Little Card Maker's Paper Creations

Puppy Love

2012-01-27T05:00:00.000-07:00

Hello all and welcome to the weekend! Well, it's close enough right?

One great thing about Friday's is the Freebie Friday at Bugaboo Stamps and this week's freebie is just as adorable as ever!

Isn't he SU-WEET?! I used Doodlecharms for the heart at 3 1/4", DP is Paper Studio's Sweet Pea, and the sentiment is from set I won at CardPatterns (sponsored by Layers of Color).

Enjoy the Freebie!!

Party Dog

2012-01-26T10:44:00.002-07:00

Hello all and Happy Thursday! I haven't posted in a bit - been a little preoccupied with early labor. Unfortunately, Sprout has not made an appearance, but my contractions seem to be getting closer. I'm exhausted!

But here's something happy:

When I saw this Party Dog, I fell for him right away! I know I didn't use traditional birthday colors, but I was still going for bright and cheery.

I thought he'd make a great addition to my birthday stamps. My goal is to not just make Birthday cards in a timely manner, but to actually get them mailed out on time too!

Thank you for visiting today! And please pray that I deliver this child TODAY!!

Retro Penguin Birthday

2012-01-19T05:00:00.000-07:00

Hello and welcome to my take on today's Mini-Challenge at Catch the Bug: Sketch

I'm using Birthday Penguin - Cupcake, which is a rather new and part of a really adorable collection of penguins! I added plenty of sewing and glaze as well.

I've been trying the image outside the nestability technique, and I'm not sure I've quite got it. But I'll keep trying!

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you are enjoying all the birthday creations by the Catch the Bug DT and that you are joining the challenges!

Bugaboo is Two

2012-01-14T05:00:00.000-07:00

Happy 2nd Birthday Bugaboo!! And Welcome to our Birthday Blog Hop. You should have arrived from Laurie's Blog

But if you came just to visit little ol' me, feel free to start from the BEGINNING OF THE HOP! To celebrate, follow along as we present you with Birthday themed creations, such as the card I made for my Dad who is turning 76 years old this year:

I couldn't resist using Gus - Collect Wrinkles for his special occasion. The layout is Splitcoaststampers SC327, and I added plenty of sewing.

A closer look at this old guy. This is also a kick off of this weeks Saturday challenge at Catch the Bug: Birthday! There will also be mini-challenges all week long at Catch the Bug to keep the celebration going!

Other Hop Details:

Grand Prize Winner - You must 1) complete the blog hop, 2) play the regular Saturday Challenge and 3) play ALL mini challenges. The winner will receive 1 FREE SET PER MONTH for all of 2012.
2nd Place - One randomly selected participant of ALL mini challenges will be a Bugaboo Guest Designer for the months of February, March & April plus receive the New Release Set for the week.
LEAVE a LITTLE LOVE - That's right, leave a comment for a chance to win the image used in my Birthday card!!

Have a great hop and your next stop is Lori:

Valentine Roses

2012-01-10T08:00:00.001-07:00

Hello all and Happy Tuesday. Today I'm sharing another Valentine's card. I'm trying to make these as early as possible since Sprout will hopefully make her arrival in February and I might be limited in my crafting time!

I'm using Love Roses from Just Some Lines and a new paperpack I think is called Sweet Pea (yup, it's a baby pack). The sentiment is from Stampin' Up's Teeny Tiny Wishes.

I of course added sewing and glaze. I like the effect of just a touch of shine. Just a short post and I thank you for stopping by!

This meets the following challenges:

Just Us Girls - sketch
Cute Card Thursday - Something New (new paperpack from HL (50% off sale!))
Sassy Studio - Something New (new paperpack from HL)
Pink Gem - Inspirational Photo (colors and roses)
MyGrafico - Love and Valentines

Dottie Recipe Card

2012-01-07T05:00:00.002-07:00

Hello all. Today at Catch the Bug, the new challenge this week is:

ANYTHING GOES

I'd like to share a recipe card made for a slow-cooker swap:

I adore Dottie and I LOVE this recipe! It's so easy and I really love coming home from a long day at work and smelling dinner already made! These cards (I made 9) are 6x6", and I included a scalloped edge and of course sewing.

So join us this week for this super easy challenge and thank you for stopping by!

This meets the following challenges:

Art Impressions - Anything Goes
Inky Impressions - Anything Goes

Not Your Usual Fairy

2012-01-04T11:37:00.003-07:00

Hello and Happy Wednesday. Today, Bugaboo Stamps is sponsoring the challenge over at Flutter By Wednesday. The challenge is:

ANYTHING GOES (must have a butterfly, angel, or fairy)

And I couldn't resist using Stella Tidbits - Fairy Visit. Well...she is a fairy!

I think she's just too awesome and filled with attitude. The sentiment is Stampin' Ups Petite Pairs (just got this set!).

Here's a closer look.

Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to check out all the latest activities over at Catch the Bug. We're getting ready for a birthday party!

This meets the following challenges:

Scrap-Creations - Something Old, Something New (old - unknown DP, new - SU stamp set!)
Party Time Tuesday - Something New (new SU sentiment stamp set)
Stamp n Doodle - Anything Goes
Incy Wincy - Anything Goes
Kaboodle Doodles - Celebrate

Ninja Moves

2011-12-27T05:00:00.003-07:00

Hello all. Well, Christmas is now past. Did you enjoy your holidays? I made some very special memories and I'm now enjoying my break (a great benefit at my workplace!).

Today I'd like to share a new release at Bugaboo Stamps:

I actually find it amusing that Bean has been all into Ninjas lately and now Jodie has come up with some great Ninja images! Thing is, we haven't seen any ninja movies or anything! Wait...does Kung Fu Panda count as a ninja? Maybe THAT's where she's getting all her ninja questions and moves from!

Can you read my sentiment?

Well, thanks for visiting today. I hope you are able to take it easy after the holiday rush. Hopefully I'll get some crafting done. Still have lots to do for Sprout's arrival in February!

This meets the following challenges:

Splitcoaststampers - Layout SC337
Make it Monday - Anything goes
Scrappy Frogs - Stitching

Skelekinz Valentine

2011-12-24T05:00:00.003-07:00

Hello and welcome to the weekend! Today at Catch the Bug, the new challenge this week is:

RED, BLUE, PINK & FLOWER SOFT (or Fun Flock, Glitter etc.)

With this color combo, I thought it would be great to start on a Valentines Card:

I'm using Skelekinz Balloon from Bugaboo Stamps, DP from Me & My Big Ideas, and a little sewing.

Were you wondering where my Flower Soft was? Well, here's a close up!

Make Jingle Bell Earrings

2011-12-21T07:00:00.001-07:00

Hello all. I've been making things to include in Bean's advent calendar - not just chocolate or activities, but small items I know she would appreciate.

Here I am sharing how to make Jingle Bell earrings:
STEP 1: What you need for EACH earring (so all this times 2):

1) Chain. From the chain cut: one piece with 3 LINKS, one piece with 5 LINKS, and one piece with 7 LINKS. Yes, you will cut off and throw away links as necessary.
2) 4 jump rings - I'm using 4mm, but you can always use larger ones
3) 3 small bells - I'm using 6mm bells (found at Hobby Lobby)
4) Fish hook ear wire

STEP 2:

1) Open jump ring (sideways method is best)
2) slip on bell
3) slip on end of first chain
4) Close jump ring
One jump ring should now have bell and links. Do this with each bell and links. You have now used 3 bells, 3 lengths of chain, 3 jump rings.

STEP 3:

1) Open the 4th and final jump ring
2) Slip on the 3 jump rings with chains and bells attached
3) Slip on ear wire
4) Close jump ring. The ring is small and I suggest using two sets of pliers for each step, so be patient when closing the final jump ring with all the other components on it.

STEP 4:

Enjoy your earrings! And just a note: Bean LOVES these.

Stampin Up Christmas 2

2011-12-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

Hello all. Hope you had a wonderful weekend. This weekend we made tamales - which is a family tradition. It's exhausting, but well worth the work as we all sit down to "taste test" our lovely little wrapped goodies.

Today I'd like to share the last two cards made at my Stampin' Up Stamp a Stack class. So we made a total of 5 cards each of 4 different designs.

Isn't that stocking the sweetest?! And the stamp has a coordinating punch too! I don't know what color this is, but I sure like it for Christmas time.

And this is the last in traditional colors.

It's difficult to see the dimension, but the top layer is popped up to reveal the embossed red layer. These aren't necessarily my "style" but I have fun making them at the class, and I prefer sending these as opposed to store bought (which yes, I have done due to lack of planning!).

That's it for today. Thank you again for visiting!

Polar Bear Tag

2011-12-17T05:00:00.006-07:00

Hello and hope you're having a great weekend!

Today at Catch the Bug, the new challenge is:

BABY IT'S COLD OUTSIDE

And yes, it sure has been! For my tag, I'm using Polar Bear from Bugaboo Stamps:

The tag is cut from the George Cricut cart at 4.5" (on regular and shadow), and the "JOY" is from Opposites Attract at 1" covered with glaze. I added sewing and fuzzy ribbon as well. I hope you'll click on the pic for an up-close (I like how this simple little tag turned out).

Thanks so much for stopping by and have a wonderful weekend! Oh, and don't forget to join us this week at Catch the Bug!

