Christmas In July Day Seven-Last Day

Oh the weather outside is frightful. but the Christmas In July challenges at Catch The Bug are so delightful!

Today is the last day for our annual Christmas In July celebration and I have had a ton of fun doing the challenges and showcasing some of the many wonderful Bugaboo Stamps Christmas images.  I hope you have had just as much fun doing the challenges with us.

Today is a treat because you get to get a free image.  Every friday, Jodie-the very generous owner and illustrator of Bugaboo Stamps, gives away a free image.  All you have to do is head over to Bugaboo Stamps and download it.  It's that easy!!

Today's Freebie Friday image is  JJ Merry Christmas and she's perfect for today's challenge!

The challenge is "Starts With A C" and since she's holding a candy cane in her hand, all you have to do is color her up and add her to your project!  

I kept with the candy cane theme and kept everything red and white.  I colored the image using a combo of PSE 12 and Copic markers.  It's Christmas so I added lots of ribbon accents and some bling to make it more festive!

Y'all have left so many nice comments this week and I thank each and everyone of you that came by and showed your love and support for Bugaboo Stamps.  I will be randomly drawing a name from all those lovely comments tomorrow and will post it Sunday morning!  

Thanks again for playing along!  Have an awesome weekend and take care!  Until next time!  TTFN

Crafty Hugs,
Becky G

Other Great Challenges:

Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas Challenge-Glam It Up
52 Christmas Card Throwdown-Christmas In July
Crafty Sentiments-Christmas In July
Just For Fun-Anything Goes

Christmas In July Day Six

Melekalikimaka is the thing to say on this bright Catch The Bug Christmas In July challenge day!

Okay so I really over did it on the song this time, just couldn't help myself.  You'll understand when you see the challenge for today.

It's a photo challenge and Bugaboo Stamps has this awesome set of Tropical Santas that are perfect for it.

I chose to feature Tropical Santa-Suntan but he got a little sunburned lying around in the hot sand and sun.  He really should have put on his sunblock.  I mean, seriously, he spends most of his time covered from head to toe in fur, he had to know he would get a nasty burn.  Lol

The bold colors were inspired by the colors of the flip flops, the embossed background was inspired by the sand.  I sponged on clouds to mimic the clouds in the photo.  I used a combination of PSE 12 and Copics to color the image. I think this is my favorite from the week.  It's just so much fun!

My sister would love this card.  She spent many years living in Hawaii and every year she would wish me a Melekalikimaka!

Be sure to stop by tomorrow for our Freebie Friday image and our final CIJ challenge 2014.

Until next time, have a great day and thanks for stopping by!  TTFN

Crafty Hugs,
Becky G

Other great challenges:

Crafty Boots-Christmas In July
Scrap Creations-Christmas In July
Sweet Stampin-Christmas In July
Sister Act-Anything Goes
Wags N Whiskers-Anything Goes

Christmas In July Day 5

You better watch out, you better not pout. Santa Clause is coming to Catch The Bug for day five of our week long Christmas In July celebration!

Oh my goodness, this week has been so much fun! Y'all have left the nicest comments and have done some awesome work on the challenges.  We are so happy and thankful to have you join us!

Wednesdays at Catch The Bug are for humorous cards but we're adding a Bingo challenge to it as well.

Now, the closest I came to humor on my card was the Santa's laughing (I put on my thinking cap, but just didn't come up with anything funny.  So weird for me.)  Anyhow, here is my "humorous" card featuring Bugaboo Stamps Make It Snappy- Ho Ho Ho Squares.

My Bingo is in the third row down.  Embossing (snowflakes folder) Polka Dots and A Bow.
I colored the image using a combination of PSE12 and Copic markers.

Be sure to stop back tomorrow for an Oldie But Goodie and a challenge.

Until next time, have a great day and thanks for stopping by!  TTFN

Crafty Hugs,
Becky G

Christmas In July Day Four

Over the river and through the woods to Catch The Bug's Christmas In July celebration we go!!!

Yep, we're still taking a break from the summer heat and celebrating Christmas In July!  I sure hope you are joining in on the fun!  If you're not, it's never too late and you could win some fabulous Bugaboo images.

