Photo Challenge at Catch The Bug

Happy Saturday and happy Earth Day! Today is the start of a photo challenge at Catch the Bug and I love the sweet bird photo. The colors were fun to work with and I hope you will think so too. So, go outside and do something earthy for Earth Day and then use the photo as your inspiration during some afternoon crafting. I can't wait to see what you create! Click here for all the challenge details and design team inspiration.

Using birds on cards is one of my favorites, so I went with a literal interpretation of the photo. The Cherry Bird image by Bugaboo was colored with Copic markers and then die cut with a stitched square die by Lil' Inkers. All patterned paper is by Bo Bunny from the Butterfly Kisses Collection. To add some detail I stamped and punched a flower from the retired Polka Dot Pieces stamp set by Stampin' Up! accented with die cut leaves. The Just for You sentiment is from the Watercolor Wings stamp set and a glitter sticker was added to the middle of the flower. That's it!

This Cherry Bird For You Card is entered into the following challenges:

• Brown Sugar: Use a Die Cut
• Jo's Scrap Shack: Anything Goes
• QKR Stampede: Feathered Friends or Anything Goes

Vintage Floral Wallpaper Photo Challenge

Hello! When I started challenges on my blog a year ago it was meant to be temporary and the time has come for the challenges to end. I really appreciate everyone who played along and shared their talent over the last year. It's been a lot of fun viewing your work and getting to know you. The final challenge is a photo of some Vintage Floral Wallpaper from an office building where I once worked. The colors are a nice transition into fall and could easily be used in a masculine design. For my card I stuck with the floral theme and used the sketch from Create with Connie & Mary for my layout.

The Stampin' Up! colors used are:

• Smoky Slate
• Night of Navy
• Cajun Craze
• Marina Mist
• Whisper White

This challenge will run until Saturday, September 13th at Noon (CT). Thanks for stopping by and I hope to see your card in the gallery! 

Andrea's Inspirational Design:

Challenge Guidelines:

1. Create a New card using the challenge theme/photo, no linking to old posts. 
2. Only one entry per blog address.
3. This is a card only challenge.
4. You must use a stamp, either rubber or digital.
5. You can combine this challenge with other challenges.
6. Upload your creation to your blog with a link back to this challenge. Please provide a direct link to the post featuring your challenge submission.
7. All brands of stamping products are welcome.
8. HAVE FUN!!!

Strawberries Photo Challenge

Hello and welcome to the August Challenge at Savvy Handmade Cards. This month we have a sweet photo for your creative inspiration. Hopefully these yummy strawberries will spark your desire to play along. We certainly would love to see what you create. Our Strawberries Photo Challenge is open until Tuesday, August 26th, 2014 at 11:59 pm.

                                 

                                             © 2008 Martin Fisch, Flickr | CC-BY-SA | via Wylio

Inspirational Designs:

Erin's Card using Simply Betty Image

Andrea's Card using McMahon Five Designs Image

Challenge Guidelines:

1. Create a New card using the challenge theme, no linking to old posts. 
2. Only one entry per blog address.
3. This is a card only challenge.
4. You must use a stamp, either rubber or digital.
5. You can combine this challenge with other challenges.
6. Upload your creation to your blog with a link back to this challenge. Please provide a direct link to the post featuring your challenge submission.
7. All brands of stamping products are welcome.
8. HAVE FUN!!!

Mad About Plaid Photo Inspiration Challenge

Welcome to our June challenge at Savvy Handmade Cards. Summer is nearing closer each day and that usually means our schedules get busier and outside entertainment is more appealing. For those reasons our challenges in June, July and August will be monthly challenges. In September we will resume the bi-weekly challenges. This will give you longer to participate without feeling rushed. For June our challenge theme is:

Mad About Plaid  

The inspiration photo has very manly colors but if you want to use pastels or brights feel free. The only requirement is to use plaid somewhere on your handmade card creation. Thanks for stopping by and we look forward to seeing your creation in the gallery!