This meets the following challenges:

Cardmadfairies - #23 Tags
Sweet & Sassy - #33 Tag You're It
Pixie Dust Studio - #105 Stitching
Paper Pretties - #184 White plus one other color

Stampin Up Christmas 1

2011-12-16T07:00:00.000-07:00

Hello! I recently went to a Stampin' Up Stamp a Stack class to make some Christmas cards. I do this every year to make sure I have plenty of handmade cards to send out. Here are two of the four we made:

This first one is actually quite elegant IRL. There's a pretty black ribbon next to the scalloped black DP.

I wanted to share a close up of the focal point. The background is stamped with a pretty star of words, and is topped with an embossed Joy on that see-thru paper stuff (that's the technical term).

This card features really pretty colors and a paper ribbon. Those trees are just so pretty and the off white ribbon is really soft and fuzzy.

Just showing off a little dimension here. So my DH has already claimed a few of these to send to his customers. I'll show the other two next week. Thank you for stopping by!

Old World Santa

2011-12-13T05:00:00.001-07:00

Hello and happy Tuesday! Can you believe it's already the 13th of December?! That's just crazy!

Anyway, this week, Bugaboo Stamps is sponsoring the ICSketches challenge!

This challenge has two parts: layout and bingo!

When all was said and done, my first thought was: Wow, this is really busy! But I stepped back and gave it a night and took another look and actually like all that's going on. I especially enjoy the new Old World Santas stamps. The DP has little "fuzzy" areas, I added ribbon, sewing, and the snowflakes are glitter DP - so there's LOTS of texture on this one.

Here's a close up.

That's it for today. Still working on some handcrafted gifts for Bean and now that finals are over, I can finally breathe! Thanks so much for joining me today!

This meets the following challenges:

Crafty Ribbons Challenge - #8 Traditional Christmas Colors
Colour Create - #85 Red, White, Green

Santa Baby

2011-12-10T05:00:00.000-07:00

Hello and hope you are enjoying your weekend!

Today at Catch the Bug, this weeks challenge is:

SANTA BABY

And there are so many awesome Bugaboo Stamps that it was hard to pick just one. So I decided on Stocking Santa Star for my "country" card.

I call it country because of the kraft. I just feel it gives it such a western feel. This one is rather simple with added sewing and glaze on the star. Again, trying to make my cards for mailing as flat as possible and Post Office friendly.

Here he is with his shiny star. And I'm sure there are plenty of Santa cards out there, so make sure to enter this week's challenge!

This meets the following challenges:

Dude Time Doodles - Masculine Holiday Spirit
Midnight Madness - Layout MMSC 133

Handmade Earrings

2011-12-07T15:00:00.000-07:00

Hello all and hope you are having a GREAT weekend! (Did you notice my first sentence reads "weekend?" Well, that's because this post didn't post as it should have! There are a few that were missed for some reason. Oh well.) Today I want to share a little something I made that is now tucked into Bean's advent calendar.

She loves to wear my earrings, so I thought I'd make her a pair using jump rings and pearl chips. I made a little earring card to go along with them for "presentation." I used Frame 3 and my favorite little Penguin! I thought, why just throw these in a box when I can display them in a more fun way!

Don't they look like little grape clusters? I think she's going to really like these. And so far, Bean is REALLY enjoying her calendar. I can't wait till Sprout is out and ready to participate too.

Oh, and this weeks challenge at Just Some Lines is: Handmade Gifts!! I love, love, love making gifts for Beanie. It's one of those things I hope she looks back on some day and says "my mom was a little crazy...but she sure made some cool stuff."

Day 3 With Bugaboo - Animal

2011-12-03T07:00:00.000-07:00

Hello and welcome to Day 3 of the 12 Days of Christmas with Catch the Bug!

So the challenge is: use an Animal on your creation!

I'm using a Christmas Tag - Rudolph for my little money holder:

A couple days ago I shared Bean's advent calendar and this is tucked into one of the pockets.

We replaced the Lincoln for a Washington LOL! Well...she IS only 4 years old.

Thanks for stopping by today and hope you get a chance to join some of our challenges!

Day 2 at Bugaboo - Love

2011-12-02T07:05:00.002-07:00

Hello all. Today is Day 2 of the 12 Days of Christmas at Catch the Bug which is:

Turtle Doves represent LOVE, so the challenge is to make a Love creation!

I thought using Ava Christmas - Mistletoe Fairy and some non-traditional colors would be nice for my DH's Christmas Card:

The layout is Splitcoaststampers SC70, and the sentiment is Stampin' Up's Teeny Tiny Wishes. I added a few heart brads and of course lots of sewing. Sometimes I just can't get enough thread on one card! LOL!

Unfortunately, you can't see the glitter on her wings, but I assure you it is there, along with little touches of glaze.

Thanks for joining me on Day 2. I appreciate each and every visit!!

This meets the following challenges:

Digistamps4Joy - #33 Christmas with NO Animals
FabNFunky - #101 Anything Goes
7 kids College Fund - #35 Christmas with Non Traditional Colors

Advent Calendar

2011-12-01T10:13:00.004-07:00

Hello all! I have a couple things to share today. 1) it's the start of the 12 Days of Christmas at Bugaboo!! That means 12 days worth of challenges based on the day.

So, today is Day 1:

So the challenge is to include a TREE on your creation. Note: the 12 Days do require a Bugaboo stamp to participate!

My other share is 2) an Advent Calendar. I really had no clue what these were for, but my husband assured me they were all the rage when he lived in Germany.

I cut 3" white felt squares, embroidered 1 - 24, and sewed them to the red felt. It really was super easy to make - but TIME consuming! I used a dowel - that's hidden on the very top along with red yarn that was in my stash.

I included a couple bolas just for fun (bolas = balls) also made of yarn (there are probably LOTS of tutorials on how to make those fuzzy little things. So needless to say, Bean loved it. I made a little puzzle to go in one of the pockets and will share other goodies as we go along.

That's it for today. I hope you get a chance to play along with us during the 12 Days at Catch the Bug!!

Make a Puzzle to Color

2011-11-30T05:00:00.000-07:00

Hello and happy Wednesday. Today at Catch the Bug, it's my turn to share a tutorial. I've got something super quick and easy, and would make a great stocking stuffer...or, my plan is to include it in one of the pockets of Bean's advent calendar that I'm currently working on.

So what is it? It's a PUZZLE TO COLOR.

I included a tag that shows what the puzzle will look like put together.

1) I printed out one large image for the puzzle, one small image for the tag, mod podge, and a cereal box (I'm all for recycling).

2) Apply mod podge to printed side of cereal box - it doesn't show through once the CS with image is placed on top.

3) Place larger image on cereal box to adhere/dry. While this is drying, it's a good time to color in your tag.

4) Time to die-cut! I'm using the puzzle from Cuttlebug and a nestability for the tag.

5) Here's the puzzle, tag and bag ready to decorate with ribbon or whatever else you can come up with. A good addition would be a couple crayons but since this is going to Bean, she has plenty of markers to color up her puzzle!

Thanks for joining me today with my tutorial. Like I said: simple and fast and great for little gifts for kids.

A Very Little Hat

2011-11-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

Hello all and hope you are having a wonderful day. I thought I'd share one of my latest sewing projects:

Yup, a little little hat. For whom you may ask? For our little Sprout due in February!

I got the FREE tutorial from Sew Mama Sew courtesy of Tie Dye Diva Patterns. It's supposed to fit a newborn, but if Sprout is anything like Bean, she will have a big head! As always, thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

Cake Fun

2011-11-28T09:00:00.000-07:00

Hello and hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!!

A great way to start off the week, a new challenge at Catch the Bug:

SILVER, BLACK & BLING

I'm using Dottie Cake which was originally meant for a birthday card for my DH but I didn't finish it in time. Is that typical of most card makers? No? Just me huh?

Dottie, from the day she came on the scene, has been one of my faves. She's so confident and sexy. I had some white with yellow flowers that I colored over using Copics, so I could match the cake. The layout is Splitcoaststampers SC330.

The shine really shows up on this one. I want to thank you for visiting and hope you have a great week!

This meets the following challenges:

Clearly iStamp - Flowers (LOTS of tutorials on this blog!!)
Rainbow Lady's - #180 Cards for Men
Fab n Funky - #100 Happy Birthday

Christmas Reindeer with a Spring

2011-11-22T08:00:00.001-07:00

Hello all. Today I'm sharing one of the new folds over at Splitcoaststampers: Side Spring Card.

I'm also using the latest challenge at Just Some Lines: Tic-Tac-Toe.

I used the Martha all around punch, glitter CS, and the Digi is Reindeer Christmas.

The sentiment is Stampin' Up's Teeny Tiny Wishes (I seem to be using that set for EVERYTHING lately). The size is perfect for a gift card too. I just couldn't resist his little smirk! Anyway, thanks so much for stopping by. I appreciate each and every visit.

Raking Leaves

2011-11-21T10:52:00.003-07:00

Hello and hope you had a great weekend! Well, I did exactly what I said I would: housework.

Today at Catch the Bug, we (the DT) are doing a swap with Paper Pretties for their current challenge:

BLACK, GOLD and WHITE

Here's what I came up, and my first question to myself was: when did I get gold paper?!

Like the saying goes: You don't know what you've got....till you clean your room!

Isn't she so sweet?! I didn't really have a purpose for this so I was clueless on a sentiment. It's just so shiny! But I think she is absolutely lovely.

