Sunday, April 21, 2024

CTC #466 - CASE Favourite Mini Catalogue Project

Welcome to another week at CASEing the Catty Sunday Blog Hop, where utilise the projects within the current Stampin' Up! catalogue to inspire our own projects each week. We also invite you to join with us in the challenge each week by using this inspiration in your own creations and uploading a photo to our Facebook page.

This week we are taking inspiration from our favourite projects in the mini catalogue, sadly this lovely catty has just over a week before many of the products are gone for good. 

I was inspired by this card from page 43 of the mini catalogue.  I was drawn to the layers rather than the colours for this one, which I think are a bit dull for my liking.

Because I wanted to stay fairly true to the original I recreated mine closely in layout, but changed the main colour to Pretty Peacock with hints of gold.  I love how this card turned out and I realised that it is also a good reminder, that while we are sad to see products go, we get new products in their place ... I was beyond happy when Pretty Peacock returned as a core colour!

Because I love the layers so much I thought I'd show you a close up, you can see for the splatter effect I have used Wink of Stella which gives such a lovely sparkle across the whole card, but particularly where the larger splatters have landed.
 
I hope you are inspired to join in the challenge this week, just use your favourite project in the mini catalogue to inspire your creativity, then post a picture of your project to the CTC Facebook page.

Time to hop on over and see what Tina has created this week.

Happy Stamping
Monique

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Chain Card Blog Hop - Tracy

At the beginning of October, Tracy started me on a fun journey with 10 other Australian demonstrators. We called it a "Chain Card Swap", a card version of what is called "Chinese Whispers" in Australia, also known as "Telephone" in the US and "Broken Telephone" in South Africa. Each of us designed a card (round 1) and sent it off to one of the other participants. That person CASE'd (Copy And Share Everything) the card and send their version on to the next person. Each card made its way around until finally a version came home to the maker. This was such a fun journey, and so interesting to see how the cards evolved with each round. We are going to have a blog hop for each of the card designs to share the fun and amazement at the evolution.

For our final post in this swap we have Tracy's beautiful floral gate-fold card as our starting off project. If you haven't started at her blog I would strongly encourage you to go to her blog now and follow the hop order in the link at the end of this post so you can see the progression of this lovely card.

My card came in at round 8, so a little bit down the creative path.  Similarities that remain are the central focal image, use of DSP and floral theme; and at a stretch a fancy fold!  I really love this card and the Perennial Lavender DSP I've used, I am so happy that this is actually carrying over into the  new Annual Catalogue so I'll get to keep using it for another year!

Time to keep hopping to see how my card was interpreted
Happy Stamping
Monique

Monday, April 15, 2024

Chain Card Swap Blog Hop - Sharni

At the beginning of October, Tracy started me on a fun journey with 10 other Australian demonstrators. We called it a "Chain Card Swap", a card version of what is called "Chinese Whispers" in Australia, also known as "Telephone" in the US and "Broken Telephone" in South Africa. Each of us designed a card (round 1) and sent it off to one of the other participants. That person CASE'd (Copy And Share Everything) the card and send their version on to the next person. Each card made its way around until finally a version came home to the maker. This was such a fun journey, and so interesting to see how the cards evolved with each round. We are going to have a blog hop for each of the card designs to share the fun and amazement at the evolution.
Sharni made the first card in this round, and I love the simplicity of this layout, clean elements. If you haven't started at her blog I would strongly encourage you to go to her blog now and follow the hop order in the link at the end of this post so you can see the progression of this lovely card.

My card was fourth in this chain, and you can see how the elements of Sharni's card have flowed through into my own. Unfortunately my card got a touch of moisture so the ink has run slightly since leaving my hands.  I just loved this specialty DSP and am hoping for something similar in this year's holiday mini, not that I'm ready for Christmas just yet!!!

Time to keep hopping to see how my card was interpreted
Happy Stamping
Monique

Friday, April 12, 2024

Chain Card Swap Blog Hop - Nancy

At the beginning of October, Tracy started me on a fun journey with 10 other Australian demonstrators. We called it a "Chain Card Swap", a card version of what is called "Chinese Whispers" in Australia, also known as "Telephone" in the US and "Broken Telephone" in South Africa. Each of us designed a card (round 1) and sent it off to one of the other participants. That person CASE'd (Copy And Share Everything) the card and send their version on to the next person. Each card made its way around until finally a version came home to the maker. This was such a fun journey, and so interesting to see how the cards evolved with each round. We are going to have a blog hop for each of the card designs to share the fun and amazement at the evolution.