Inspirational Designs:

Erin's Card using image from Doctor Digi

Andrea's Card using image from Doodle Pantry

Challenge Guidelines:

1. Create a New card using the challenge theme, no linking to old posts. 
2. Only one entry per blog address.
3. This is a card only challenge.
4. You must use a stamp, either rubber or digital.
5. You can combine this challenge with other challenges.
6. Upload your creation to your blog with a link back to this challenge. Please provide a direct link to the post featuring your challenge submission.
7. All brands of stamping products are welcome.
8. HAVE FUN!!!

This challenge will run until July 1, 2014.

Birthday Photo Inspiration Challenge

Welcome to Savvy Handmade Cards! Our challenge for the next two weeks is a Birthday Photo Inspiration Challenge. The month of May is full of birthdays in my family and I just celebrated my 40th last weekend. Therefore a birthday challenge just seemed appropriate. Plus there is always room for more birthday cards in your stash, so I hope you will play along. The randomly drawn winner will receive a birthday themed goody surprise from me.

Inspirational Designs:

Erin's Card using Simply B Stamps

Andrea's Card using Bugaboo Digi Stamps

Challenge Guidelines:

1. Create a New card using the challenge theme, no linking to old posts. 
2. Only one entry per blog address.
3. This is a card only challenge.
4. You must use a stamp, either rubber or digital.
5. You can combine this challenge with other challenges.
6. Upload your creation to your blog with a link back to this challenge. Please provide a direct link to the post featuring your challenge submission.
7. All brands of stamping products are welcome.
8. HAVE FUN!!!

This challenge will run for 12 days from 5/23/2014 - 6/3/2014.

Butterfly Photo Inspiration Challenge

This challenge is all about Butterflies! Big butterflies, small butterflies, it doesn't matter as long as your handmade card contains a butterfly. We hope you are inspired by this beautiful photo of a Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio Glaucus). Quick facts: The Tiger Swallowtail wingspan is 3 1/2-6 3/4 inches and their habitat is woodland areas, woodland gardens and parks. You will find them across the North American continent, from Alaska and Canada to Mexico. Thanks for stopping by and we hope to see your creation in the gallery!

Inspirational Designs:

Erin's Card using Butterfly Princess by Lacy Sunshine

Andrea's Card using Swallowtail by Stampin' Up!

Challenge Guidelines:

1. Create a New card using the challenge theme, no linking to old posts. 
2. Only one entry per blog address.
3. This is a card only challenge.
4. You must use a stamp, either rubber or digital.
5. You can combine this challenge with other challenges.
6. Upload your creation to your blog with a link back to this challenge. Please provide a direct link to the post featuring your challenge submission.
7. All brands of stamping products are welcome.
8. HAVE FUN!!!

Oh Baby! Photo Inspiration Challenge

Along with Spring comes new life and for this challenge we are focusing on all things BABY. From the furry ones to the human variety, pick your favorite and feature it on your handmade card. Oh Baby! we can't wait to see what you create.

Inspirational Designs:

Erin's Card using Bugaboo Baby Cow

Andrea's Card using Bugaboo Giraffe Heart 2

Challenge Guidelines:

1. Create a New card using the challenge theme, no linking to old posts. 
2. Only one entry per blog address.
3. This is a card only challenge.
4. You must use a stamp, either rubber or digital.
5. You can combine this challenge with other challenges.
6. Upload your creation to your blog with a link back to this challenge. Please provide a direct link to the post featuring your challenge submission.
7. All brands of stamping products are welcome.
8. HAVE FUN!!!

Going Green Photo Inspiration Challenge

Tomorrow is March 1st and before we know it everything will be turning green for Spring. For this challenge we will be Going Green. Incorporate the color green into your handmade card creation. It doesn't have to be a St. Patrick's Day card and no shamrocks are required. Have fun!!!

