Design/Creative Team Call for Cat Scrap Fever

If you haven't checked out the new hang out for me over at my new site Cat Scrap Fever you are missing out on a great opportunity to be on my first ever design team.  You can check out the post that has all the details here on the new blog:  http://catscrapfever.ca/blog/

Check it out and let's see your application. :)

MFT DT Contest & My Entries...

Hi all! My Favorite Things is have a contest for a guest design team spot.  I'm so excited by the chance to win a spot as a guest designer for MFT.  I love their products, although I don't have very many of the dies.  I do have quite a few of their stamps though.  I debated whether  I was going to submit anything for this contest because, lets face it, the girls on their design are like crafting geniuses.  I love looking at all the things they create.  I have made cards for their monthly contests, but never have time to finish them before they're due or chicken out and don't submit them.  Well, damn it!  This time I'm not going to chicken out.  I think that if I were to win a spot on the DT, it would really push my creativity.  And lets face it, I have been in a really big slump the last year or so.  So I put together 3 cards to enter.  My dear, sweet husband says they're really nice (and that I should put them up for sale).  He always says that.

Here is the first card I made.  I cut the label shapes with my CraftRobo and then stamped the image on the one label and coloured it with Copic markers.  I also cut the tag with my CraftRobo and then stamped the sentiment onto it.  It doesn't show up well in the picture, but the tag is quite a bit wider than the label, so I adhered the ends of the tag to the sides of the label so it would bow out from the image.  It looks pretty cute in real life. :)

I also decorated the inside of the card.  I've been trying to do this with all my cards now.  I think it just makes it so much nicer and gives it a more professional finish. It also uses up my little scraps so I'm not wasting or storing a whack of tiny pieces of paper (I know I have a problem! I'm a pack rat.) Here's the inside:

Supplies used:

Stamps:  MFT Key to my Heart set
Papers:   Shery K Designs - Penguins in Love (Digital Papers), Recollections cardstock, Wausau Exact Index 110#
Inks:  Stampology - Onyx
Embellishments:  Rhinestones (Michaels)
Tools:  Copics - RV000,RV02, RV04, RV29, R29, C0, C3, C7, 100, 0, E00, E02, E33, E35, E37, Primsmacolor - Cool Grey 10%, Sharpie - Dark Grey, Magenta, Rose Red, Bic Mark Its - Rambunctious Red, Craft Robo, pop up squares (Michaels), ribbon (unknown - from my stash), Martha Stewart Lace Heart edge punch

I had to fiddle with the settings on my printer to get the papers to print the colours properly since I was using plain white cardstock.  Once I got the intensity and the contrast set to where I liked how it was printing, I went to town and printed a whole bunch.  I also used digi papers on this next card:

I used 3 different colours of copic markers to create the dotted background on the label that the main image sits on. I stamped one image on scrap and cut around that to use as a mask so I knew where to put the dots. Then, I cut out the image and popped it up over the dots.  I stuck together the sentiments from two sets to get the sentiment I wanted - "Feel Better Soon" - for the panel running across the top of the card. I inked the edges of the cardstock and patterned papers as well as embossed the upper panel on the card. Again, I finished the inside of the card:

Supplies used:

Stamps:  MFT Pure Innocence World's Best Doctor set. MFT Pure Innocence Girl Doctor set
Papers:   Aprilisa Designs - Funky Mama (Digital Papers), Recollections cardstock, Wausau Exact Index 110#
Ink:  Stampology - Onyx, Cats Eye - Blue Lagoon
Embellishments:  Dew Drops (Michaels)
Tools:  Copics - E00, E02, E04, E33, C3, C7, 0, BG05, BG10, BG15, Primsmacolor - Cool Grey 10%, Sharpie - Dark Grey, Tan, Bic Mark Its - Cloud 9 Grey, MFT Designer Label 1 dies, pop up squares (Michaels),  EK Success ZigZag Stitch edge punch, Martha Stewart Scallop with 2 dots edge punch,  Stampin' Up Scallop edge punch, Stampin' Up Square Lattice embossing folder

 This next card is a bit different for me.  I almost never make square cards.  I would have to say that 95% of my cards are A2 size and 4% are 5x7, just because the envelopes are readily available and I don't have to pay extra postage if I make them flat enough.  This card is definitely a "hand deliver" card.