Thank you for visiting today! Can't wait till Wednesday...I'm so looking forward to time off and turkey!

Pilgrim Girl

2011-11-19T05:00:00.004-07:00

Hello and hope you are enjoying your weekend.

Today is the start of a new challenge at Catch the Bug:

Let's Talk Turkey
I'm using Bobblehead Thanksgiving Pilgrim Girl for my Thanksgiving card:

I colored her with Copics and added glaze to the turkey - I always like a shiny turkey! The DP is Designed2Delight Digipapers and the layout is Splitcoaststampers SC247.

I think she is just too cute. I'm also thinking this might go to Bean. So share your turkey creations with us and have a wonderful weekend!

Thanks

2011-11-18T05:00:00.001-07:00

Hello and Happy Friday! Yay! It's the weekend. I don't know what I get so excited about. The weekends are just days to catch up on housework.

I haven't shared a Just Some Lines card in quite a while! I love this little Cat FREEBIE!!

Simple layout with a little sewing with "O'Mally" popped up on the side. We have a black cat named Sid. She's a little....playful. O'Mally is the neighbor's cat who hangs at our house. We feed him, he sleeps on the front porch, and he plays really well with Bean. He even sneaks into the house and eats from Sid's bowl.

Such a good cat O'Mally is. Bean and I always say "we should have got an orange cat." Oh don't worry, we take care of Sid just fine, but O'Mally is an awesome cat (and I'm NOT a cat person!!).

That's my story and creation for the day. Thanks so much for stopping by!

This meets the following challenges:

Aud Sentiments - Thank You
Crafty Purple Frog - #28 Use Orange (got LOTS of orange here)
The Paper Variety - Thanks

Two Blue Daisies

2011-11-17T05:00:00.002-07:00

Hello all! Hope your week is going well. Bean has been sick this week, but seems to be on the road to wellness!
Thursdays at Catch the Bug, we like to dust off older but much loved digis for Oldie but Goody day!

I really like all the flower designs available, so thought I'd show off Flower Vase - Daisy Vase in some soft colors:

A few details: sentiment is Stampin' Up's Teeny Tiny Wishes, DP is Me & My Big Ideas, the layout is from Splitcoaststampers SC249.

Of course I added sewing and a few spots of glaze. If you get a chance, head over to Catch the Bug today for more Oldies and inspiration. Thanks so much for visiting!

Monkey in my Pocket

2011-11-12T05:00:00.006-07:00

Hello and happy weekend! Today starts the new challenge at Catch the Bug:

It's In the Pocket
I'm using Monkey Love - Topper for my card:

I tried to make my pocket the best I could, using a pair of jeans to go off of. A little sewing, glaze, and a couple flowers. The sentiment is Stampin' Up's Teeny Tiny Wishes.

He comes with a little heart, but he looks like he's missing someone. So thanks for visiting me. I always appreciate your comments!

This meets the following challenges:

Anything Goes - Stitching
Create Me Pink - #3 Flowers

Winter Penguin

2011-11-11T07:00:00.005-07:00

Hello all and Happy Friday! First, a shout out to all the Veterans: THANK YOU!!

Now, heads up! This super cute penguin is the latest FREEBIE over at Bugaboo Stamps:

I'm lovin' his hat!! He's colored with my freshly washed Copics and adorned with glitter and glaze. Copic story: so we get a really adorable new dog. Bean just loves him. He was in the house just getting used to the place. I decide to go color only to find out my markers had been peed on! They're in a bucket so EVERY SINGLE MARKER was contaminated! Needless to say, Sammy (the new dog) is now an outside dog only.

Enough of the rant. Make sure to pick up your freebie! It's only available for one week. Oh, and the super talented and generous Jodie is also offering an additional FREEBIE in honor of Veteran's Day.

This meets the following challenges:

Digital Tuesday - #136 Anything Goes
Top Tip Tuesday - #59 Anything Christmas Goes
Eat Sleep Stamp - sketch (last one for the year!!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend!

Tequila

2011-11-08T05:00:00.000-07:00

Hello all! Hope you are having a great Tuesday (this originally read: Saturday, but I seem to be having scheduling issues!).

Anyway, this week at Catch the Bug, the latest challenge is:

Anything Goes

I'm featuring Ruby Tidbits - Tequila for a birthday card to one of my favorite relatives ;)

DP is M's Cheeky Collection and the layout is Splitcoaststampers SC20. I think she's just da bomb. I haven't exhibited this type of behavior since I was a youngster, but boy, those were the days!

Of course, every hottie should be wearing patent leather pink boots right (hopefully you can see some of the gloss on her lovely shoes)?

So you still have time to join in this super easy challenge!

Door Letter Frame

2011-11-07T09:55:00.005-07:00

Hello all and Happy Monday. Hope you had a great weekend! Today at Catch the Bug is my turn to feature an ABC (Anything But a Card) project!

Today I'm sharing a little sign I made for Bean's door. I've seen these initial frames and thought I'd give it a go.

This is made from a cereal box and measures approximately 6" by 6". I cut the bottom square and covered it with Bugaboo Digipapers - Polkadot Flowers. Then I cut the top square to the same size and gave it a little under a 1" border and covered it with plain white CS. There are pop dots between the two layers.

The lovely Ladybug Vase is colored with Copics and also has glaze. The "L" is Cricut Cart Opposites Attract at 3 1/2" on regular and shadow, and I sewed along the middle of the letter just for fun. Again, more pop dots so there's lots on dimension on this!

Hope you like my ABC today and thanks so much for stopping by!

Retro

2011-11-02T12:26:00.003-06:00

Hello and happy Hump Day! Today I'm sharing the card that Bean gave her Daddy for his 40th Birthday:

I saw this adorable little guy at Pollycraft and just HAD to have him. I loved the fact that he's listening to a tape! Even today, I call my MP3 player my Walkman!

I titled the tape: Best of the 70's. This also meets this weeks Pollycraft Challenge: Anything Goes!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day.

Boo Fun

2011-10-29T05:00:00.008-06:00

Hello and happy Weekend! Got lots of Halloween plans? We have a few events to keep Bean busy and bouncing off walls from sugar overload!

Today at Catch the Bug, the new challenge is:

Photo Inspiration

I'm not really good with "inspiration" challenges, but I gave it my best shot. This is Bean's Halloween card:

I was "inspired" by the colors and the ghost. I used Chubby Ghost - Spiders and the "Boo" is cut from the Mickey Font Cricut cart at 1".

So hope you are able to join us this week! I also hope you have a wonderful weekend. Thanks so much for stopping by.

This meets the following challenges:

Skipping Stones - Sketch 99 (I really liked this sketch!)
I Brake for Challenges - #12 Halloween

Make it Snappy

2011-10-27T05:00:00.009-06:00

Hello all! Today I'd like to share two cards with you using some fairly new Bugaboo Stamps from the Make it Snappy line! These are awesome little blocks for all occasions.

The first card is a birthday card (already sent to my Auntie Diane - Happy Birthday Auntie!!), using Birthday Fishes:

This week Bugaboo/Catch the Bug is sponsoring the Aud Sentiments Challenge: HUMOR. And really, one look at this little guy's face is enough to make anyone giggle at least a little!

Close up of that pucker! This will be entered into the Simon Says Anything Goes challenge this week and the layout is Splitcoaststampers SC318!

*******Card Two*********

Today at Catch the Bug is also Oldie But Goody day and I'm using another Make it Snappy stamp.

This one is Make it Snappy - Thanks a Melon colored with Copics. The layout is Splitcoaststampers SC60 - I really appreciated the simple layout for this particular type of stamp.

An upclose as usual. I will also enter this into Stamp, Scrap & Doodle's Bon Appetit challenge (use food).

Country Christmas

2011-10-26T10:35:00.005-06:00

Hello and Happy Wednesday.

Today I'm sharing a Christmas card that reminds of something a little bit country:

The Christmas Robin is actually a FREEBIE from Just Some Lines!! DP is Designed2Delight and the sentiment is Stampin' Up's Teeny Tiny Wishes. The layout is Splitcoaststampers SC29 and of course I added sewing and glaze. I just thought this bird was SO happy looking.

Just a quick post today and hope you are having a great week.

Super You

2011-10-22T05:00:00.000-06:00

Hello and Happy Saturday. Today a new challenge has been set at Catch the Bug:

SCHOOL COLORS

I work where I study and we are the Cherry and Silver!! Woof woof!

Kidlet Superman is new this month and I just HAD to have him because he's such a doll! Wow, I picked some shiny DP! And the wonderful layout is Eat Sleep Stamp.

LOL! I know this is a little boy, but it reminds me of Bean who wears her cape and mask and jumps off all the furniture.

So pull out your school colors and join us this week for a chance to win Bugaboo stamps!

Fiesta

2011-10-21T05:00:00.002-06:00

Hello and welcome to a special posing for Bugaboo...or is it The Greeting Farm?! Well, how about a little bit of both? We at Catch the Bug are doing a swap with The Greeting Farm and have the pleasure of showing off some of their fabulous stamps!

So this is my CASE:

I'm using Chibi Trumpet colored in Copics, PTI and embossing, sewing, and computer generated sentiment.

I thought she was too cute and festive! Thanks for stopping by!