Nancy made the first card in this round, if you haven't started at her blog I would strongly encourage you to go to her blog now and follow the hop order in the link at the end of this post so you can see the progression of this lovely card.

My card was the final card in this round and you can see that it had quite a change from the original, although it does resemble the card I was CASEing. I love all the texture on this card, from the embossed background to the layers of die-cut leaves, twine and embossed sentiment.  I think the monochromatic colour scheme really lets these other elements shine. 

If you didn't start with Nancy's card, hop on over to her blog and see the creative journey the chicken took from her to me.
Happy Stamping
Monique

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

Chain Card Swap Blog Hop - Monique

At the beginning of October, Tracy started me on a fun journey with 10 other Australian demonstrators. We called it a "Chain Card Swap", a card version of what is called "Chinese Whispers" in Australia, also known as "Telephone" in the US and "Broken Telephone" in South Africa. Each of us designed a card (round 1) and sent it off to one of the other participants. That person CASE'd (Copy And Share Everything) the card and send their version on to the next person. Each card made its way around until finally a version came home to the maker. This was such a fun journey, and so interesting to see how the cards evolved with each round. We are going to have a blog hop for each of the card designs to share the fun and amazement at the evolution.

I made the first card in this round, so hopefully you are starting off the blog hop here.  Because I made this first card late last year I was in full Christmas mode, so chose that as my theme for this faux stepper card.  This is a much easier version than the original stepper card, so I thought this would be easy to replicate around the hop.  
 
You can see here that the step is a fold at the front and then a second panel of cardstock is added to create the illusion of a stepper card. Let me know in the comments if you think this design made it to the end of the hop, and if not, how far did it get? Follow the links below to see if you are correct. 
 Happy Stamping
Monique

Monday, April 8, 2024

Chain Card Swap Blog Hop - Michele

At the beginning of October, Tracy started me on a fun journey with 10 other Australian demonstrators. We called it a "Chain Card Swap", a card version of what is called "Chinese Whispers" in Australia, also known as "Telephone" in the US and "Broken Telephone" in South Africa. Each of us designed a card (round 1) and sent it off to one of the other participants. That person CASE'd (Copy And Share Everything) the card and send their version on to the next person. Each card made its way around until finally a version came home to the maker. This was such a fun journey, and so interesting to see how the cards evolved with each round. We are going to have a blog hop for each of the card designs to share the fun and amazement at the evolution.
Michele made the first card in this round, don't you just love the vibrant colours! If you haven't started at her blog I would strongly encourage you to go to her blog now and follow the hop order in the link at the end of this post so you can see the progression of this lovely card.

My card came in at round three, so there are still a lot of similarities between Michele's card and my own.  There is one element that is on all of the cards except Michele's, make sure you follow the hop and comment below if you can spot what it is. 

Time to keep hopping to see how my card was interpreted.
Happy Stamping
Monique

Sunday, April 7, 2024

Funky Folds Blog Hop - Bay Window

Welcome to Funky Folds Blog Hop. We are a group of like-minded paper crafters who love to make cards with funky folds. Funky actually means "modern and stylish in an unconventional or striking way"... so we are featuring cards that are not your usual rectangle/square portrait or landscape style. Think 'easel', 'pop-up', 'gatefold', 'z-fold', 'shaped' or 3D cards etc. The list is endless. 

All Blog Hops have an 'anything goes' theme using any type of 'funky' card fold and I've made a Bay Window card featuring Kiddin' Around.  I was inspired by this video by Connie Stuart, though I re-worked the measurements to work with A4.

I was going to make this card using more feminine images and paper, but thought it would be a fun card to do as a kids card.  The images from the Kiddin' Around DSP are just adorable and this one caught my eye, so I fussy cut him out and adhered to the panel. The background DSP is from Stargazing, and I chose this to coordinate with the little boy's shorts.  His shirt prompted me to use Pretty Peacock for part of the sentiment.  I decided to off set the You and Are, a trick that I use when I am worried that I won't get the words to line up neatly, and I think for this card it gives a whimsical look.  Some of you might be a bit horrified that I actually cut this sentiment stamp into three pieces which makes it easier to use.