The card is pretty straight forward.  I inked and distressed the edges of all the papers.  I was going to use all three sizes of the flowers, but they were a little too big, so I just went with the two smaller layers.  I think they have a good balance with the rest of the card.  I left the inside fairly simple since there was so much going on on the front of the card:

Supplies used:

Stamps:  MFT Vertical Greetings set
Papers:   Stampin' Up (Riding Hood Red, & White)
Ink:  Stampin' Up - Riding Hood Red
Embellishments:  Rhinestones (Michaels)
Tools:  MFT Botanical Beauty dies, MFT Vertical Greetings die, pop up squares (Michaels), Fiskars Large Scallop decorative edge scissors, Heidi Swapp distresser tool

I know I'm going to be checking out what the other entries look like once I get these uploaded to the SCS gallery.  I try not to look at the other submissions just so I don't get influenced by the other designs and can have something to enter that I created totally on my own.  I'll be on pins and needles as well until they announce the winner.

That's all I have for now.  I'm working on a couple layouts and I'm hoping I'll have those done by the middle of the week. So, check back then to see what I've been up to.

Talk to you later...

Cat

Bugaboo Round 2

Well, I got the news last night.  I didn't make it through for the Bugaboo DT.  Somewhat disappointing, but given that I hadn't really intended to apply and was a last minute whim to enter the DT contest, I'm ok with it. It just means that I'll have more time to put my energies into the DT's I'm already on.  Well, here is my losing card.

All the supplies I used were scraps, so I cant tell you who made the patterned paper, but the card stock is scraps of SU and I haven't a clue what shade of pink it is (I think it may be pink pirouette).  I think the darker pink is either DCWV or American Crafts card stock. I used my CraftRobo to cut everything.  The stamp image is 3 layers and each layer is coloured.  I don't think the picture does the card justice though.  I just couldn't get a decent picture of it.  It really is pretty and sparkly in person.

Well, on to the next adventure.  Just wanted to show you my card.

Talk to you later...

Cat

Good News!!!!

So, I have been waiting to post this announcement and then my computer decides to go haywire on me (that's a long story for another post) so I haven't really been able to do any posting for the last little while.
Well, my good news is I was accepted onto the I Brake for Digis design team.  YAY!  YIPPPEEE!  Doin' the happy dance!   

I'm really excited to be a part of this team.  So, check back here in the next couple days, cause I'm going to get to work on making up some new cards.

I will still be participating on the A Day for Daisies DT as well so, this new venture with I Brake for Digis will bring more variety to my cards here.  I am really excited about this.

Talk to you later....

Cat

I Brake For Stamps Design Team Call

I put my name in for yet another design team.  I'm trying out for the I Brake For Stamps design team.  I only have 3 of their images and really like them.  I made 3 cards using each stamp, so here are some pictures of them.

I absolutely love this image on this card.  It can be a challenge to colour because the bears are suppose to be white.

Supplies
Stamps:  I Brake For Stamps
Paper:  patterned paper (unknown), coloured card stock (Bazzill & Recollections), Wausau Exact Index 80# (image), Office Depot 110# card stock (base)
Ink:  Momento Tuxedo Black
Tools & embellishments:  Copic markers, iridescent glitter glue (Studio G), crystal glitter (Glitterex - snowflake), EK Success corner adorner punch - Venetian, star & rounded corner punch (Dollar Store), glitter organza ribbon (Michaels), brad (Dollar Store)

The next stamp image is one I bought to make my mother's birthday card.  Unfortunately, I haven't sent it yet - her birthday was last week (I know, I'm a lousy daughter).

Supplies
Stamps:  I Brake For Stamps
Paper:  patterned paper (K&Company - Amy Butler - Belle paper stack), coloured card stock (Bazzill & Recollections), Wausau Exact Index 80# (image), Domtar 130# coated card stock (base)
Ink:  Momento Tuxedo Black
Tools & embellishments:  Copic markers, stickles (Waterfall), dimensional pearl fabric paint (flower centres - Dollar Store), Martha Stewart Hydrangea & Hydrangea Trio punches, crotchet lace ribbon (Dollar Store), texture plate (feather pattern - Fiskars), Martha Stewart floral lace edge punch

The last card I made is with a very cute snowman stamp.  I think about 75% of my Christmas stamps are snowmen.