This will be entered in the following challenges:

Charisma Cardz - #42 Embossing
Scrapbook Sisters - #57 Circles (the embossed yellow)
Top Tip Tuesday - #56 Layer It

Birds In a Row

2011-10-18T12:33:00.004-06:00

Hello and happy Tuesday.

Just a quick share today of a CAS card!

Nope...no sewing at all! I'm using 3 Birds In a Row colored with Copics.

SO happy!

Thanks for stopping by! See...told ya it was going to be quick.

This will be entered in the following challenges:

Daring Card Makers - A Little Bird Told Us
Stampin B's - #132 Bird
Clean & Simple - FTL162 layout

Birthday Coupon Book

2011-10-17T05:00:00.001-06:00

Hello and happy Monday! Hope you had a great weekend. We had a small party for my DH's 40th Birthday. Lots of food and cake!

Today at Catch the Bug is ABC day - Anything But a Card!

Using Gus Birthday - Golden Years I made a coupon book for Jay:

It's hard to get gifts for the man who has everything so this is just something a little fun.

Inside are the "tickets" from MyGrafico. I thought the staples with ribbon was a little more masculine.

Here's one of the "train tickets" and each was different. He really liked it...and I have a feeling he's going to cash in every one!

So thanks for visiting today and have a great Monday.

Gus Maze Book

2011-10-16T05:00:00.000-06:00

Hello and Happy Sunday! Today we are having a birthday party for my husband who is turning 40 this month! Crazy huh?!

Also, this week Bugaboo Stamps is sponsoring the challenge over at Stamptacular:

TRY SOMETHING NEW

My something "new" is this maze book. I saw this wonderful idea over Catherine's Blog and I encourage you to pay her a visit - she is extremely talented!

So this isn't yet filled with tags, pictures, etc, but it will be going to my husband for his birthday. I tried to make it as masculine as possible! And of course, Gus Birthday is the PERFECT stamp for this occasion.

Side view.

Inside, you can put pictures, and tags. I hope to fill this with "advice" on getting older as well as memories from his parents and siblings. Just something to ponder and hopefully to bring back some good times from his youth.

Thank you for joining me today and hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Wild About You

2011-10-15T05:00:00.003-06:00

Hello and happy Saturday! Today at Catch the Bug, the challenge has been set:

Animal Antics

I'm using Lion Topper for my Wild About You card:

The little expression on his face is too cute! I like the way his little paws and tail extend beyond the diecut - I've been dying to try this technique. The layout is Splitcoaststampers SC323.

Instead of shading, I opted for little dots around the image and added a little glaze for fun.

Christmas at Just Some Lines

2011-10-13T05:00:00.002-06:00

Hello and thank you for hopping with me for the Christmas release at Just Some Lines Blog Hop. If you came from Juelmarie's Blog, you are right on track. If you just happened to visit little ol' me, then guess what? We're having a blog hop and let me encourage you to start at the Beginning for inspiration and chances to win fun prizes!

I am using Mistletoe Fairy to dress up my Tiny Takeout Box.

I colored her with Copics, and added a little glitter to the wings.

This is a small box made from an 8" by 8" piece of CS, but it actually holds a LOT of kisses!

So in order to win prizes, 1) please comment on all the blogs along the way, and2) have fun!!

Thanks so much for hopping along with us and good luck! Your next stop is: Audrey!

Brujas

2011-10-11T10:48:00.003-06:00

Hello and happy Tuesday! Today I'd like to share with you my Halloween card to my Mom.

I'm using the clever Witches Tea as a sort of "like mother, like daughter" feel to my card.

Here's a close up. The inside reads: From One Bruja to Another...Happy Halloween. FYI, Bruja = witch. And believe it or not, when you get us laughing, we really do sound just like brujas!

Thank you for stopping by today and a reminder that the current challenge at Just Some Lines Blog is: Reminds Me of a Song!

This will be entered in the following challenges:

Card Positioning Systems - Layout CPS 239
Come & Get It - Orange, Black & Purple

Boo Treat Holder

2011-10-08T05:00:00.003-06:00

Hello and welcome to the weekend!

Today the new challenge at Catch the Bug is:

Trick or Treat ABC (Anything But a Card)

I was actually excited for this one because I've been dying to make this little treat holder! I turned Chubby Ghost - Candy Corn into a MTC file and cut using my Cricut:

Bugaboo stamps are really die-cut friendly and come together so well.

Side view, still closed. Can you see the candies inside? I got the tutorial at Splitcoaststampers - Tea Bag Holder (and the video really helps).

Inside - you can see I did a zig-zag stitch to attach the "holder" to the outside.

And the candy peeking out.
So join us this week and let me encourage you to take a look at all the other projects at Catch the Bug. Thanks so much for stopping by!

Orange Sweetie

2011-10-07T12:25:00.003-06:00

Hello and Happy Friday! Boy how I look forward to weekends!

Today at Bugaboo Stamps, Jodie is giving away not one, but TWO FREEBIES!!

So run, don't walk, to get this adorable little girl FOR FREE!!

DP is from MyGrafico, sewing, sentiment is from Stampin' Up's Teeny Tiny Wishes, and the layout is from Midnight Madness.

I was a little orange happy. Mind you, it's not one of my favorite colors, but I think it turned out OK. So don't forget to pick up your freebie and have a great weekend!

Party Animal

2011-10-06T05:00:00.000-06:00

Hello and hope you are having a lovely Thursday. This week, Bugaboo Stamps is sponsoring the challenge over at For Your Inspiration.

What can I say? I found this to be a REAL challenge. I showed the "photo inspiration" to my husband. Then I showed him my party animal. He said "oh...you made a multi-colored monster." I tried to point out that I used the same colors that were in the photo to color up my little Birthday Monster.

He said "oh! I get it now." But I don't think he really did. Oh well, I tried. I used George Cricut Cart for the tag, and added a little sewing. Oh! And he's turning 40 this month, so this little guy will be attached to a nice big ol' cowboy hat he's been wanting!

Moo-chas Gracias

2011-10-05T10:43:00.003-06:00

Hello and happy Hump Day!

So, my big brother Matt was nice enough to fix our Jeep - he's ASE Master Certified (I like bragging about his mechanical abilities!). It was a big job and he works for chocolate chip cookies...well, at least that's what I pay him :)

So here's a thank you card going out in the mail just for him along with a gift card to his fave place, Olive Garden. The sassy cow is Cow Cow from Just Some Lines, the DP is from MyGrafico, and the fab layout is Eat Sleep Stamp.

Get it? MOO-chas Gracias! LOL! Once again, I make myself giggle.

Thanks so much for stopping by. I really appreciate your visit and have a wonderful day!

This will also be entered in the following challenges:

Crazy Amigo challenge - Animals
Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes
Shopping Our Stash - Thank You
Crafty Cardmakers - Anything Goes

Winter Turtle

2011-10-01T05:00:00.005-06:00

Happy October!!
Over at Catch the Bug, the new challenge this week is:

ANYTHING GOES

So why not Christmas in Autumn? I'm using the super duper cute Turtle - Winter :

Now come on! Isn't he adorable?! The sentiment is Stampin' Up's Short & Sweet and the layout is Splitcoaststampers SC333.

And how about all that glossy goodness? I guess I just really like this guy and can't wait to send it out this Christmas.

Thanks for stopping by today and have a wonderful weekend.

Yellow Dress

2011-09-29T09:30:00.000-06:00

Hello and happy Thursday. The Balloon Fiesta hasn't started yet, but the balloons are in the sky! It's such a great sight to see. The million plus visitors can make life a little difficult, but hey, we all want to enjoy it don't we?

So last weekend, I picked up TWO new copics. Yup, just two. And they were both in the yellow family. Well, I had the perfect girl in mind to use them on:

She is Emo Sophie and I love the little curls that peek out under her hat. The sentiment is Stampin' Up's Trendy Trees and believe it or not, I used my Stamp-a-ma-jig, and the darn thing still came out crooked! The layout is Splitcoaststampers SC332

An up close. I also want to remind you that the current challenge at Just Some Lines is: FALL COLORS!!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Keeping Warm

2011-09-28T05:00:00.003-06:00

Hello and happy Hump Day...ok, that phrase always makes me giggle.

Today Bugaboo is sponsoring the challenge at For Fun Challenges, and the challenge is:

COOLER TEMPS, SHOW US SOME WARMTH

And for me, nothing beats the cold better than a cuppa coffee or hot chocolate!

I colored Coffee Time - Espresso Yourself with Copics and added glaze. Sentiment is from Stampin' Up's Short & Sweet. I don't use ribbon/bows all that often, but felt this was missing something and added this at the last minute.

Just another angle.

So hope you're keeping warm. Summer sure stopped in a hurry and it's getting cool. I so enjoy the morning air. It's so crisp and even has this unmistakable "fall is here" smell.

Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful day!

New Baby Girl

2011-09-27T05:00:00.002-06:00

Hello all and hope you're having a great Tuesday. Every Tuesday, there are new releases at Bugaboo Stamps and just look at this little cutie being released today:

I colored her with Copics, and lightly shaded with Ranger inks. The sentiment is from Stampin' Up's Teeny Tiny Wishes.

My little cousin Kent and his wife Lydia will be having a baby girl soon, and I'm so excited for them. The layout is Splitcoaststampers SC234.

A close up of course!

Thanks for joining me. I appreciate each and every visit.