Metric Measurements
      • Base card - A4 cut in half long ways (29.6x10.5cm)
      • Score at 1cm, 5cm, 9cm, 13cm
      • DSP Panels - 10.5x1.3 (2 pieces); 10.5x3.5 (3 pieces) 
      • Base card colour cardstock 1.8cm by 10.5cm 
      • White inside panel 10x14.3cm
Up next is Cindy's card and I'm keen to see what fold she has chosen for this blog hop. 

If you love to make cards with creative folds and would like to join in with our monthly Funky Folds Blog Hop, you are welcome to head on over to our community group on Facebook to be part of the fun. 

Happy Stamping
Monique

CTC #464 - CASE A Retiring Bundle

Welcome to another week at CASEing the Catty Sunday Blog Hop, where utilise the projects within the current Stampin' Up! catalogue to inspire our own projects each week. We also invite you to join with us in the challenge each week by using this inspiration in your own creations and uploading a photo to our Facebook page.

This week we are taking inspiration from the retiring bundles from either catalogue.  

I was inspired by this card from page 71 of the Annual Catalogue which uses one of my favourite bundles that is retiring, Notes of Nature.

I don't think this card turned out exactly how I planned, I kept changing my colour scheme as I went through.  I did enjoy the technique of using my Stampin' Write Markers to what I call "dot colour" the leaves, using the brush tip of the marker to make a series of marks on the leaves rather than colouring them traditionally.  I wanted them to have a bit more contrast to the background so sponged on some Wild Wheat  using the die to create a mask so it kept the white edging. I learned this at the recent On-Stage event. 

This image shows some of the layering that is achieved with all of the little die cuts from the bundle.  You also get a sneak peek into the inside of the card which I have decorated to coordinate. 

I hope you are inspired to join in the challenge this week, just use any of the projects using the retiring bundles to inspire your creativity, then post a picture of your project to the CTC Facebook page.

Time to hop on over and see what Kathryn has created this week.

Happy Stamping
Monique

Friday, April 5, 2024

Chain Card Swap Blog Hop - Maheswari

At the beginning of October, Tracy started me on a fun journey with 10 other Australian demonstrators. We called it a "Chain Card Swap", a card version of what is called "Chinese Whispers" in Australia, also known as "Telephone" in the US and "Broken Telephone" in South Africa. Each of us designed a card (round 1) and sent it off to one of the other participants. That person CASE'd (Copy And Share Everything) the card and send their version on to the next person. Each card made its way around until finally a version came home to the maker. This was such a fun journey, and so interesting to see how the cards evolved with each round. We are going to have a blog hop for each of the card designs to share the fun and amazement at the evolution.
Maheswari's Card - Round 1
Maheswari made this elegant card to start off this round, I love the layering she has created using the big leaf die; and the pop of gold really steps up the elegance factor. 

My Card - Round 9
My card came in as the ninth card in this chain, so there are quite a few differences between it and Maheswari's! I think the multiple layers on the front of the card and use of die cuts has followed through, even the little bow. Or are those just lucky coincidences? Make sure you start with Maheswari's blog (first name in the list below) to see if these elements have carried through or are happy accidents.

Time to keep hopping to see how my card was interpreted. 

Happy Stamping
Monique

Wednesday, April 3, 2024

Chain Card Swap Blog Hop - Kayla

At the beginning of October, Tracy started me on a fun journey with 10 other Australian demonstrators. We called it a "Chain Card Swap", a card version of what is called "Chinese Whispers" in Australia, also known as "Telephone" in the US and "Broken Telephone" in South Africa. Each of us designed a card (round 1) and sent it off to one of the other participants. That person CASE'd (Copy And Share Everything) the card and send their version on to the next person. Each card made its way around until finally a version came home to the maker. This was such a fun journey, and so interesting to see how the cards evolved with each round. We are going to have a blog hop for each of the card designs to share the fun and amazement at the evolution.

Kayla's Card - Round 1
Kayla started off her round with this lovely Christmas card, and you can see it is very different to the card below that I made in round 7! Don't forget to start the hop at Kayla's blog, hers is the first name in the list at the end of this post, so you can see how the progression of this card occurred.

My Card - Round 7
I kept my card fairly similar to the one before me made by Cheryl. This one has the cute birds from the SAB free DSP and the beautiful dotty circle die behind it, I love this die and should use it more often.  I realised today that it is very similar to my watermark! Time to keep hopping to see how my card was interpreted.

