Christmas in July...

...has arrived over at Bugaboo Stamps.

This post will stay at the top until the event is over - please scroll down to see new posts.

Details of the week-long event that started yesterday (Sat 9 July) can be found here.

There are lots of prizes. The fun challenges that will go 'live' with a link on a daily basis and you can hop over to the site to see what everyone is up to here and then scroll down to the relevant day as the information post will stay at the top of their blog.

This post will stay at the top of my blog for the week of the event and I will add my 'makes' as I go...so this post will grow as the week goes on. The daily challenges are listed below and I will add my photos as the challenge goes live - I'm hoping that I manage to get them all done; we shall see.

Saturday, July 9 – A Theme Challenge – 

 

My 'day-one' make features both snowflakes & a snowman...

...the post showing all the entries & DT samples can be found here.

 

 

Sunday, July 10 - Sketch

 

Day two and we have a sketch to follow...

...and I decided to go for a fairly CAS look, although there is plenty of bling & sparkle. Here is the link for day two's post over at the Catch the Bug blog. 

Monday, July 11 – 

 

 

Day three is asking for tags, so here we go...

 



 

...a couple of tags (I actually got to play with my new tag punch) and the post can be found here.

 



Tuesday, July 12- New Release + Bingo

 

Day four and I had to use a JJ image...

...and the bingo line that I went for was "Sparkly/Bugaboo image/Lime green". The image is obvious (I do so love the JJ images), there is lime green on the image & the embellies and there are sparkly flat-back gems and a bit of foiling to round off. I think that just about covers it. The day four entries can be found here.



Wednesday, July 13 - Humor Me Wednesday + 

Day five and a bit of a recipe to follow...

 

...some scallops (used my threading water border punch), bling (red gems & stickles) and layers (red tartan card). The post where you can see all the entries is here.



 

Thursday, July 14 - Oldie But Goodie + Photo Challenge

 

Day six, well the holiday Santa's had to come out...

 

 

...and the photo of the flip-flops made me think of Santa with his surf-board. Take a look here at what other folk came up with.

Friday, July 15 - Friday Freebie and Color challenge

Last but not least is the Day seven challenge which as you can see involves a selection of colours...

...and as you can see, they all appear in the coloured image that I used. If you want to see what the DT came up with, take a look here.

Phew, I actually managed all seven challenges. I really didn't think I was going to get there as this week has just flown by

 

Let's see how many I manage...well folks it is all seven, so I now have another seven Chrimbo cards to add to this year's stock.

 

But that's it for "Christmas in July 2016" - I hope some of you were able to play along too.................

I was lucky enough...

...to be one of the daily winners - yipeeeee!!!

My entry for the Monday challenge of "Christmas in July" was chosen as a second place winner.



All the winners can be seen over at the Catch the Bug blog.

I get to pick 7 digis from the Bugaboo website so that could take me a while LOL

I was sent a lovely winners badge but you all know me and my 'techy' abilities - for some reason I can't get it to copy onto here...ho hum.

Well, I know what I will be doing when I get home from work............................................

EDT: The techy numpty that I am, I managed to link to another copy of the image above - sorry. The link should now be sorted and should take you through to the challenge blog.

This week has been...

...very hectic.

It has been murder at work but I was determined to participate in the Bugaboo Stamps "Christmas in July" and I'm pleased to say that I completed all 7 challenges.

The previous post contains details of each day's challenge and a photo of my make for that day.



There was a bit of a glitch with the last challenge because we were supposed to use the Friday Freebie image and the contents of one of the above presents...I think the gremlins invaded the system and as a result we were allowed to use any image as long as we used the contents of our chosen present.

I tried to be very organised this time and had coloured a large selection of Bugaboo Christmas images in preparation for the event. With only limited time available each day, this really helped as all I had to do was select the appropriate elements and construct my make for each challenge.

There is something fun & quirky about this event and I'm really pleased that I was able to complete it this year...............................................................

Christmas in July...

...with Catch the Bug & Bugaboo Stamps.

This is a week-long event with a new challenge everyday.

Here are each of the daily challenges and I will add in the photo of my completed items as I finish them and get them uploaded. The day of the week in each challenge title will be linked up to the relevant post over at "Catch the Bug"...

Saturday, July 11 – A Theme Challenge - Jingle all the way 

I decided to decorate an old jingle snowflake decoration. The image was coloured with a mix of Copics, Distress Markers and Cosmic Shimmer Iridescent Watercolour paint. A recycled decoration ready for use this year at work.

Sunday, July 12 - Sketch

 

 This is my take on the sketch using a 6x6 pearl CS card blank, Turquoise Bazzill, Kraft card, Copics , Distress Markers, Cosmic Shimmer Sparkle Pearl PVA and some adhesive gems.