This will be entered into the following challenges:

Critter Sketch Challenge - #84 Anything Goes
Paper Makeup Stamps - #4 Re-Size Your Digi
Lollipop Crafts - #49 Anything Goes

Mr. Skunk

2011-09-24T05:00:00.004-06:00

Hello and happy Saturday! Today the new challenge at Catch the Bug is:

BLACK, PINK & GREEN + SKETCH

I'm using Bobblehead Farm Skunk

You can find the sketch at Catch the Bug. The DP is Target $1 bin.

I was in a picture taking mood! I guess I just really like this little guy.

And of course a close up so hopefully you can see his shiny nose. The black circles on circle die cut (behind my image) is something I made in MTC. If you like, feel free to take it here:

Circles on Circle MTC

Hope you join this weeks challenge! Thanks so much for stopping by.

Pumpkin Birdhouse Gift Bag

2011-09-19T00:01:00.003-06:00

Hello and hope you had a great weekend! We were able to go to the zoo and we saw the baby giraffe that was just born a week ago. He was adorable!!

Thank you for joining me today for this special Designed2Delight blog hop!! Today we are featuring Faith's new digi papers and her stamps that are now available in rubber at Whipper Snapper Designs!

I've used two designs from the Fall Paper Pack to create my small gift bag and bow.

This is a good "little gift" size bag. The papers printed perfectly using 0 (zero) margins, and the bow was made using one of the many tutorials online!

For my tag, I'm using Pumpkin Birdhouse colored with Copics and shaded with Ranger Inks.

So here's the deal: leave me a comment and I'll choose one name at random, Monday at midnight for a chance to win a digi from Designed2Delight. Same goes for the rest of the blogs on the hop. So your next stop is: Debbie!!

Thanks for stopping by and good luck!

Make a Scene

2011-09-17T05:00:00.002-06:00

Hello and hope you're having a great Saturday! Today at Catch the Bug, a new challenge has started:

SCENE IT

So the challenge is to create something with a scene by using multiple stamps/digis.

For my card, I used a total of 4 digis to create my scene: Wood Bench , Bugaboo Brat Big Bow Sitter , the apple from the Bugaboo Brat Apple Mini Set and Book Stack . Colored with Copics and a little added glaze, I made the scene the focus of the card.

A close up of the scene and hopefully you can see the glossy goodness.

Thanks for visiting today and hope you will make a scene with Catch the Bug this week!!

Dry Erase Magnet

2011-09-16T05:00:00.000-06:00

Hello and TGIF!! This week has flown by! Today, Bugaboo is sponsoring the challenge at Craft Your Passion:

School Days

So of course I had to make a little something for Bean:

A magnet for her pencil case using Ava School Sign It. This measures around 3". I colored with Copics and used Thermo Web Heat & Bond on both sides. This is sort of a laminate you put on using your iron.

You know those magnets you get for free - usually the size of a business card? Well, I took off the advertisement and adhered it to the back of my laminated image.

Did I mention that the Thermo Web makes it so you can use a dry erase marker on it?! So Bean now has a little dry erase magnet in her pencil case so I can leave her little messages like: "Pickle/Popcorn/Pretzel Day Money", or "I Love You", or you get the idea.

So enter your School Days creation at Craft Your Passion for a chance to win Bugaboo stamps!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend.

Bakster Helps

2011-09-13T10:02:00.005-06:00

Hello and happy Tuesday! So, Friday I took Bean to the doctor to get 4 shots. That's right. FOUR!! And that flu/nasal thingy. So this weekend was shot. My poor baby caught a cold so we just hung out relaxing instead of going to the fair. You know, those Doctor's offices are breeding grounds for biological warfare!

Anyway, I did get to work on this. Oh this Bakster Helps from Just Some Lines was so much fun!

You know, I lost my Jack not too long ago, and these are his colors. The color combo is a little fall-ish and at first I wasn't too sure about it, but once it was all said and done, I was happy. Plus, his face just makes me smile...much like Big Jack.

I got the wonderful layout from Eat Sleep Stamp. I added lots of sewing, and I'm thinking I should have done it in a darker color so it wouldn't get so lost in the DP. Oh well. Next time. Oh, and something a little new for me is putting my image on a solid colored background!

I hope you have enjoyed your visit and I thank you for stopping by! Have a wonderful day.

Punch It

2011-09-10T05:00:00.001-06:00

Hello and Happy Saturday! The State Fair started yesterday so hopefully we'll get a chance to go this weekend. I LOVE the food! Nothing like corn, cotton candy, turkey drumsticks, and funnel cakes from the Fair!!
Also today, a new challenge has been set at Catch the Bug:

Feeling Punchy?

That means use your punches and dies. Wow, I was stumped mainly because I only own maybe 3 punches and didn't even think about my border punches at all! Oh well, I gave it my best shot with my round punch LOL!

I'm using Ava Heart colored in Copics and added glaze. Like I said, I was clueless. So I punched some circles and sewed them along the side. I know...not the most creative, but I actually like it a bit.

Ava and Deacon are some of my faves at Bugaboo Stamps. They're just so Emo.

I hope you get a chance to play along this week with your punches and dies. And I also hope you have a wonderful weekend. Thanks so much for visiting!

Peacock Beauty

2011-09-08T11:09:00.003-06:00

Hello and Happy Thursday! Wow, this week is almost over and I haven't accomplished nearly as much as I had planned.

Today a quick post to share a very lovely image, the Peacock Beauty:

I'm using papers from MyGrafico, and lots of Ranger Tea ink. I was going for a shabby chic/vintage look. Please click for an up close of the Peacock! I would have to say this is my favorite stamp from Designed2Delight. But then again, Faith is coming out with some of the most adorable Halloween Images!!

And a quick reminder that you can still enter the D2D challenge: Wedding or Anniversary.

Thanks so much for stopping by and have a wonderful day!

School Girl

2011-09-03T05:00:00.005-06:00

Hello and Happy Saturday. Hope you have a great long weekend planned - if you have Monday off like we do! Today I will be peeling chile and it's quite a job. See, here in New Mexico, green chile is a big thing and once a year, we all stock out freezers with the green goodness!

Anyway, Saturday is when a new challenge is set at Catch the Bug and this week, the challenge is:

Anything Goes!

Using Bugaboo Brat School - Apple Girl image, I made a few of these cards for my little cousin:

DP is from Me & My Big Ideas, image colored with Copics, a little sewing, and glaze. The sentiment is from Stampin' Up's Teeny Tiny wishes, and the layout is Splitcoaststampers SC146.

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you have a great weekend. Don't forget to enter your Anything Goes creation at Catch the Bug this week for a chance to win Bugaboo digis!!

Cutest Couple

2011-08-30T10:10:00.005-06:00

Hello and Happy Tuesday. Today I want to share a lovely little couple. They are Emo Alek and Amber. I didn't include a sentiment on the outside and figure I'll put something on the inside.

I didn't do any sewing on this one, but I did distress all the edges. I haven't done that in a long time and forgot how long it can take! I used a fab layout from Eat Sleep Stamp - one of my favorite layout places!

This couple has lots of possibilities: love, like, marriage, anniversary, new couple, old couple. Maybe I'll save this one for my DH for a "No Special Occasion" occasion :)

Also, just a reminder that the current challenge at Just Some Lines is ANYTHING BUT A CARD!! Thanks so much for visiting!

Howdy

2011-08-27T05:00:00.003-06:00

Hello all and Happy Saturday! Today we are off to a local (well, 3 hours away type of local) raspberry ranch where we hope to pick berries, eat berries, and just plain ol' enjoy the day. Hopefully they just weigh the raspberries we pick and don't weigh US before and after to figure out how much we consume along the way!

Today a new challenge has been set at Catch the Bug:

WARM COLORS AND PAPER-PIECING

Now I'm going to be honest, this one was tough for me. I guess that's why they call 'em a challenge!

I don't remember what this type of card is called, but the base is 4.25" by 4.25" and the image portion peeks above to make the total length of the card 5.5". I used Cowboy Boot and Howdy Sign dollar digi's from Bugaboo. That's right, there is now a $1 section!

I added some glaze and sewing as usual. Think it's too bright? You know, I've actually seen boots this color! Even brighter!

Thank you for stopping by today. I really do appreciate your visit.

Little Apple Box with MTC File

2011-08-22T07:00:00.000-06:00

Hello all and hope you had a great weekend! Today is Bean's first day of "school." She actually does have workbooks, assignments, and will be bringing homework. I don't remember being 4, but I don't think I had that much responsibility!

For the first day of school, I wanted to "get in good" with the teachers, and this is what Bean will present them with:

I made little apple boxes. Actually, they aren't as small as you might think. They take the full 12" on the Cricut mat for a total cut of 12" by approximately 5" in width. I didn't do too much decorating on this one so you can see the actual box.

Here's a side view. It's all one piece with little tabs that are scored and glued inside. I did a little sewing around the apple as well as some shading.

Inside view to show the tabs and some of the assembly. I've already put these together with a little white paper and a bag of Hershey's Kisses tied with a bow. Once again, I had trouble with tag placement. Some people are so good at this, but I have such a block! So, I did without tags. I figure if it's handed to them personally by Bean, then they will remember it's from her.

I don't know if this box already exists out there, but I made mine from shapes here and there. So feel free to take the MTC file if you'd like:

Little Apple Box.MTC

Thanks for stopping by! If you do use this, I hope you will share your creation with me!