Tuesday is New Release day at Bugaboo Stamps and you are gonna love the adorable image we are sharing with you today.  We are also doing a recipe challenge.  All you need for this challenge is a little kraft paper, a dash of embossing (wet or dry) add in a pinch of snowflake and you have it!  

Here is my card featuring the oh so cute Mouse Ornaments:

I colored the image using a combination of PSE 12 and added dimension using Copic markers.  For the snowflakes I used my Snowflake embossing folder and a few punched snowflakes (SU).

Isn't that little mouse the cutest?!!!  

Be sure to stop back tomorrow for our Humor Me Wednesday challenge!  I hope you're having as much fun as I am.

Until next time, have a great day and thanks for stopping by!  TTFN

Stamping Hugs,

Becky G

Fabulous Blog Challenges:

Crafty Boots-Christmas In July
Sunshine Mail-Anything Goes
Cards Galore Encore-Use  A Stamp Or Digi
Scrap Creations-Christmas In July
Sweet Stampin-Christmas In July

Christmas In July Day Three

We are still celebrating Christmas In July at Catch The Bug.  I hope you are joining us in all the challenges and are having as much fun as we are.  I can't wait to see all the fabulousness that will be coming out of our week long celebration!  

It's Monday which is traditionally Anything But A Card day  but we are adding a color inspiration twist to our creations.

  I have a fun Christmas Home Decor treat to show you that was super easy to create.  I featured Bugaboo Stamps Snowman Topper in this frame I picked up at the Dollar Store.  

I colored the image using a combo of PSE 12 and added highlights using Copic markers.  The snowflakes were die cut using the Cricut and Graphically Speaking cart.  

Super simple to do and it will add some holiday fun to your Christmas decor.

Be sure to check back tomorrow for Bugaboo's new release image!

Until next time, have a great day and thanks for stopping by!  TTFN

Crafty Hugs,
Becky G

Day 7 Our Final Challenge For Holiday Chaos

It's been a fun project filled week and I hope you've been inspired to create.  It's time for our final challenge at Catch The Bug.

Anything Goes

So head on over to your craft space and get started.

I've created a cute little hinged treat box and gift tag featuring Bugaboo Stamps Lil Snowman Star.

Inside:

Now it's your turn to get creative and have fun!

Until next time, have a great day and thanks for stopping by!  TTFN

Stamping Hugs,

Becky

Other great challenges:

Pile It On- P Is For (Packaging)

A Gem Of A Challenge-Anything Goes

Crafty Boots-Storybook Character (Frosty The Snowman)

Creative Inspirations-Inspired By Christmas

Divas By Design-Feeling Festive

Make It Monday-Anything Goes

Paper Crafting Journey-Christmas Time

Sweet Stampin-Ribbon

The Pink Elephant-Winter 

Day 5 Pick A Treat

Good day to you!  I hope you're enjoying the Holiday Chaos challenges at Catch The Bug.  I don't have a card or project to show you, but I wanted to post today's challenge  so that you could participate if you like.  Hope you'll join us!

Here is today's challenge based on yummy treats:

Gingerbread Cookies-Use 2 stripes, 3 brads or  bling, 4 layers

Sugar Cookies With Sprinkles-make a card any shape other than square or rectangle, 3 pieces of bling & ribbon.

Homemade Holiday Chocolates-use ONLY cardstock, no designer papers, embossing, 2 layers.

Spiked Egg Nog-Use a border punch, polka dots, glitter & and item of your choice.

Candy Canes-use red. white and stripes & bling.

Fruit Cake-Make a funny & use only scraps to create your card.

Have fun and thanks for stopping by!  TTFN

Stamping Hugs,

Becky

Day Two-Gift Wrapped

Are you ready for today's Catch The Bug Holiday Chaos challenge?

So you've been shopping and have some gifts to wrap so how about making your own packaging?

That's exactly what today's challenge is all about.  We're making bags, boxes, tags, anything but a card.

I've made this cute little and when I say little, I mean little. gift bag (it's 2 x3 and it's perfect for jewelry) and I'm featuring Bugaboo Stamps Christmas Window-Santa.

Now it's your turn to make some fun packaging!  Can't wait to see what you do!

