up: Challenge #195 Green With Envy
My Time To Craft: #427 Barnyard Animals
Try Stampin' On Tuesday: #447 Sketch

 

Thank you for stopping by!

Angela

Catch the Bug...Anything But a Card

Good morning! It's Anything But a Card Monday at Catch the Bug and I have some gift packaging to share. I just love how cute packaging really ups the presentation of a gift. After folding the pre-made box, I've simply colored and matted my image, added a patterned paper band, filled with shred and voila'! Quick and easy! Here's a close-up:

Image: Bugaboo Chickz-Holy Cluck Another Bird Day? Digital Image
Ink: Printer
Paper: G.P. 110 CS, PTI Raspberry Fizz CS, SU! Night of Navy CS, The Paper Studio Patterned Paper
Extras: Prismas/Crayolas/Goo Gone, The Paper Studio Gable Box, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Lil' Inker Designs Dies (star, heart), Foam Tape

Please check out the rest of the DT's creations here...they are sure to inspire you! Also, be sure to check out Bugaboo Stamps...Jodie has a wide variety of images and there is something for everyone!

Challenges entered:

Crafty Friends Challenge: #130 Animals/Birds
If You Give a Crafter a Cookie: #136



Krafty Chicks: #496 All Occasions Week
Seize the Birthday: #184 Photo Inspiration

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

Day 2: Down on the Farm Birthday Bash

Good morning! Welcome to Day 2 of our week long Down on the Farm Birthday Bash! Today we have a Sketch Challenge for you, here it is:

I flipped the image panel and decided to go with white cardstock and textured vellum...it really puts the focus on the kitty. The image is colored with pencils and I've embellished simply with white brads. Here's a close-up:

Image: Bugaboo Digital Image
Sentiment: MFT Pure Innocence "Happy Birthday to You"
Ink: Printer, Palette Noir Black
Paper: G.P. 110 CS, PTI Stamper's Select CS, PTI Textured Vellum, Doodlebug Sugar Coated CS
Extras: Prismas/Crayolas/Goo Gone, Spare Parts Brads, Spellbinders Dies, Lil' Inker Designs Die, 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 won! Remember, this is a birthday bash so projects must be birthday themed. Bugaboo images are not required, but we would love to see them featured. Here's a link to the store, Jodie has a huge selection of images perfect for the occasion.

Challenges entered:

2 Crafty Critter Crazies: January Challenge (must have a critter)
Crafty Catz: #488 Anything Goes (optional twist-animals)
Fab 'n' Funky: #463 No Designer Paper
Simply Create Too: #156 Monochromatic
Try it on Tuesday: What a Cutie/Make Someone Smile Today

Thank you for stopping by!

Angela

Catch the Bug's Christmas in July: Make Us Laugh

Welcome back to Day 5 of Catch the Bug's annual Christmas in July! It's Wednesday,or Humor Me Wednesday as we like to call it at Catch the Bug, so our theme is "Make Us Laugh". Again, our theme is "The Best Christmas Movies Ever", so here are your inspiration movies for today's challenge:

Can anyone guess the movie I used for inspiration? National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation! This movie is a favorite of my family and my inspiration was Aunt Edna's cat! I'm pretty sure her name is Edna...can anyone confirm or deny that? The scene where her cat is in the Christmas tree is a hoot! I also believe there's cat food in her jello...ugh! LOL I've colored this little cutie with pencils and used an old sketch from the archives of Sketch Saturday. I was loving the plaid so much that I didn't want to cover it up, so I used a piece of vellum, adhered with mini brads, for one of the layers. Problem solved...a little extra oomph without covering the plaid. I'm curious, does anyone out there enjoy using brads anymore? I've always liked them. Here's a close-up:

Image: Bugaboo Christmas Cat Digital Image
Sentiment: Pink Cat Studio
Ink: Printer,Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper: Neenah CS, PTI Ripe Avocado and Pure Poppy, Simple Stories Patterned Paper, The Paper Studio Vellum
Extras: Prismas/Crayolas/Goo Gone, Spare Parts Brads, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Lil' Inker Designs Die (heart)

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:

2 Crafty Critter Crazies: #28 (must use a critter)
52 Christmas Card Throwdown: Non-Traditional Image
Crafty Animals: #28 Anything Goes
Shopping Our Stash: #400 Christmas in July (stash items: patterned paper, vellum, brads)
Show Us Your Pussycats: #44 Furrything Goes
The 12 Months of Christmas Link Up: #55 Optional Twist...Plaids
The Crafters Cafe Challenge Blog: #223 Animal And/Or ATC

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

Freebie Friday

Good morning! It's Freebie Friday at Catch the Bug and this sassy Ruby image is up for grabs! I don't know about you, but I think she's got it going on!  LOL

I've colored Ruby with pencils to coordinate with the patterned paper, and the sketch is from Try Stampin' On Tuesday (I did flip the elements to better suit the image). I like how this one turned out; I can think of a few friends that this would be appropriate for too! Here's a close-up:

Image: Bugaboo Ruby Tidbits-Attitude Digital Image
Ink: Printer
Paper: Neenah CS, PTI CS, SU! CS, My Mind's Eye CS
Extras: Prismas/Crayolas/Goo Gone, Lil' Inker Designs Die, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Foam Tape

Please check out the rest of the DT's creations here; grab your free image here. Check out all the great Ruby images here...they are a hoot!

Challenges entered:

Alphabet Challenge Blog: "H" is for Hats and Handbags
Cutie Pie Challenge: #137 Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
Through the Craft Room Door: Anything Goes
Try Stampin' on Tuesday: #415 Sketch

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

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

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

Bugaboo ABC

Good morning! It's ABC Monday at Catch the Bug...that means Anything But a Card! Those that know me know I love baking and gifting cupcakes, so I have made a birthday treat topper to share with you.

I've used the image Make it Snappy-Birthday Ewe and colored her with pencils. I absolutely love how cheeky she is! LOL For embellishing I've added my signature heart. Here's a close-up:

Image: Bugaboo Make it Snappy-Birthday Ewe
Ink: Printer
Paper: G.P. 110 CS, PTI Pure Poppy and Dark Chocolate CS
Extras: Prismas/Crayolas/Goo Gone, Lil' Inker Designs Die (heart), Spellbinders Nestabilities Die (circle), Treat Bag

Please check out the rest of the DT's creations here...maybe even leave them a little love while you're at it!

Challenges entered:

Addicted to CAS: #149 Presents
Challenge Up Your Life: #100 Celebrate
Cut It Up: #160 Clean and Simple (must include die cuts)
Seize the Birthday: #145 Clean and Simple

Just in case you are a sweet lover, here's a close-up of the cupcakes:

Snickers: Chocolate Cake, Vanilla Buttercream, Caramel Drizzle, Dry Roasted Peanuts, Snickers Candy Bar...so yummy!

Thank you for stopping by!

Angela