Inspirational Designs:

Erin's Card using Bugaboo Image

Andrea's Card using retired Stampin' Up! Stamp

Challenge Guidelines:

1. Create a New card using the challenge theme, no linking to old posts. 
2. Only one entry per blog address.
3. This is a card only challenge.
4. You must use a stamp, either rubber or digital.
5. You can combine this challenge with other challenges.
6. Upload your creation to your blog with a link back to this challenge. Please provide a direct link to the post featuring your challenge submission.
7. All brands of stamping products are welcome.
8. HAVE FUN!!!

The challenge will run for 12 days, 2/28/2014 - 3/11/2014.

Something Sweet Photo Inspiration Challenge

Welcome back to our next challenge. It's been said that chocolate is a girl's best friend and since Valentine's Day is quickly approaching you're sure to enjoy this photo inspiration challenge. Even if you're allergic to chocolate, you're certain to find Something Sweet to help inspire your handmade card creations. We hope you will play along in our Something Sweet Photo Inspiration Challenge.

Inspirational Designs:

Erin's Card using Bugaboo Chocolate image

Andrea's Card using Doodle Pantry Chocolate Box image

Chocolate Chip patterned paper by Paper Pizazz.

Challenge Guidelines:

1. Create a New card using the challenge theme, no linking to old posts. 
2. Only one entry per blog address.
3. This is a card only challenge.
4. You must use a stamp, either rubber or digital.
5. You can combine this challenge with other challenges.
6. Upload your creation to your blog with a link back to this challenge. Please provide a direct link to the post featuring your challenge submission.
7. All brands of stamping products are welcome.
8. HAVE FUN!!!

The challenge will run for 12 days, 1/31/2014 - 2/11/2014.

Feather Photo Inspiration Challenge

Welcome to Savvy Handmade Cards bi-weekly challenge. Today is the start of a Feather Photo Inspiration Challenge. You can use stamps, digital stamps or real feathers on your card. We can't wait to see how this photo inspires your creativity.

Inspirational Designs:

Erin's Card using Owls on a Fence digital stamp

Andrea's Card using rubber stamp by Inkadinkado

Challenge Guidelines:

1. Create a New card using the challenge theme, no linking to old posts. 
2. Only one entry per blog address.
3. This is a card only challenge.
4. You must use a stamp, either rubber or digital.
5. You can combine this challenge with other challenges.
6. Upload your creation to your blog with a link back to this challenge. Please provide a direct link to the post featuring your challenge submission.
7. All brands of stamping products are welcome.
8. HAVE FUN!!!

Challenge Prize, 6 x 6 papers and punched hearts.

The challenge will run for 12 days, 1/3/2013 - 1/14/2013.

Snowman Photo Inspiration Challenge

Hello! It's time for another photo inspiration challenge at Savvy Handmade Cards. Here in the United States many are experiencing a snow storm and that got me thinking about a Snowman. There is no need to go outside for this challenge just take a trip to your craft room and use the Snowman Photo Inspiration to create a handmade card. We look forward to seeing your creation.

 

Inspirational Designs:

 

Erin's Card

 

 

Andrea's Card

 

 

Challenge Guidelines:

1. Create a New card using the challenge theme, no linking to old posts. 
2. Only one entry per blog address.
3. This is a card only challenge.
4. You must use a stamp, either rubber or digital.
5. You can combine this challenge with other challenges.
6. Upload your creation to your blog with a link back to this challenge. Please provide a direct link to the post featuring your challenge submission.
7. All brands of stamping products are welcome.
8. HAVE FUN!!!

Entries not meeting the challenge guidelines will be removed. Thanks for your cooperation and understanding.

 

The challenge will run for 12 days, 12/6/2013 - 12/17/2013.

 

Challenge Prize



Pumpkin Photo Inspiration Challenge

Welcome back to another photo inspiration challenge. I took this photo at a local garden center called Under the Sun. The pumpkins, mums, and pansies are arranged on a few bales of straw. The sky was nice and blue the day I took the photo.  You can use this photo for color or object inspiration and we hope you will play along in the challenge. We can't wait to see your creations.