Monday, July 13 - Color Challenge

 

The colour combo for this challenge was fabulous - so great being able to colour Santa in non-traditional colours. Another 6x6 pearl CS card blank, topped with some turquoise Bazzill and apple coloured PP. A matt of very dark blue holographic miri-card and the image coloured using Copics.





Tuesday, July 14 - New Release + Recipe Challenge:

3 Embellishments, 2 Designer papers, 1 Ribbon/Twine 

My 3 embellishments are 2 flowers and a diamanté buckle. The two designer papers were from my stash so I haven't a clue what brand they are and I used some jute ribbon. Do you think "JJ" is heating up another batch of mulled wine?

Wednesday, July 15 - Humor Me Wednesday + BINGO

 

I think this "JJ" image is so funny and perfect for a guys Christmas card. I used the bottom line from the Bingo card - Sparkly/glitter texture paste on the fur & bobble of the hat - Ribbon/jute Christmas ribbon - Snowflake/there is a snowflake in the place of the "O" of NOEL on the ribbon.
Thursday, July 16 - Oldie But Goodie + Photo Challenge 

 

This photo challenge had to have a Santa on the beach. A fairly simple card - kraft card blank, image coloured with a mix of Copics and Distress Markers and a hand cut palm tree. 

Friday, July 17 - Friday Freebie + Pick A Present Challenge

(Use the freebie & pick a present below for items to include on your project)

 



The image for this card should have been the "Friday Freebie" which was a super cute Rudolph but the was a bit of a glitch over at the Bugaboo site so we were told we could use any image as long as we still used the 'extras' that were from the present we had picked. I went with this sweet image as it contained stars and then I added some gems - my present was Stars/Image/Gems.

 

As each challenge is completed, I will link it up to the appropriate "In-linkz" section. So for this week, there will just be this post but it will be added to...ALL DONE

Why don't you play along too...(did you?)..................................................................

Snow, snow, snow...

...and more snow.

Don't panic folks, we haven't had a freak turn-around in the weather - we are still heading for some hotter temps (if the weatherman has got it right), this photo was taken in February 2012...

...and I just wanted to set the scene as the Bugaboo Christmas in July event kicks off today.

If the hot/humid weather has been getting to you or you are having to stay inside because your hay-fever is still bad. Why not take advantage of the situation and get a few things made for Christmas.

I'm sure all you creative crafters will still manage to turn out a few cards even though you may be sat in front of the TV watching the tennis as Wimbledon roles to an end.

Get yourself started on those Chrimbo makes and have a bit of fun too..............................................

Fancy a bit of...

...Christmas in July?

Each year, the lovely folk over at "Catch the Bug" hold a week long challenge event to get you started on those Christmas cards and other Chrimbo projects.

As you can see...

...the fun starts next weekend.

If you want to join in, hop on over there to so that you can keep an eye out for the latest details.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I will have time to do all the challenges this year (time kinda got away from me last year) as they are fun and they really do help to get you started on your Christmas makes..........................................................................

Here's one challenge...

...I had no problems achieving.

I'm sure most of you know by now that I am a bit of a coffee-pot. My day doesn't start until I've had my coffee.

A couple of weeks ago, Starbucks invited me to take part in their "Star Dash Challenge" - depending on the number of stars you earned over a fixed period, you could win additional stars to boost your balance towards free drinks.

Well this was a "no brainer" as I buy a coffee most days on my way into the office - so I signed up.

Although I rarely have access to a Starbucks over the weekend, which limits the number of days that I could actually take part in the "Dash", I managed to complete the lower level and earned myself an extra free drink.

Yep, I know it's a marketing ploy but I would have bought the coffees anyway so this way I gain. Now what should I choose? Me thinks an extra large Gingerbread Latte with cream could be looming in my not too distant future.........................................................................................

Bugaboo will be celebrating...

...their 5th birthday.

Note your diaries for a crafting event to look forward to once all the Christmas & New Year frenzy is out of the way...

...it all kicks off on the 17 January 2015 so why not drop in at the Catch the Bug site and play along.

If you help to spread the word about this birthday event you could even be in with a chance to win a prize - but you need to hop over to the site to find out more.

So folks, a week of crafting fun to look forward to - what a great way to start the New Year......................................................................

Just where...

...did that week go?

I was going to be so organised and get some cards done for the "Catch the bug" Holiday Chaos event - yeh, right. Friday is here and I'm chasing around like a headless chicken.

Seven days, seven challenges...oh heck...where did the week go...

Saturday - Sparkle & Shine...

...plenty of bling on this with the clouds covered in Crystal Ice Stickles and some clear gems.
Sunday - Sketch...

...a bit of embossing on the card blank and then some gold edged squares topped with a fairy and finished off with a bow.
Monday - Colour challenge...

 ...using the colours from the selection given.
Tuesday - New release & Recipe...ran out of time.
Wednesday - Humorous Christmas...

