The Fourth Annual Catch the Bug...

...Christmas in July has arrived.

 If you want to join in you can find everything that you need to know here and here.

As this is a week long challenge I have created just the one post and will add in what I make for each of the challenges as they go live on the challenge site.

Saturday 12 July - The event kicked off with a super blog-hop and there was plenty of inspiration to get everyone on the mood for creating Christmas makes. To help even further...

...the challenge for day 1 is to "Show Us Your Santa".
Here is my Santa...

...he is one of the "Tropical Santas". The card blank is Papermania Kraft in 5x7. The PP is from the current Papermania "Letter to Santa" range. The image is coloured using Spectrum Noir pens and there is a touch of glitter using the "Golden" Cosmic Shimmer Sparkle Pearl PVA.
Sunday 13 July - A Sketch challenge...

...which I followed pretty much other than using a circle topper instead of an oval.
JJ has to be my favourite Bugaboo character...

 ...there are so many super examples of her to choose from. This one is a little bit saucy...

...and would make a perfect card for a guy or just a fun card. My card is an 8x8 white card blank with tartan & check PPs from Craft Creations, a blue die-cut matt from Papermania, some pearls, sentiment from Papermania "Letter to Santa" and ribbon from my local craft shop. JJ is coloured with Spectrum Noir pens and the bling is stickles.
Monday 14 July - Colour challenge...

 ...not exactly your traditional colours.
I thought I'd go with this little Miss...

...using the colours to do a bit of matt & layering...

...lime green hair and plenty of bling on her pink wings. All the CS is from a Papermania Christmas stack, the PP is from an old DCWV stack of 6x6 pink & grey Christmas designs and the image is coloured with a mix of Spectrum Noir & Copics. Crystal Ice stickles was used on the wings.
Tuesday 15 July - Recipe challenge...

 ...using the same image but a more limited colour selection...

 ...a felt snowflake from "The Works" and bling in the form of stickles & cosmic shimmer...

...the kraft card blank was dry embossed using my new Crafters Companion "BeBunny" embossing folder - 'Snowflakes'. I think I've ticked all the boxes for day fours requirements...the recipe is Kraft, Embossing (wet or dry) and Snowflake(s).
Wednesday 16 July - BINGO challenge...

 ...and make it funny. I went with the diagonal line "Bugaboo image, Players choice (snowfall acetate), Bow.
"Stella" is a woman with 'atitude' so who better to use as the chosen image...

...and I wanted to use the snowfall acetate to create the card...

 ...but I had forgotten how difficult it can be to photograph...

...sorry about the shadows & glare. Anyhoo, you can see that I have used my 3 chosen elements from the Bingo card.
Thursday 17 July - Photo challenge...

...using an "Oldie But Goodie".
I think the "Tropical Santas" first put in an appearance for the 2nd Christmas in July event...

...and I have loved them ever since. A fairly simple card this time (thinking of postage costs) but a real holiday feel - Santa showing off his beach wear and surfing prowess. In keeping with the photo for this challenge, I've used bright Summery colours.
Friday 18 July - Freebie Friday challenge (Starts with "C is for...")...

 ...Christmas?, Cheer? - I went with Candy Cane. I've already told you that I love the "JJ" character, so how wonderful was it that this week's Friday Freebie was an image of JJ...

 ...there is a little bit of sparkle in her hair, on her dress and of course her earrings but I don't think it notices in the photo...

...what you can't miss is the candy cane PP. This is another of the papers from the "Letter to Santa" range and I thought it was perfect for this image. I have kept to a red & white scheme with just a touch of green.

(All being well, you will see this post fill up with creations as the week progresses - Done.

So if you haven't already made a start on your cards for Chrimbo - this is the perfect opportunity..............................................................)

Well folks - it is 8.30pm on Friday 18 July and I have completed the last of this week's challenges. There was a moment or two when I thought I wasn't going to be able to complete this year's Christmas in July but I have done it...Yipeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!

Lots of fun challenges and lots of super creations to see from the Bugaboo DT and all the folk who are playing along. It has been another fab event.

Thank you to everyone at Bugaboo for organising another great...Christmas in July....................................................