Hap-BEE Birthday

2011-08-20T05:00:00.006-06:00

Hello and hope you are enjoying your weekend! We have a great Outdoor Expo to attend so Bean will be fishing and we will be shooting some guns for a grand ol' time! It's really nice when the City puts on these types of free events for the whole family.

So today is Saturday and that means a new challenge is up at Catch the Bug:

SUMMER IS FOR THE BIRDS/BEES

I made this little Hap-BEE Birthday card for the lovely Juliana who just turned 4:

I'm using Bees - Small Flower, and the hive is an SVG from MyScrapChick cut on my Cricut. I included the sentiment on the inside since I couldn't figure out where to put it on the outside!

Sorry for the dark pics. I seem to have issues photographing yellow and pink no matter how hard I try :(

I want to mention that at Bugaboo Stamps, there is a new $1 Digi section, and a Deal of the Day which features a different stamp daily at a discounted price. Speaking of discount, there is currently a SALE going on too!!

This meets the following challenges:

Crafty Sentiments - No Sentiment
Paper Playtime - #53 Anything Goes

Thanksgiving

2011-08-19T08:00:00.001-06:00

Hello all and Happy Friday! Pfew! I made it through the week and next week, classes begin for both me and Bean.

I've been trying to "work" ahead with my cards. I think about all the holidays I've missed and how I tend to even send out Birthday cards late! Jay always gives me a hard time and says "But you MAKE cards!" So I'm currently working on teacher gifts, Thanksgiving cards, and Halloween goodies. And it's only August!!

I'm featuring the lovely Kaela in a simple layout, and even pulled out some rather pretty trim (mostly hidden, but I know it's there). I added sewing (of course) and used papers from the Crafty Stack, and the sentiment is Stampin' Up's Teeny Tiny Wishes.

And a close up of course.

This meets the following challenges:

Stamp Insanity - Anything Goes
Fab N Funky - #86 A Stitch in Time

Flower for You with Bugaboo

2011-08-13T05:00:00.002-06:00

Hello and hope you are having a great Saturday. Today at Catch the Bug, the new challenge this week is:

DISTRESSED/SHABBY CHIC

I'm using one of my favorite Bugaboo characters, Deacon:

Using kraft, I went with a crisscross card. The DP is digi paper from MyGrafico with lots of Ranger Tea ink. The inside card is also kraft, using eyelets to secure the tab.

I HAD to include an upclose of this charmer. I put glaze on the skull eyes and leaves, shoes (I'm ALL for shiny shoes!), and heart.

Thank you for your visit and I hope you have a lovely weekend. You can enter this challenge and see the rest of the DT inspiration at Catch the Bug. Also, there is currently a sale going on at Bugaboo!

I Have Crabs

2011-08-11T08:00:00.003-06:00

And aren't they just SO CUTE?! They come from a set called Craboodle from Just Some Lines. There are a total of 4 crabs in the set, but I thought 3 would be perfect.

This is a long card - 8.5" by 4". The "HELLO" was made in MTC and cut using my Cricut. I added a little sewing to each of the letters and glaze to the eyes.

Also a quick reminder that the current challenge at Just Some Lines Blog is OUTDOORS/SUMMER COLORS!!

I have attached the file should you want to use it. It has both the letters and shadow layer that fit perfectly on a long card.
HELLO.mtc file

Thanks for stopping by!

Thank You Brat

2011-08-06T05:00:00.001-06:00

Hello and Happy Saturday. Today at Catch the Bug, the new challenge is:

ANYTHING GOES!!

I made 4 of these for my little cousin to give to her daughter's teachers. I used the Bugaboo Brat on a ruler.

The layout is from Splitcoaststampers SC112 and the sentiment is my new fave set from Stampin' Up, Teeny Tiny Wishes. If you click for a larger view, you might be able to see the sewing and glaze.

Thanks for stopping by today and have a wonderful weekend!

Basket Full of Strawberries

2011-08-02T07:00:00.002-06:00

Hello and Happy Tuesday.

This Friday, Bean will finish her 2-week swim class. She has had a wonderful time...whether she can really swim, well, that's another story. But she is no longer afraid of the water, so that's a good thing!

This is a little gift for her swim teacher. Each strawberry holds 4 Hershey Kisses, and the basket/strawberries are an SVG from MyGrafico. It was a lot easier to put together than I thought it would be.

I thought I'd dress up the basket a little with even more Strawberries from Designed2Delight. I colored these with Copics and couldn't decide on whether to put them on front or use them as a tag. I hope I made the right decision....but now where do I put a little "thanks for being so sweet" sentiment?" I'll work this out before Friday when Bean presents this to her teacher.

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

This will be entered in the following challenges:

Craft Your Passion - #69 Anything Goes
Kaboodle Doodles - #78 In the Garden
Paper Playtime - #51 Digi Monday & Summer

Splash Step Card

2011-07-30T05:00:00.000-06:00

Hello and Happy Saturday! Today a new challenge has been set at Catch the Bug:

SPLASH!

This is my first attempt at a Center Step Card:

I've been seeing these all over the place so I just had to give it a go! I know, I know, a little plain and simple, but it's for Rhys' 4th birthday (and kids don't mind). Oh my! I should have added a "4" somewhere! Well, I think I will do that before giving it to him.

Papers are just plain CS, sentiment is Stampin' Ups Teeny Tiny Wishes, and the fab Bugaboo image is Sunbonnet Fish 2 colored with Copics and PrismaPremier markers. Oh, and the water is paper pieced and the waves are from Zoobaloo (cut to length at 5 3/4").

So watcha think? I wasn't completely comfortable with this fold, but now that I've done it once, I think it's a keeper!

Thanks so much for stopping by and don't forget to enter your water fun project at Catch the Bug!!

Shrink Film Earrings

2011-07-27T05:00:00.001-06:00

Hello and Happy Wednesday! I hope you're enjoying your summer. For me, it's way too HOT!!

Today I'm sharing earrings I made using Shrink film and Jacobean Blocks from Bugaboo Stamps.

I started out with some Shrink Film I got from Hobby Lobby (using a 40% off coupon). Instructions are on the back, but basically, open a Word document, open your images, and print just like you would on regular paper.

I printed my images at 2" because they are supposed to shrink down 1/2 size.

Here I have lightly colored my images with Copics, cut them out with scissors and used the larger hole punch on my Cropadile. Do all cutting and hole punching BEFORE shrinking. You can either put these babies in the oven or use your embossing gun (which is what I do since I'm too lazy to wait for the oven to heat up).

These are ready to wear!!

Thanks so much for visiting today!

Snow Business

2011-07-21T05:00:00.000-06:00

Hello and hope you're enjoying all the fun at Catch the Bug this week as we celebrate Christmas in July. Today's mini challenge is:

SNOW BUSINESS

I'm using Snowman Bells:

Again, something simple and flat! I dusted off my Cuttlebug dies for the snowflakes and added a little sewing and glaze.

Thank you for visiting today and you can enter your Snow Business (Snow related) creation at Catch the Bug!

Bird on Branch

2011-07-19T11:01:00.002-06:00

Hello and Happy Tuesday. I have a quick post today to share a card using Bird on a Branch by Just Some Lines.

I'm using yet another fab layout by Eat Sleep Stamp! The Bird image does NOT come with the sentiment. I actually got the sentiment from TLC (Freebie). The white space on the Bird image is great for making the image so diverse!

So that's my quickie today! Thanks so much for stopping by and visiting. Oh and one more thing, the current challenge at Just Some Lines blog is: EASEL CARDS!

Bugaboo and Non Traditional Colors

2011-07-18T05:00:00.000-06:00

Today the fun continues at Catch the Bug's Christmas in July Celebration with:

NON TRADITIONAL COLORS

So the first thing I did was pull out some Easter looking DP:

I don't really know if they were all smiles on the way to the manger, but this image sure brings a smile to MY face! OK, I wasn't sure about the little corner flourish. I've had these Sizzix dies for FOREVER and haven't used them once...till now. Think it's too much? Out of place?

Anyway, thanks for stopping by and you can enter today's mini challenge of Non Traditional Colors at Catch the Bug!!

Christmas In July Hop

2011-07-16T05:00:00.000-06:00

Hello and Happy Saturday! Today is the start of the Catch the Bug Bugaboo blog hop as well as the kickoff of all the fun to be held all week long to celebrate Christmas in July. Thank you for joining me today! If you are here from Joy's Blog, then you are right on track. If you just happened to visit little ol' me, than let me encourage you to go to the Beginning of the hop!

Today I'm using Snowman Ornament - I have a thing for snowmen at Christmas time.

I'm using a fairly simple layout - since my cards go through the mail I try to make them Post Office friendly. Why the two little green dots on the right side of the snowman? Because I had a fight with my glue - and the glue won!!

Sentiment is from my new favorite Stampin' Up set, Teeny Tiny Wishes.

Again, thanks for the visit. Leave me a comment for a chance to win this Snowman image.

Next on the hop is the talented Julie!

Christmas In July

2011-07-14T12:43:00.002-06:00

Just a reminder of the upcoming Blog hop:

Fun every day of the week....oh, and did I mention PRIZES?!

Stacked Birds

2011-07-07T05:00:00.003-06:00

Hello and welcome to Oldie But Goody day - which is when the Catch the Bug DT dusts off older yet much loved Bugaboo images!