...my favourite "JJ" relaxing in a glass - perfect for decorating a recycled gift bag.
Thursday - Christmas Critters...ran out of time.
Friday - Freebie Clean & Simple...ran out of time.

So I managed 4 out of the seven which is more than I thought I was going to manage.

Will someone please slow things down a bit...how can it possibly be Christmas in two weeks time...EEEEEEK!!!

But worse than that - it is the Toby carvery crop tomorrow and I haven't even made a start on packing for it.......................................................................................

Let the chaos begin...

...Bugaboo Stamps are kicking off their 2nd annual Holiday Chaos event.

Seven days, seven challenges and lots of goodie to win. Why don't you hop over and take a look at what is going on at the Catch the bug blog........................................................................................

Aurora Wings...

...Sprite challenge.

"Sprite Delight" is challenge #5 over at the Aurora Wings challenge blog and the lovely folk over there have even provided a lovely Sunflower Sprite for folk to use.

Here is my coloured sprite...

...waiting to be made into a card.
I haven't made any 'fussy' cards for a while but felt this image would work...

...with a bit of embellishing and layers.
The background paper is some handmade paper containing petals & leaves that I had in my stash...

...and I added some burlap behind the image. The bow was made from the strands that I removed from the fabric to give it a frayed look.
This card will need a box as there is plenty of layering on the decoupage...

...I had seen lots of sunflowers at our local country park and they were surrounded by beds of daisies and other cottage garden flowers so this wheelbarrow full of flowers seemed to fit the bill.
A bit of ribbon, some vintage leaves...

...and there you are - one little sunflower sprite at home in the garden.

The Aurora Wings DT have made some lovely samples to inspire folk so do hop over and take a look. Better still, why not have a go yourself..............................................................

Hot Town...

...Summer in the City.

("Summer in the City" by Lovin Spoonful - number one on the Billboard top 100 in 1966)

Now I've got you all humming away **giggle** - yep, even the youngsters amongst you (despite its age, this song is currently used in an advert on our TVs here in the UK).

The last couple of weeks have been extremely hot and sticky, especially at work as we are without any aircon at the moment and being next to a demolition site is not fun with all the dirt & dust but it does make these lyrics very apt...

..."back of my neck feeling dirt-n-gritty".

But I digress...

Last weekend I took Mum shopping to get some new net curtains for her new windows and we popped into The Range. Now, I've been saving for the Spectrum Noir pencils and guess what - they had some of the sets in and at a very good price of £14.99 instead of £19.99...I was tempted but refrained. Good job too as when I went into Pinnacles on the Saturday they had all 5 sets - Joanne had been keeping her fingers crossed that they would arrive in time for the Members 30% Weekend.

So I've been keeping everything crossed this week that they would still have all the sets on Friday - and they did...

...this is my haul of goodies.

Now I'm hoping you are all sitting down because this is going to come as a shock to those of you who know me well.

I made a list, checked it twice (I think the Christmas in July event is still fixed in my brain) - actually remembered to take it with me - and stuck to it...well...sort of...the Graphics 45 pad was the one thing that I forgot to put on my list. Soooooooooooo, if I had remembered, then I would have only bought what was 'on the list'. I think my friend Hilary was quite impressed that I didn't get tempted like I usually do.

We both popped into Sugar & Spice before heading back to our cars and it was a good thing too. The heavens opened and boy did we have a downpour along with all the sound effects (thunder, lightening cracks - screams of folk running for shelter as they got soaked). 'Mummy' Barb put the kettle on and we all waited out the storm sipping tea.

We had two storms fairly close to each other on Friday but it still didn't clear the air and I'm still finding it hard to concentrate on crafting - but I have been doing some colouring and here is a little peak at the Aurora Wings "Sunflower Sprite" that I have finished...

...I just need to drag 'mojo' back from wherever he is lazing in the sun and actually make something with this image. I do have a couple of ideas - just need to see if I can get them from the brain, past the 'leaky elbow' and into a finished item...........................................................

Too hot, lacking sleep but...

...a Bugaboo "Christmas in July" winner.

Despite the heat making it very difficult to think of Christmas makes, I really enjoyed last week's challenge event over at the Catch the Bug Challenge Blog.

I won some digi images that I will play with when things cool down a bit.

I so do not want to moan about the lovely warm weather but it has brought with it a lot of thunder storms and a few flash floods which haven't been great. I also don't find this heavy, humid atmosphere very motivating craft-wise.

The lack of sleep is certainly catching up with me which isn't helping with things at work. We have just had an IT refresh and I now have a two-monitor set-up on my desk that I have got to try and get my head around...groan.

So if you are wondering where my crafty makes are - I'm still trying to pull the ideas from my over heated, very tired brain.

I have done some colouring and have a couple of Nicecrane images completed and a super cute sprite from Aurora Wings ready and waiting to be made into something. Perhaps when I've caught up on some 'shut-eye'..................................................................................

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....................................................