Deck the Halls and Rootin' Tootin' Christmas...(+freebie)

A Sketch Challenge at Catch the Bug
Wacky Wednesday Challenge at CDAC/PCP

both sponsored by Bugaboo Stamps

The Rudolph images are sooooo stinkin' cute! He makes me happy!  This is Rudolph-Ornament.  I'm having a ball this week with the mini challenges....I hope you are too!  Head over to see some fantastic creations with the SKETCH by fellow DT members at Catch the Bug Challenge post.

Easel card. I did a slightly different version of my Christmas ball svg

A2 size, copics, ribbon, glitter, stitching, die cut svg

There is a Cowboy Christmas theme challenge going on at CDAC  and PCP sponsored by Bugaboo.  I have one cousin living in Texas who will probably get this card or Rae Anne!  Dottie is my country girl.  I don't like shoes, but I love my boots!  I "totally scraplifted" from Renee'.  When something's not broke...don't fix.  There isn't anything I wanted to change.  The boot svg is a FREEBIE from SVGCuts.  Head over and get it!  I love FREE!

5x5, copics, stitching embellishments

Download: xmas balls  (svg)

Svg file will be available for 5 days...ENJOY!!!

(For a cleaner cut, I suggest not using bazzil paper )

Challenges:

Christmas Inspirations – Challenge #29 Anything Goes.

I Did It Creations – Challenge #64 Animals.

Do You Stack Up -  sewing (real or faux)

Creative Card Crew – Animal Antics.

Ruby Xmas - NEW RELEASE (+freebie svg)

at Bugaboo Stamps

Yippee!!!

Ruby is the New Release and also a FREEBIE for today's challenge....how cool is that!!  Head over to the Catch The Bug Challenge Blog and get her. Ruby has always reminded me of the character Flo on the old TV comedy, "Mel's Diner".  When she had had enough of someone, she would say, "well, just kiss my grits!" (Yup, showing my age again!)

I created a one-side-step card and continue with non-traditional colors.   I also made the ornament svg, today's freebie!

A2, stitching, copics, foil, MS punch, AC cardstock, made hook and clasp from thin wire

side view

DOWNLOAD:  Noel Ornament   (svg)
Svg will be available for 5 days....ENJOY!

Challenges:
CES:  Christmas
Digi Stamps 4 Joy - Christmas

Hooray for Monday!

TWO important postings this morning...

1) "Christmas in July Blog Hop" continues....YIPPEE!

2) New Release day for Paper Pretties...HOORAY!

Today's mini challenge at Catch the Bug is "non-traditional Christmas colors".  I have toned it down today.  My Snowman Ornament #1 card is CAS(clean/simple) . It was created as a masculine Christmas card...so no foo foo LOL

Oh My!  You must check out the other fabulous cards at Bugaboo HERE.

DCWV paper, Fiskar border punches, spellbinders, copics, stitching, ribbon

And now.....Paper Pretties NEW RELEASE DAY ! 

This little fellow ALWAYS makes me smile.  I love happy cards so I just had to choose him to honor on New Release Day at Paper Pretties. And and and, he's at one of my "happy places" .... the WATER!!!!  Check out what the DT has created with the "2" new release images.  You heard correct...TWO new release images today...WOW

Use your imagination...that's a big splash in top left corner LOL
A2 size, lots of pop-ups for waves, copics and an embellishment

Side view of my one-step card

Challenges:

Crafty Pad - Christmas in July

Creative Inspirations - Christmas in July

Two Sisters - #48 Christmas in July

Christmas Card Challenge - Christmas in July

Paper Sundaes - Christmas in July (10 Combos, 1 of 3)

Jelly Park Friends Friday Challenges - Christmas in July Anything Goes (1 of 2)

Christmas Inspirations - Christmas Theme Anything Goes (1 of 2 Entries)

Lollipop Crafts - Anything Goes

Inspire me Fridays - Anything Goes

Digis with an Attitude! Challenges - Anything Goes

Forget About Being the Early Bird.... (+ freebie)

Art Impression is having a "bird" challenge.  I used Birdie & Egg Carton. They have some fav stamps and crazy sentiments to boot. I was trying to make the chick a "Rhode Island Red" since that's where my DB and SIL live. I left head white just because I wanted to...haha

Don't forget to check back at Catch the Bug "Christmas in July Blog Hop" challenges that will be going on all week!  Lots of prizes and surprises!