I think this trio is so cute and versatile. I also dusted off some new nesties and a MS punch! And no sewing! I'm trying to not be so dependent on my machine.

Thank you so much for stopping by my quick post today! I appreciate your visit.

Bird Party

2011-07-06T07:00:00.000-06:00

Hello and hope you're having a great Wednesday.

Today I'm sharing a card for this weeks challenge over at Designed2Delight:

IT'S MY PARTY

using Birday Party and lots of bright colors!

I also decided to do a "long fold" - see how the card opens on the right instead of the bottom? LOL! Oh how I amuse myself! It's the little things in life that keep me going!!

Also, in case you don't already have this weeks freebie, here's a preview:

What this means for you: Pick up this image for FREE. Use it in your creation by tomorrow night (I know, only one day left, sorry), enter it at D2D, and get next weeks stamp FREE in your email.

Again, have a great day and thank you for the visit. Please feel free to leave a comment - I enjoy every single one!

Birthday Brat

2011-07-02T05:00:00.001-06:00

Hello and Happy Saturday! I hope you are having a wonderful weekend so far!

Today at Catch the Bug, the challenge this week is:

ANYTHING GOES

And we all know those are the easiest challenges out there, so I hope you will play along!

I love the Brat line! And this layout from Cards and Things is great to show off the DP. I had socks with this same pattern....when I was younger and more adventurous with my wardrobe. Oh how I miss those days of Guess Jeans, Benetton shirts, and Swatch watches. *Sigh*

So join along this week with your Anything Goes creation for you chance to win big at Catch the Bug! And thank you so much for stopping by.

Patriotic Snowman

2011-06-29T08:00:00.000-06:00

Hello and Happy Wednesday.

Know what's good about challenges? Getting a head start on Christmas cards! I had every intention of making a card a week...but boy did that fail in a heartbeat! But I still have time. Over at Designed2Delight, the challenge this week is:

RED, WHITE, BLUE & CHRISTMAS TOO!

Today I'm using Heartfelt Wishes, colored with Copics and accented with Glossy Accents. I think this is a GREAT color combo for Christmas - and we are quite the patriotic family. I don't think you can see the embossing too well, but I did dust off some Cuttlebug folders for this one! I'm also using a new Stampin' Up sentiment set called Teeny Tiny Wishes. GREAT set!

Thanks so much for stopping by today.

This will be entered in the following challenges:

Die Cut Dreams - #92 Red, White & Blue
Paper Playtime - #49 Digi and Red, White & Blue
Sketch & Stash - Layout #64 (Stash - embossing folders, New - SU stamp set)
Woodware USA - #33 Patriotic Theme and/or Colors

Super Sweet Emo

2011-06-28T08:00:00.003-06:00

Hello and Happy Tuesday! Hope your weekend was relaxing!

Today I want to share one of my favorite characters from Just Some Lines. Her name is Emo Amber:

I've had this paper for forever and never once thought I'd use it since it's so bright, but hopefully I pulled it off! Sentiment is from Stampin' Up's Teeny Tiny Wishes.

I colored her with Copics and then fussy cut. I used plenty of pop dots and glaze for dimension. Another thank you card for my ma. And even thought it's so bright, I actually like the look. I don't know why I shy away from bright papers....maybe I'll try more.

Thank you for visiting and have a super great day!

This will be entered in the following challenges:

Bows & Berries - Thank You
Creative Stamp Friends - #28 Dots
Stamps R Us - There Was a Little Girl...
The Crafty Pad - #127 Bold & Bright

Felt Gift Tag

2011-06-27T05:00:00.002-06:00

Hello and Happy Monday. I recently saw a lovely flower made of felt out in blogland. I thought there could be so many variations on it, including this gift tag/topper. I sewed the felt pieces together and I'm going to affix a pin to the back so this can be worn by the birthday boy!

I'm using a Bugaboo stamp, and today is ABC (Anything But a Card) day at Catch the Bug! So please stop by and take a look at all the great inspiration!

**********************
I want to take a moment to say Good Bye to my good boy Jack. With tears in my eyes and ache in my heart, I know he's in a better place without pain. At 13 years old and 120 pounds...he will be missed and remembered.

Thank you for your visit.

Old Age Fun

2011-06-25T05:00:00.002-06:00

Hello and hope you're having a great Saturday! Today we are attending a birthday party and some type of western thing. Anyway, today is also Catch the Bug challenge day, and the new challenge is:

RED, WHITE & BLUE
AND RIBBON TOO!

Most people think 4th of July, but I was in need of a birthday card for my Ma. And Stella is tops for birthdays! I used this week's sketch from Eat Sleep Stamp, added sewing on the panels that's impossible to see (but it's there, I promise), and glaze.

I made a little ribbon rose. I simply took around 10" of ribbon, ran a long stitch on the lower half with needle and thread, pulled one end of the thread, and it rolls up just like a flower.

And of course, I had to include a Stella sentiment on the inside. Hopefully my Ma will get a kick out of this one.

Thanks for stopping by!

Gift Card Holders

2011-06-23T10:48:00.002-06:00

Hello all and Happy Thursday! I haven't been feeling well lately, so I have a few things to catch up on!

A couple weeks ago, I went to a Stampin' Up class to learn to make cards with built-in gift card holders. We made a total of 4 different styles and here are the first two:

The front of this card is shorter than the back and we got to use a really nifty punch.

The gift card holder also uses a punch - similar to a 4 petal fold. We folded two of the petals to create a heart, and voila! SO cute and simple!

Nice masculine card.

Inside hides the gift card so beautifully! This one is a really nice design.

Anyway, thanks for stopping by my quick post today! Have a wonderful day!

Hey Big Boy

2011-06-15T09:16:00.004-06:00

Hello! It's HUMP DAY!

I got this sexy lady a while back from Kenny K Designs and have been a little intimidated to actually use it. Well, last night I pulled out my Copics....LOTS of Copics and got coloring.

This is for my DH for Father's Day. From ME tho, NOT Bean! I'm still trying to think of something witty to put on the inside. He loves Kenny K stuff - I've shown him Cheryl's site many times as I brag about her gorgeous cards, so I know he'll really appreciate this.

A close up of course. I think I could have put way more "texture" in her hair - I'm not used to coloring in SO much hair and went wild with the darker colors. Oh well. I tried. Jay's favorite color is orange but I don't really have orange markers, so I went with my favorite (blue) to also go along with the challenge at Kenny K.

And a quick shout out to my DH who got me these lovely roses this weekend.

Thank you for stopping by!

My card will be entered in the following challenges:

Kenny K - #49 Favorite Color (Blue)
Cards 4 Men - #12 Blue & Black (this worked perfectly!)
Card Positioning Systems - Layout #222

Make: Stuffed Owl Friend

2011-06-14T11:45:00.000-06:00

Hello and Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a great weekend.

Today I'm sharing a little something I made for Bean a few weeks ago. She was running a pretty high fever for a few days with no other symptoms. She's so good at keeping her spirits up, but she was miserable.

So I put this together in a little under an hour using nothing but fleece scraps. She LOVES it!

It's such a generous size too. Want to make your own? Check out the FREE pattern and tutorial at Make It and Love It. Oh, and when I have enough supplies, I make things in threes for Bean's favorite little cousins...so they'll be getting one of these too!

Pearls & Lace

2011-06-11T05:00:00.000-06:00

Hello and hope you're having a GREAT weekend! My nephew is in town for a few weeks, so we will be going to Explora (a wonderful hands on science center) today, and steaks for my birthday tomorrow. It's already a BUSY weekend - but it's all good.

Today a new challenge has been set at Catch the Bug:

PEARLS & LACE

I don't really use either pearls or lace much, so I had to dig deep in my stash to find some supplies!

I LOVE these Kid Toppers. They can pretty much be for ANY occasion. See my lace? It's hiding a bit....well, so are the pearls! The layout is yet another fabulous sketch from Eat Sleep Stamp. I believe this is Thank You card #10 (out of 30) for my Ma.

And THANK YOU for your visit and don't forget to check out Catch The Bug for more DT fun and inspiration! Have a WONDERFUL day.

Just a quick pic of my first bloom in my flower garden. I believe these are some type of lily. The colors kind of match the card above!

O Christmas Tree

2011-06-09T08:00:00.000-06:00

Hello and Happy Thursday. You know, in January I had good intentions to make a few Christmas cards a month. Well, so far I've only made one...well, two if you count this one:

I'm using a Dollar Delight from Designed2Delight called Christmas Tree. Super easy to color up - used Copics and Ranger for shading. The sentiment is Stampin' Up's Holiday Best.

Great and simple layout from Splitcoaststampers (SC50) - fairly CAS. I didn't want to add too much and kept it as flat as possible. I find these cards make it through the mail a lot easier.

So two Christmas cards down!! LOL!. Well, I guess you always have to start somewhere right? Thanks so much for stopping by today! I appreciate each and every visit.

Summer Girl

2011-06-08T08:07:00.006-06:00

Hello and hope you're having a wonderful Wednesday and that your air is clean. I don't know if anyone knows about the fires in Arizona, but the smoke has carried over to New Mexico and our skies are yucky, ash is falling, and the sun is orange-red in the evenings and you can look at it with the naked eye. Oh, and it's bad for our health. But hopefully, everyone in AZ is safe!