Until next time, have a great day and thanks for stopping by!  TTFN

Stamping Hugs,

Becky

Other fun challenges:

2 Sisters-Anything Goes

Creative Inspiration-Merry Christmas

Divas By Design-Use Some Red

Make it Monday-Anything Goes

One Stitch At A Time-Use A Digi

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

Good morning and Happy Holidays. 

 Christmas is just around the corner and it will be here before we know it.  If you're thinking about making Christmas cards or gift bags, then you are gonna love today's New Release from Bugaboo Stamps!  He's Santa Candy Cane and he is so cute!  I recycled a plain kraft gift bag and he was the perfect fit for my project. 

Here's a closeup of the image:

Head on over to Bugaboo Stamps and grab him for your Christmas projects!

Until next time, have a great day and thanks for stopping by!  Oh, and have a very Happy Thanksgiving!  TTFN

Stamping Hugs,

Becky G

Christmas In July Day 6

I'm back with another Christmas In July challenge for you.

This one's an easy one.  Just make a tag!  Any tag will do!

I made this tag featuring Bugaboo Stamps Rudolph Tag.  I placed it on this matching 5x5x1.5 inch box with belly band that I made.

So tag, you're it!  Time for you to create your own and link it to the challenge found here at Catch The Bug.

Until next time, have a great day and thanks for stopping by!  TTFN

Stamping Hugs,
Becky G

Other challenges I've entered this project:

Inspire Me Fridays-Anything Goes
Creative Corner-Anything Goes
The Crafter's Cafe-Anything Goes
A Gem Of A Challenge-Spots/Striped Or Both

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christma.........Oh Wait!!!!!

 No, that can't be right!  It's the middle of July and hotter that hades outside!  That's what you're thinking?!  Right?!!

Well you would be correct!  No need to panic though!  It's just our third annual Christmas In July event at Bugaboo Stamps!

We're gonna be celebrating all week long with challenges, prizes, and some cool new Christmas images!  Even better yet, all Bugaboo images are 50% off in the store!  

We're kicking things off with a hop and the fabulous design team at Miss Muffet will be joining us.  Maybe you're already hopping along with us and this is old news to you, but if you're not,  you'll want to start at the beginning at Catch  The Bug.  That's where you will find all the details about the challenges and prizes.  There will also be a blog roll there just in case you encounter problems along the way.  

If you've been hopping along with us you should have come here from:

Amy's Blog

Here's what you can win for joining us in the hop and all the challenges!

Grand Prize – Christmas  Set ($21 value)– 7 free for 6 months ($125 value) – 4 month Guest designer spot.

Be sure to leave a comment here and check out the challenge below and most important, have fun!

Now it's time to head over to the next stop

Billie A

Have Fun!  

Until next time, have a great day and thanks for stopping by!  TTFN

Stamping Hugs,

Becky G

This Post will remain at the top until July 20th, 2013.  For the current challenge scroll down please.

12 Days Of Gift Giving-Coaster Tutorial

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me.........you know the song, but we're changing it up a bit.  The fabulous team at Catch The Bug has been busy creating some fun and inexpensive gift giving ideas with tutorials on how to do them yourselves.  I'm starting things off with a set of coasters that I made, using Bugaboo Stamps Grumpy Gertrude-Touch Coffee.  I have several friends that would love to have this set so I'll be busy making more of them.

Let's get started on the tutorial!

Supplies:

4 x 4 tiles

Mod Podge

Acrylic Sealer

Sponge Brush

Cork

E 6000 Glue

Brilliance Grapite Ink

Printed and colored image

Step One:

Print your image on copy paper and tear to size.  Sponge ink on tile around all sides and part of the face of the tile.

Step Two:

Spray Acrylic Sealer on tile and let dry (you will want to do this outside because the fumes  are strong).

 Step Three:

Spray Acrylic Sealer over the image and let dry.  (This will protect the image from smudging)

Step Four:

Using the foam brush spread a liberal amount of Mod Podge onto the tile, keeping brush strokes in the same direction.

Step Five:

Carefully place the picture onto the tile and working from the center out, smooth out all the air bubbles.  When you have worked all the bubbles out, apply  three layers over the image, allowing about twenty minutes drying time between each layer.