5x5, coffee cup svg, copics, stitching, raffia, chicken wire stamp

Download:  coffee cup  (svg)

Svg will be available for 5 days...ENJOY!!!

Challenges:
Art Impression - so me your bird

Warm Winter Wishes

Bugaboo Christmas Blog Hop

Ho Ho Ho....welcome to the hop!!!
So many prizes and surprises...


If you just came from Sue (SCS Gallery), you are in the right place in the hop.  Or, if you are just starting, start HERE(Catch The Bug blog).

I have many friends that don't get snow during the Christmas season nor "chestnuts roasting on an open fire"...more like a pig roasting in an open pit!...haha  I chose Crab image from Bugaboo and created a half step card. I turned the digi into an svg and made the bulb svg last year.  

Someone will be the lucky winner of the crab image or another image of your choice that you see on another member's site" today".  I'm allowing this option since the crab isn't really a Christmas image...so you will have a choice. Leave a comment for a chance to win a free image from Bugaboo.

I'm revisiting my bulb svg and offering it as a freebie for next two days.

Side view of "half step card"

You are almost at the end of the hop.  I hope you had a great time hopping along.  Your LAST stop is  at Catch The Bug HERE. AND....You must leave your name at the linkz to be eligible for the prizes.

DOWNLOAD:  Christmas bulbs   (SVG)

Svg will be available for 5 days...ENJOY!!!

Challenges:

Fairy Knoll ~ Christmas in July    

Inspire Me Fridays ~ Anything Goes

Simply Create ~ Christmas Time   

 Stamp Something ~ Christmas in July

Stampin With The Dragon ~ Christmas in July    

Craft Us Crazy ~ Christmas in July

Digistamps 4 Joy ~ Christmas    

Simon Says ~ Anything Goes    

Digis with an Attitude - Anything Goes

Tag....Your it!!!

Freebie Friday

at Bugaboo Stamps

What a wonderful Freebie Friday image Jodie has created!  Just darling! It's called Bear Xmas tag.

The big Christmas in July Blog Hop begins tomorrow.  I hope you are as excited as we are!!! Fun, prizes, inspiration and surprises.  Doesn't get much better that that!!!

Challenges:

Christmas Brat

There's a Challenge going on

at CDAC

sponsored by Bugaboo Stamps

That's right....a fun challenge...with it comes a freebie image from Bugaboo Stamps and a lovely little sketch for the challenge.  Oh my..you must head over and join the fun!

I chose Christmas Brat Dress for the sketch challenge.  I opted for non-traditional colors and put my copics to it!

"Imagine" charm...little girl can only imagine what's in store for Christmas.

5x5, stitching, MS punch, distressed edges and inked

Graphics 45 paper "Once Upon A Springtime" collecion

Challenges:

Fresh Brewed Designs - Month long challenge- 2 designer papers, 2 embellishments, 2 shapes
Fresh Brewed Designs - at 3 of any one thing

Masters in Shopping

(2nd Posting today)
Wacky Wednesday Challenge

CDAC and PCP

(sponsored by Bugaboo Stamps)

JJ - Shopping Diva from Bugaboo Stamps says it all! ( I love shopping for "things" for my cards).  I don't like shopping for clothes or shoes.  I'm short, wasn't blessed if you know what I mean, and my feet are shaped like box cars. But, I can sure tell you what looks good on YOU or doesn't! LOL

Min sure put the challenge on me.  I had to make my own background paper not having anything that had all the fun, bright colors. LOL

I made this a bookmark card.  I found this recipe several years ago, but don't know where so I made up my own little tutorial. Check yesterday's post.

A2, copics, stitching, ribbon, embellishments

Opened so you can see bookmark that can be easily torn out.

Challenges:
For Fun Challenges - one extra fold
Cupcake Inspiration - bright colors

It's a Card....It's a Bookmark!!

Tutorial Wednesday

at Bugaboo Stamps

I learned this little trick several years ago.  I made my own quick tutorial to share with you. Being a crafter, I assure you that you have everything that is needed to make this card/bookmark. After the recipient has read your card, they can gently tear off the attached bookmark and have a little keepsake.

Step 1:

Cut your cardstock 5 1/2" x 11"

Step 2.

Score paper at 4 1/4"

 Step 3.

Now score at 8 1/2"

 Step 4.