Supplies
Stamps:  I Brake For Stamps
Paper:  patterned paper (My Minds Eye - Countdown to Christmas paper stack), shimmer card stock (red background card stock - Recollections), coloured card stock (Recollections). Wausau Exact Index 80# (image), Domtar 130# coated card stock (base)
Ink:  Momento Tuxedo Black
Tools & embellishments:  Copic markers, stickles (frosted lace, stardust, gold, silver, red), Martha Stewart  double loop edge punch, satin ribbon (Michaels)

Well, thanks for looking at my cards.  I have to start getting a few more Christmas cards done for the craft shows I have at the end of this month and the beginning of December.  After these ones, that's all I'm going to do.  They're a lot of work and a lot of fun, but I don't think that they're worth it for the money you make on them.  So far I've more or less have broken even on the stuff that I've sold, but I will probably have a couple hundred cards left over and a bunch of altered items that I'll never be able to use.  I guess everyone in my family will get a nice big set of cards for Christmas if I don't sell them.  I'll send some to the Canadian troops too.

Well, its late, so good night.  Talk to you later...

Cat

Bugaboo DT Call

I decided to put these cards together at the last minute.  I had the ideas in my head and the images already coloured so I decided I would throw my name into the hat for the Bugaboo DT call.  Here's the first card using the "Santa Called" image.   I thought it was too funny.

Supplies:
Stamps:  Santa Called & sentiment - Bugaboo Digital Stamps
Paper:  Bazill card stock (red), SU card stock (Kiwi Kiss), Wausau Exact Index 80# white, Base 130# Domtar coated card stock,  Provo Craft paper stack (patterned paper)
Tools & embellishments:  Copic markers, twill ribbon (Michaels), organza ribbon (dollar store), silver & gold stickles, Fleur de Lis edge punch (EK Success), Craft Robo (frame)

The next card is done with the Bride Sunbonnet image.  I did alter the image and removed the veil part since I wasn't making this as a wedding card.

Supplies:
Stamps:  Bride Sunbonnet - Bugaboo Digital stamps, sentiment (Inkadinkado)
Paper:  Mother's Flowers Digital papers - Delicious Scraps (printed on HP glossy presentation paper), Wausau Exact Index 80#
Ink:  Studio G 
Tools & embellishements:  Copic markers, yellow glitter glue (Michaels), ribbon (Dollar store), buttons (unknown), Lacy Doily edge punch (Martha Stewart)

The next card is fairly plain. I wanted the image and the sentiment to be the focus on this card.  The sentiment is probably meant to be for a baby card, but I think its also appropriate for the Christmas season.

Supplies

Stamps:  Mary & Joseph - Bugaboo Digital stamps, sentiment (Inky Antics)

Paper:  patterned paper (unknown), cardstock - Recollections & DCWV, Wausau Exact Index 80#
Ink:  Versa Mark embossing ink, walnut stain distress ink (Tim Holtz)
Tools & embellishments:  gold detail embossing powder (Stampendous), button (unknown), rafia

I really like the way these cards came out.  I have so many Bugaboo images, but I haven't used them very much.  I hope you like them too.

Talk to you later...

Cat

Paper Romance DT Call

If you haven't heard, Paper Romance currently has a DT call running.  Its a great opportunity, so if you're in the market for showcasing your talents as well as the excellent products that Paper Romance carries, check out this post on their blog:  Paper Romance DT Call.  Check out their challenges as well (here).  It looks like its a lot of fun.

Take care & talk to you later...

Cat

Awsome News!

I am so excited about this!  I've been accepted onto the design team for A Day for Daisies. I stumbled upon this site and just loved the images Tammy Thompson created for her digital stamps.  I took a chance and sent in my submission for her DT call and was accepted.  I'm totally blown away.  This is my first time serving on a DT and I'm soooo looking foward to being a part of the A Day for Daisies team.  Its going to be really fun.  There is a challenge running right now so why don't you all head over there and join in.  It'll be fun!  Here's the link:  A Day for Daisies Challenges.  There is also a group on Crafters Digital Art Centre (CDAC) that will be a great place to hang out and Tammy will be posting freebies every now and then.  Here's a link to the group:  A Day for Daisies CDAC Group.

Things have been little hectic on the home front, but I just wanted to put up a quick note to share my fabulous news and I'll be back later to post more.

Talk to you later...

Cat