Happy Stamping
Monique

Monday, April 1, 2024

Chain Card Swap Blog Hop - Genna

At the beginning of October, Tracy started me on a fun journey with 10 other Australian demonstrators. We called it a "Chain Card Swap", a card version of what is called "Chinese Whispers" in Australia, also known as "Telephone" in the US and "Broken Telephone" in South Africa. Each of us designed a card (round 1) and sent it off to one of the other participants. That person CASE'd (Copy And Share Everything) the card and send their version on to the next person. Each card made its way around until finally a version came home to the maker. This was such a fun journey, and so interesting to see how the cards evolved with each round. We are going to have a blog hop for each of the card designs to share the fun and amazement at the evolution.

Genna's Card - Round 1
Genna started off the fourth group of cards with this lovely wintery card. So I would recommend starting at her blog, first on the list below.

My Card - Round 5
My card was at Round 5 for this one so there are a few changes from the original, but you can still see the basic bones of the sketch, even though it has changed from landscape to portrait orientation.   To see the steps of this transformation follow the links below, starting with Genna.
Happy Stamping
Monique

Friday, March 29, 2024

Chain Card Swap Blog Hop - Cheryl

At the beginning of October, Tracy started me on a fun journey with 9 other Australian demonstrators. We called it a "Chain Card Swap", a card version of what is called "Chinese Whispers" in Australia, also known as "Telephone" in the US and "Broken Telephone" in South Africa. Each of us designed a card (round 1) and sent it off to one of the other participants. That person CASE-d (Copy And Share Everything) the card and send their version on to the next person. Each card made its way around until finally a version came home to the maker. This was such a fun journey, and so interesting to see how the cards evolved with each round. We are going to have a blog hop for each of the card designs to share the fun and amazement at the evolution.

Cheryl - Round 1
The third card that we are sharing was designed by Cheryl. I hope you have arrived at my blog following the hop around so you can see the progression of the cards between her's and mine; if not please follow the link to her hop (first in the list below). 

Monique - Round 6

I found this one a bit of a challenge, I didn't have the dies that Nancy used for her card, and eventually decided to use my Stampin' Blends to create the layers that Nancy had achieved with dies.   Its hard to see the connection when looking between Cheryl's card and my own, so it's lucky we have this hop to see the progression!

Happy Stamping
Monique

Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Chain Card Swap Blog Hop - Carolina

At the beginning of October, Tracy started me on a fun journey with 9 other Australian demonstrators. We called it a "Chain Card Swap", a card version of what is called "Chinese Whispers" in Australia, also known as "Telephone" in the US and "Broken Telephone" in South Africa. Each of us designed a card (round 1) and sent it off to one of the other participants. That person CASE-d (Copy And Share Everything) the card and send their version on to the next person. Each card made its way around until finally a version came home to the maker. This was such a fun journey, and so interesting to see how the cards evolved with each round. We are going to have a blog hop for each of the card designs to share the fun and amazement at the evolution.

Carolina - Round 1
The second card that we are sharing was designed by Carolina. I hope you have arrived at my blog following the hop around so you can see the progression of the cards between her's and mine; if not please follow the link to her hop. 

My Card - Round 10
I did enjoy creating this one with all the layers and colours, it was out of my usual style. Unlike the previous hop, I joined this group of cards in Round 10, so its hard to see the connection when looking between Carolina's and my card, so it's lucky we have this hop to see the progression!

Happy Stamping
Monique

Monday, March 25, 2024

Chain Card Swap Blog Hop - Annette

At the beginning of October, Tracy started me on a fun journey with 9 other Australian demonstrators. We called it a "Chain Card Swap", a card version of what is called "Chinese Whispers" in Australia, also known as "Telephone" in the US and "Broken Telephone" in South Africa. Each of us designed a card (round 1) and sent it off to one of the other participants. That person CASE-d (Copy And Share Everything) the card and send their version on to the next person. Each card made its way around until finally a version came home to the maker. This was such a fun journey, and so interesting to see how the cards evolved with each round. We are going to have a blog hop for each of the card designs to share the fun and amazement at the evolution.

Annette's Card
The first card that we are sharing was designed by Annette McMillan. My suggestion is that you start at her blog post and then follow the link through which is in round order. I was the first person to CASE her card, so I think you will be able to see the progression from her card to mine.

My Card - Round 1
I decided to keep with the layout and Christmas theme of the original card, using some of our lovely Joy of Christmas DSP. Time to hop on around and see the progression in creativity as each person puts their own spin on this lovely card. 


Happy Stamping
Monique