Using perforation tool, go down the 8 1/2" scoring line you just made.  NOTE:  You can use a piercing tool and punch holes down the 8 !/2" scoring line OR using a Xacto blade, make tiny slices off and on down the 8 1/2" scoring line)  

Step 5.

After perforating, fold with bone and put a good crease in it.  Fold it backwards and forward again, so it will be a little easier to tear/pull off.

 Step 6.

Make a nice, clean crease at the 4 1/4" score line.

 Step 7.

I tape or staple my ribbon to bookmark/tag area first, then tape my layers.

THAT'S IT!!! Put whatever you want on the front.  Fits into A2 size envelope. 

Tools and supplies needed....

11x 5 1/2" cardstock

Perforating tool (cuttlebug makes one, a piercing tool, or xacto knife)

Scoring tool (Scor-Pal, Martha Stewart scorer, your cutting tool may have a scoring area)

Bone (or way to make clean, crisp crease)

Your imagination for the front and bookmark area

Challenges:
Crafts and Me - Summertime
Paper Pretties - animal

Knobby Knees

NEW RELEASE Tuesday

at Bugaboo Stamps

Aren't these knobby knee kids just darlin'! Their little figures just make me smile....maybe her knees remind me of my childhood days...haha

Knobby Knee Candy Cane is the newbie at Bugaboo Stamps.  I chose to place her in a lever card from the Svgcuts "Breezy Backyard Lever Card" set.  Fun fun fun!!! The set is so versatile.  The candy canes are from Svgcuts "Comets Candy Land"set.  Check out the New Release post HERE.

Got out my trusty light weight sledge hammer for the open brads....no sissy tools for ME!

Breezy Backyard Lever Card

Inside angle view

Pressed flat for mailing in a 5x5 envelop

Challenges:

Hang In There!

"Clean and Simple" Challenge

at Catch the Bug Blog

Ok....I'm a tomboy at heart but I do get into darling girly things at times and Some Support - Hang In There at Bugaboo Stamps fit the bill for me! So stinkin' cute!  I think I met the requirements for "Clean and Simple"..LOL  Head to the challenge HERE and also check out what my fellow DT members created...fun fun fun!

The swing card template (found in CARD category) is a freebie from Penny Duncan.  However, I made the pink interlining in SCAL.

A2, copics, punch, scallop circle spellbinder

card flattened ( I cut 7x5.5)

Challenges:
Sentimental Sundays - anything goes + sentiment
The Crafty Pad - Style of card

Joy Joy Joy

FREEBIE FRIDAY!!!

at Bugaboo Stamps

"Joy Word Art"

Gosh....I love every day at Bugaboo Stamps and certainly Freebie Friday is no exception! The Christmas in July Blog Hop is just around the corner.  I've feeeeeelin' the excitement! Check out HERE what the DT has done with this darling image.

 Joy Word Art(I also added Desiree Sitter) was cut out 2 different ways and welded in SCAL.  I then gold embossed the "J and Y"...everything else was copics.  A little stitching,button, ribbon, glitter, and  I call it done for now.

A2, holly embossing folder on gold foil cardstock

"Let's Eat" Carrier

"Oldies but Goodies"

at Bugaboo Stamps

What a fun day!!  Instead of a card, I went "outside the box", well, actually outside the "cake carrier".

A wonderful, generous person gave me some free vinyl.  I saw Tammy's cake carrier and knew I had to give it a try.  I used all scraps, including carrier and ribbon..haha  Since this was my first attempt, I didn't want to chance using something new....so it REALLY is an oldie day.

My image... Picnic Ant, at Bugaboo Stamps, of course...haha! ( I changed jpeg to svg). I can not share the svg. The original image is sole property of Jodie at Bugaboo Stamps.

Pop over to Oldie but Goodie Day at Bugaboo and check out what some of the other team members did....just more fun for you!

Back side using "picnic ant"

Front side, my initials using Curlz font
Perhaps I should had put "Carolina Girl"

Challenges:

Let's Do Lunch... (+ freebie)

Wacky Wednesday

at CDAC

........sponsored by Bugaboo Stamps.  Yippee!  It's a sketch challenge.  I could really use some lessons on sketch techniques so that's why I love being given one to follow...one less thing for me to think about..haha

All the flamingo images are so stinkin' cute.  I just couldn't wait to use one.  I even included the picnic ant.  Hey...they can be friends!  When do you not see an ant at a picnic!!!!