Step Six:

Attach 4 x 4 piece of cork to the back of the tile using E 6000 glue.

Step Seven:

Spray finished tile with Acrylic Sealer  and allow a day for them to dry before stacking them.

That's all there is to it and you have a unique and inexpensive gift!  Hope you enjoyed my tutorial!

Be sure to check out what the team has in store throughout the week!  

Until next time, have a great day and thanks for stopping by! TTFN

Stamping Hugs, 

Becky

Packaging Recycled For The Holidays

It's Monday and time for Anything But A Card at Catch The Bug and I've been busy recycling some packaging.  We've all got them, those nice plastic containers that come with fun stuff like potato salad, cookies or in this case, licorice.  You could throw them away when you've emptied them or you could do what I did and create a cute Christmas Gift Container.  This one is gonna be filled with cookies and given to a friend or coworker.  The image is Christmas Tags-Bear from Bugaboo Stamps and it's perfect for this project.

I colored the image using copic markers.  I used various papers from Recollections and added a little glimmer with some glossy accents and fine glitter.  I could have stopped there but it needed a little something extra so added some snowflakes and a ribbon band.  To cover the bottom I added a strip of corrugated card stock, attaching it with dimentionals.

Other challenges I've entered this project:

Christmas Stampin All Year Long-Use Dies (snowflakes)

2 Sisters-Winter Wonderland

Crazy 4 Challenges-Put A Bow On It

Creative Inspiration-Anything Goes

Inspire Me Fridays-Anything Goes

Make It Monday-Anything Goes

Hooked On Crafts-Christmas

One Stictch At A Time-Fabric, Ribbon or Lace

Scrap Creations-Winter

Totally Gorjuss-Don't Be Square

Until next time, have a great day and thanks for stooping by!  TTFN

Stamping Hugs,

Becky 

Treat Pocket-Freebie Friday

Morning all my crafty friends!  It's time for this weeks Freebie Friday image from Bugaboo Stamps and have I got a treat for you?!!!  I was inspired by the super cute Pocket Ginger image to make this fun treat hanger! It's the  perfect size  for a pack of cocoa and a cookie!

I printed the image on white card stock and designer paper from my Recollections Sugar Plum paper pack.  I used my Martha Stewart flower border for the trim and added snowflakes to make it more Christmasy.  I also used my Label One and Fancy Tags Die cuts.  Some glossy accents and glitter added the finishing touch.   

Other challenges I've entered this project:

Pile It On-Holiday

Stamp N Doodle-Ribbon or Twine

ABC Christmas- U for Up To You

Cards Galore-Anything Goes

Through The Craft Room Door-Anything Goes

Keep On Creating-Christmas
Inspire Me Fridays-Anything Goes

Until next time, have a great day and thanks for stopping by!  TTFN 

Stamping Hugs,

Becky

Day Three, Time For An ABC

Are you enjoying all the Christmas challenges so far?!!  I know I am!

It's Monday and that's ABC (anything but a card) day at Catch The Bug!  The challenge is to use a non-Christmas image on your project.  I made this ornament using Bugaboo Stamps Itchy Dog.

I started with two images of itchy dog.  One of them facing left and then, reversing the image using my photo editing, the other facing right.  I colored them exactly the same and then fussy cut them.  I then cut a 2 1/2 inch circle from acetate.  Using glossy accents as my adhesive (very strong) I attached the images back to back on the acetate and let them dry.  Once it had dried completely I punched a tiny hole in the top to string fishing line through.  I then carefully rolled the acetate up and inserted it into the ornament, leaving the fishing line sticking out of the top.  (I used a large ornament for this because the hole needed to be large enough for the rolled acetate)  The image will bend slightly but it's easy to straighten using a something thin enough to insert into the ornament (I used a small knitting needle).  Using a funnel, I added glitter to the ball making sure I got some in front and behind the acetate.  I then threaded the fishing line through the holes on the top clasp and tied them off.  I used a rub on for the sentiment and to give it the icy look, I drizzled glossy accents along the top and then glittered it.  A nice bow and cording were all that was needed to finish it off.