Today I want to share a little Summer Girl with you. I've had this set for a while from Just Some Lines. There are a total of 5 girls, and I hope to share more of them!

Can you believe NO sewing this time! I thought this would work as a thank you card for my Ma's stack. Plus, I was attempting to keep this under 1/2 hour. It helps to have a sketch: from Card Positioning Systems.

I tried to keep her as soft as possible using Copics and especially depending on my blending pen. Sentiment is from Stampin' Up's Trendy Trees.

Anyway, that's it for today. We have an early morning eye appointment for Bean and then off to work. Thanks so much for taking a peek today.

Thanks for Your Support

2011-06-07T05:00:00.000-06:00

Hello and hope you're having a GREAT Tuesday. It's New Release Tuesday over at Bugaboo Stamps, and check out this FAB image:

Nothing like undies on the line to brighten someones day!! Colored with Copics and Prismas, fussy cut, and hung on hemp...I didn't realize until after it was all said and done, that the undies were already on their own line!! Oh well, I ran it by my DH and he loved it.

The inside reads: Thanks for Your Support. Another Thank You card for my Ma. I made the background the best I could...it's supposed to look like clouds. The layout is this weeks Card Patterns!

Thanks for stopping by and feel free to check out the rest of the new releases at Bugaboo and all the other inspiration at Catch the Bug!

Father's Day Fish

2011-06-05T08:00:00.000-06:00

Hello and hope you are having a GREAT Sunday! I want to let you know about the latest challenge over at Designed2Delight:

MASCULINE CARD & NO FLOWERS

Because really, how many guys really like flowers on their cards?

Of course, other sentiments could be "Great Catch", "Happy Birthday", "There's Plenty of Fish in the Sea" oh I could go on and on....especially with some a little more "adult" like.

So I printed my image, pulled out my Ranger inks (4 colors total), and started blending all over the image. I saved my brighter colors for the fish. Then I fussy cut around the frame and added black CS (also fussy cut) to make a layer. I'm using yet another great sketch from Eat Sleep Stamp.

Thanks for stopping by!!

Thanks a Latte

2011-06-04T05:00:00.001-06:00

Hello and hope you're having a GREAT Saturday!! Of course, Saturday's are challenge day at Catch the Bug, and this weeks challenge is:

ANYTHING GOES

And since I'm still working on my Thank You cards for my Ma (3 down, 27 to go), I made three of these "Thanks a Latte" cards (which brings me to 6 down, 24 to go!):

Ava is one of my favorite characters, and of course I ADORE coffee! I'm using a really old mat stack that I rediscover every couple of months (I think I will have this stack till the end of time!!). I did a rather simple layout (since I made 3) with plenty of "white" space.

Close up of glossy goodness. Thanks so much for stopping by and hope you'll enter your Anything Goes creation this week at Catch the Bug!

U Rock

2011-06-02T09:38:00.005-06:00

Hello and Happy Thursday! Today is HOT and humid, and I don't even want to think about doing anything outside today.

I want to share a card I put together last night:

This little cutie is from Tiddly Inks, colored with Copics, die cut with Nesties and shaded with Ranger ink. There's lots of sewing on this since there are SO many layers. The sentiment is from one of those $1 sets of individual alpha stamps from Michaels.

See the little decoration on the bottom - the blue and pink circles? Well, that's from my new Cricut cart: Birthday Cakes (cut at 1"). And guess what? I WON this CART from the talented Tracy! How awesome is that?! I NEVER win anything!

Close up as usual. And this card is already in the mail! Thank you for stopping by and I hope you visit me again!

This card will be entered in the following challenges:

Tiddly Inks - #52 Darling Diva (hope she's Diva-ish enough)
Party Time Tuesday - #18 Anything Goes
Sweet Sketch Wednesday - Sketch #104

Birthday Monkey

2011-05-28T05:00:00.003-06:00

Hello and Happy Saturday! Today a new challenge has been set at Catch the Bug:

BRIGHT COLORS & FLOWER SOFT

What is Flower Soft you ask? Well, take a look at the balloon:

All nice and fuzzy. If you check out the Catch the Bug blog, you will see many other examples of how this can be used. It was my first time, and I rather like the effect!

(Edited to add close up of texture)

I initially started out hoping to make a card for a friend who's turning 40....but it looks more like a card for a kid turning 4. So I think I'll save this for Rhys since he'll be turning 4....in NOVMBER! Woo-hoo, still ahead of the game on my cards!

So pull out your bright colors and join us this week at Catch the Bug! And have a GREAT Memorial Day weekend - thank you to all who have bravely served our country!!

This will be entered in the following challenges:

Party Time Tuesday - #17 Animals
Tuesday Morning sketches - sketch #95

Flamingo Freebie

2011-05-27T05:00:00.000-06:00

Hello and Happy Friday! What makes today particularly happy? A FREEBIE from Bugaboo Stamps!!

Going along with my Thank You cards, here's number 3 of 30:

Colored with Copics, sewing, embossing folder, Stampin' Up's Circle of Friendship sentiment, nesties. So you can snatch up this lovely for free for one week!

Thanks for visiting my incredibly short post today! Oh, and I hope you will check out Catch the Bug to leave a little love and check out all the other DT's gorgeous work.

This will be entered in the following challenges:

Digital Tuesday - #112 Add Some Texture
Ladybugs Craft - #29 Animals (is a bird an animal?)
Paper and Such - Sketch

Honey Bear

2011-05-25T08:00:00.002-06:00

Hello all and Welcome to Wednesday! Today I bring you another thank you card:

I'm using a lovely image from Designed2Delight colored with Copics and the layout is from Sketch Saturday.

Close up of all the detail - take a look at her face....SO sweet!

Thanks for visiting today. I really appreciate it.

Sweet Gabriela

2011-05-24T08:00:00.004-06:00

Hello all and Happy Tuesday. I hope you had a wonderful weekend! We were pretty productive this weekend: yard work, cleaned the car...hmmm, it seemed like we did a LOT more than that LOL!!

Well, I'm currently working on an "order" for my mom who is in need of 30 thank you cards. Here is one using the adorable Gabriela from Just Some Lines:

I colored her with Copics and added Glossy Accents to her curls. Sewing of course and the sentiment is from Stampin' Ups Trendy Trees.

A close up as usual. I just think she's so sweet. Also, the first JSL Challenge is up: SCHOOL COLORS/GRADUATION THEME!!

Thanks for visiting today and have a wonderful day!

This meets the following challenges:

Card Positioning Systems - Layout CPS219
Paper Sundaes - #70 Pop It Up (entire image is popped up)

Look Hoo's Graduating

2011-05-21T05:00:00.003-06:00

Hello and Happy Saturday! The new challenge this week at Catch the Bug is:

GRADUATION OR CELEBRATION

I think this little Graduation Owl is da bomb!

I feel like a cheated a bit on this card but the DP is just so pretty and I didn't want to cover it up too much. So the layout is pretty simple. Image colored with Copics and Prismapremiers, nestabilities, ribbon....yup, that's about it.

Close up of the glittery belly and glossy accents. And this challenge came just in time! My cousin is having her High School graduation today! Hope she likes the card.

Thanks for joining me today and have a wonderful weekend! Beanie also has a birthday party this weekend for a classmate who's turning 4. How fun!!

Drummer Girl

2011-05-20T13:12:00.004-06:00

Hello all and Happy Friday! Got a quick post today. My BFF is turning 40 this year...in December! Talk about being ahead of the game!! But I saw this stamp and knew I needed it just for her.

The stamp is from Pollycraft colored with Copics. I added glitter, glaze, and sewing as usual. My friend DJ actually has long hair and plays drums for her church, so this is PERFECT!! The stars are Plantin Schoolbook at 3/4" and the "40" is from Mickey Font cut at 1/2".

Close up as usual. Thanks so much for visiting today and hope you have a great weekend!

This meets the following challenges:

Pollycraft - #93 Music
Digital Tuesday - #111 Seeing Stars
Card Positioning Systems - this weeks layout

Love of the Game

2011-05-17T10:58:00.003-06:00

Hello and Happy Tuesday! So it's now baseball season and Beanie has been asking to go to a game (which reminds me to check the schedule!!).

So I thought I'd make a little gift for her to go along with some tickets!

I upcycled a jar, put in some candies, and made a tag to dress it up a bit. We all enjoy the games even though it is minor league.

Oh, and it's New Release Tuesday at Bugaboo and Catch the Bug - and this little guy is one of the new releases! So please take a peek!

Go Topes!!

Mildred on Exercise

2011-05-14T05:00:00.000-06:00

Hello and Happy Saturday! Finals are OVER, the sun is shinning, life is good!

Today I want to share a card made for the new challenge at Catch the Bug:

POLKA DOTS & STRIPES

I made this (and it's already in the mail) for my Ma. Since she retired, the woman has been at the senior center 4 - 5 times a week, exercising her butt off! I'm so proud of her!

I on the other hand have been extremely lazy...and I AM an avid coffee drinker! DP is Me & My Big Ideas, stamp is Mildred colored with Copics, nesties, Ranger Ink, and sewing.

Layout is Eat Sleep & Stamp (I LOVE her layouts and they're a great jumping off point!). A little close up so you can see the awesome sentiment that came with the stamp.

So don't forget to join us at Catch the Bug and have a wonderful weekend!