I kept the papers pretty plain since my actual coloring image is so busy.  

5x5 easel card, copics, svg, stitching, embellishment

The svg is an oldie by me, but I will put it back up for downloading in case some of you missed it.

Download: palm tree cely  (svg)

Svg will be available for 5 days...ENJOY!!!

Challenges:
Wacky Wednesday  at PCP and CDAC: sketch
Alphabet challenge blog:  I is for Insect
The craft garden: use a bird (I used a cute flamingo)
Daisy Doodles:  Summer
Everybody Art Challenge: Shapes

New Release Tuesday at Bugaboo

NEW RELEASE TUESDAY

at Bugaboo Stamps

OH MY....so excited to have the chance to create a card with the snowman image.  Jodie never ceases to amaze me!...and the DT to boot!

Checkout what other DT members did HERE.

Get ready ladies and gents.....Christmas in July Blog Hop

July 16 - July 22

Something new, something different, something fun each day!

I chose "Snowperson" font for my letters and used the "NR snowman" as the "o".  I didn't realize how hard it was to color a snowman....I chose non-traditional Christmas colors and kept card clean and simple. 

A2, copics, stitching, punch, AC cardstock, glitter pen, wire hook, pearl drop

Challenges:

A Spoonful of Sugar:  sewing
One Stitch At a Time:  use a digi

ART IMPRESSION

ART IMPRESSION STAMPS

...the family has grown!

...that's right!  Welcome ladies Deloris , Barbara  and Renee have joined AI Design Team.  Check their today's post HERE. What a great choice!  I've been following Deloris for quite a while...is super in choosing the "just so perfect card" to go with her colors and layouts.  She's a guru of capturing the focal point of the image and leaving just a hint of embellishment for that extra little pop.  Check out the cards she has done and a few of my own.

Deloris creation with a Impression Obsession stamp

My card

My card

Now go check out what the lovely ladies have done now....    Deloris , Barbara  and Renee

Susie Homemaker ? (+freebie)

ANYTHING GOES CHALLENGE

at Bugaboo Stamps

It's Dottie Homemaker.... Dottie baking from Bugaboo Stamps.  It's Saturday's Catch the Bug Challenge.    It's only my 2nd day on the job as a guest designer and I'm having a ball.  My house is a wreck, but having a great time in craft room.. haha

It's a "telescope card". You Tube tutorial is HERE.  Great video.

I made the apple pie svg. Scallop apple svg was made to go around the apple that comes in the SCAL library.  Gotta love my Inkscape.

Always CLICK on any picture for a closer looksy.

5x5, stitching, copics, paper piercing, die cut svg, punches, brads

Download:  Apple scallop  (svg)

Download: apple pie  (svg)

Svgs will be available for 5 days...ENJOY!

Challenges:

Pals paper arts - Show your technique

The crafty pad - Bold and bright (good use of my primary colored paper)

Aud sentiments challenge: food or drink related

Easy Chicken Pot Pie (+freebie)

FREEBIE FRIDAY!!!!

at Bugaboo Stamps

I'm so excited!!!!!  Today is my first official day to start my position (July - August) as a guest designer from Bugaboo Stamps.  I'm silly with excitement, but a little nervous too...don't want to let them down after being asked to take such a wonderful position.  Somedays card ideas pop instantly into my head and other days....well, let's just say my noodles are not too bumpy..haha

This darling""Freebie Friday" Kitchen Chicken from Bugaboo Stamps couldn't have come at a better time.  Several friends wanted my easy chicken pot pie recipe so what a cute way to send it! Just untie the taffeta bow and it opens up or you could just pull up and out.  I like the option.  

I took the liberty of turning the image into an svg for the front of the card and left it as a jpeg for the recipe card. 

A2 size, stitching, copics, AC cardstock

CLICK ON ANY PIC TO GET A CLOSER LOOK!!!

Just take the spoons into SCAL or MTC, choose your size, and weld.....done! 

Download: Spoons and spoons crossed  (svg)

File will be available for 5 days...ENJOY!

Challenges:

Our Creative Corner:  anything goes

Die Cut Dreams:  red, white and blue

Craft Your Passions Challenges: red somewhere

Card Makin' Mamas:  red, white and blue

Stamp-n-doodle: animals and nature