Other challenges I've entered this project:

2 Sisters Challenge Blog-Christmas In July

Creative Inspiration-Christmas In July

Divas By Design-Christmas In July

Hooked On Crafts-Christmas In July

Inspire Me Fridays-Anything Goes

Make It Mondays-Anything Goes

Totally Gorjuss-It's Christmas

Until next time, have a great day and thanks for stopping by!  TTFN

Stamping Hugs,

Becky

Santa Baby

Can you believe there are only 15 more days til Christmas?!!!  The days are just clicking by and I still haven't done all my shopping yet!!  One thing I can cross off my Christmas list is cards!  I have lots and lots of Christmas cards so I chose to do a recipe card for today's challenge at Catch The Bug.  The theme for the challenge is Santa Baby and Bugaboo Stamps has loads of cute Santa images to choose from but I thought Stocking Santa Star would make a great addition to my recipe card.

I printed the image on white card stock and colored it using Copic markers.  The DP is from Recolletions Sugar Plum mat pack. I created the tag using Print Shop and Curlz font.  This is a super simple recipe that is always a hit.

Until next time, have a great day and thanks for stopping by!  TTFN

Stamping Hugs,

Becky

Six Geese A Laying and Seven Swans a Swimming

Here I am again with another post for the Twelve Days Of Christmas challenges currently going on at Catch The Bug.  Life has been very busy the last week so I apologize for missing yesterday's post and I don't have a card to post but the design team has lots of great cards for inspiration.  I still wanted to sixth and seventh day images from the new Twelve Days Of Christmas set to be released from Bugaboo Stamps on December 13th.  If you're playing along with the challenges, you could be our lucky winner of this new set (uncolored) and our guest designer for January!!!

Pretty cute images if I do say so myself!!!

Hope you join us!  Until next time, have a great day and thanks for stopping by!  TTFN

Stamping Hugs,
Becky

Bring on the bling!

Cause this weeks challenge at Catch The Bug is all about sparkle and shine, oh, and black and silver!  So here is Poppi Xmas Snowballs from Bugaboo Stamps and he's all sparkly and ready for Christmas!

I printed the image on white card stock and colored it using watercolor pencils.  The sparkly paper is from Recollections. To add a little more sparkle I added some glitter on the snow and snowballs.   

Other challenge I've entered this card:
Digi Doodles Best-Animals
Paper Crafting Journey-Anything Goes
Create Me Pink-Digi
I love Pro Markers-Anything Goes

Until next time, have a great day and thanks for stopping by!  TTFN

Stamping Hugs, 

Becky

Father Christmas,Sinterclaus, Saint Nick, Santa

There are many names for this fat jolly elf and many interpretations of what he looks like but I think Jodie hit the nail on the head with this weeks fun image.  He's Old World Santa from Bugaboo Stamps and he's sure to put a smile in your face and a Christmas song in your heart!

I printed him on white card stock and colored him using copic markers.  His fur lined coat is made sparkly with Martha Stewarts fine glitter.  A little glossy accents on his nose gives him that rosy look.  The papers are from Recollections Sugar Plums mat pack.I little twine and a bow add the finishing touches.

Other challenges I've entered this card:
Digi Doodles Shop-Red & Green
Shelly's Images-Anything Goes
Fresh Brewed-Anything Goes
Inspire Me Fridays-Anything Goes
Make It Monday-Anything Goes
Digi Design Challenge-Ribbons & Bows

Until next time, have a great day and thanks for stopping by!  TTFN

Stamping Hugs,
Becky

Meowy Christmas

It's time for this weeks new release at Bugaboo Stamps!  If you like cats and you like the Make It Snappy set then you are gonna be purrrrfectly pleased with this little cutie!  He's Meowy Christmas and he's all ready to get tangled up in tinsel!  Don't let the innocent look on his face fool you!

I printed the image on Fabriano water color paper and colored it using watercolor pencils.


Other challlenge I've entered this card
Make It Monday-Anything Goes
Inspire Me Fridays-Anything Goes
Simon Says Stamp-Anything Goes
The Paper Shelter-Anything Goes
Sweet Stampin-Anything Goes

Until next time, have a great day and thanks for stopping by!  TTFN

Stamping Hugs,

Becky