 

We have a guest designer, Dora, providing you with some extra inspiration for this challenge. Her blog is called Especially For You Cards and she was the winner of our Monkey Business theme challenge last month.

Inspirational Card Designs:

 

Dora's Card

 

Erin's Card

 

Andrea's Card

 

 

Challenge Guidelines:

1. Create a New card using the challenge theme, no linking to old posts. 
2. Only one entry per blog address.
3. This is a card only challenge.
4. You must use a stamp, either rubber or digital.
5. You can combine this challenge with other challenges.
6. Upload your creation to your blog with a link back to this challenge. Please provide a direct link to the post featuring your challenge submission.
7. All brands of stamping products are welcome.
8. HAVE FUN!!!

Entries not meeting the challenge theme and guidelines will be removed. Thanks for your cooperation and understanding.

 

Challenge Prize, Reason to Smile stamp set and 6 x 6 papers.

 

 The challenge will run for 12 days, 11/8/2013 - 11/19/2013.



Halloween Photo Inspiration Challenge

Halloween is only twenty days away! If you're needing some different inspiration to inspire your creative juices, I may have just what your looking for. This week I went searching for something unique and I found this fun hand painted Jack-O-Lantern at a local garden center called Under the Sun. Immediately I knew it would make for an interesting challenge. There are so many different ways to get inspired from this photo and I can't wait to see what you come up with!!!

For my card I chose to use patterned paper for my Jack-O-Lanterns. I used paper from American Crafts and Stampin' Up!. The outline of the pumpkins were heat embossed and then I stamped the faces using Jet Black StazOn ink. The stamp set is by Hampton Art and the Happy Halloween borders are by My Mind's Eye. It was a lot of fun to create this card and I hope it inspires you to play along.

Challenge Guidelines:

1. Create a New card using the challenge theme, no linking to old posts. 
2. Only one entry per blog address.
3. This is a card only challenge.
4. You must use a stamp, either rubber or digital.
5. You can combine this challenge with other challenges.
6. Upload your creation to your blog with a link back to this challenge. Please provide a direct link to the post featuring your challenge submission.
7. All brands of stamping products are welcome.
8. HAVE FUN!!!



Challenge Prize

The challenge will run for 12 days, 10/11/2013 - 10/22/2013.

Photo Inspiration Challenge

Good morning! Today marks a year and a half since I started this blog. I've had so much fun creating and sharing my cards that I decided to start a biweekly challenge. The challenge will rotate between a photo inspiration color challenge and a theme challenge. One of the things I love is to see all the different interpretations from the same inspiration and I can't wait to see what you create. There will be a challenge winner selected and they will receive a prize that coordinates with the challenge. I sure hope you will play along! The first challenge photo is of a floral arrangement my hubby bought me. There are a lot of creative options in this color palette. You can hold on to summer or jump right into fall. Which will you choose?

 

 

For my card I stayed with a summery feel. The orange tone I chose is Tangerine Tango by Stampin' Up! and I paired it with Wisteria sandable card stock by Core'dinations. The patterned paper is from the Venetian Romance dsp and the stamp sets are Mixed Bunch and Sassy Salutations all by Stampin' Up! I pulled the deep purple from the back of the arrangement to be my focal color and accented it with Gumball Green.

 

 

My Floral Feel Better Card is entered into the following challenges:

• Paper Crafting Journey: Flowers
• Inky Chicks: Stitching, Real or Faux
• Tuesday Throwdown: Anything Goes

 

Challenge Guidelines:

1. Create a New card, no linking to old posts. 
2. Only one entry per blog address.
3. This is a card only challenge.
4. You must use a stamp, either rubber or digital.
5. You can combine this challenge with other challenges.
6. Upload your creation to your blog with a link back to this challenge. Please provide a direct link to the post featuring your challenge submission.
7. All brands of stamping products are welcome.
8. HAVE FUN!!!

Challenge Prize

The challenge will run for 12 days, 9/13/2013-9/24/2013.