inspiration Station Challenge - March 2026

Hello Friends and Happy Monday, the 1st Monday of March and time for a new challenge month at The Inspiration Station Challenge Blog.  Our inspiration prompt for this month is:

Aren't these Pups adorable dressed in their St. Patty's Day best?  Even though the photo is simple in it's composition, there's lots of inspiration here, and I was directly inspired by the dogs and St. Patrick's day, so I've created a card for the holiday.

Using the Pup with Balloons digital image from Bugaboo Stamps (who remembers Bugaboo?), I've used a St. Patrick's Day color palette and colored the image using Copic Alcohol Markers.  As a side note, Jodi Mackrell is alive and well, she made an appearance in the Bugaboo Facebook Fan group and I was so relieved to hear from her.

I've die cut the focal panel and mat using scalloped nesting dies from Hero Arts,  the patterned paper is from my stash, the sentiment has been computer generated and popped on foam pads.  For a bit of interest, I've added a nest of gold thread from Altenew.

The team and I invite you to join us this month, we love seeing all the creative designs and how the photo inspires everyone.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Double Trouble

Make My Monday

A Cut Above

AUD Sentiments

Neglected Stuff Challenge - neglected stuff would be the Bugaboo digital image and patterned paper

CD Sunday +

Little Patch of Crafty Friends

Stamping Sensations

Mirtillamente

Give a Crafter a Cookie

Polkadoodles

Crafty Catz

Rudolph Days Holiday Challenge - February 2025

Hello Friends and Happy Tuesday!  I've been invited to join The Rudolph Holiday Challenge as a Guest Designer for the month of February and what a better way to start on my holiday cards for the 2025 Season, since I'm a terrible last minute Christmas Card creator, plus I'm honored for the invite!

My card features an adorable, gift bearing Elf from Bugaboo Stamps.  Sadly, Bugaboo is no longer in business but I've always loved Jodie's art work and I have quite the collection of her images.

I've colored the image using Copic Alcohol Markers, the patterned papers are from the Gnome Christmas 6x6 Mega paper pad from Hobby Lobby, and the sentiment is a pre-made strip from a holiday pack by Simon Says Stamp.

The focal panel has been cut using a fancy edged nesting rectangle die and popped of foam pads for dimension.  The sentiment has also been elevated and I've added red gems for a finishing touch.

It feels strange yet satisfying to have completed a holiday card at this time of year.  I may try to keep this up so I'm not completely stressed in November and early December, so we shall see.

Please pop over to the Rudolph Days Holiday Challenge and get some early festive inspiration.  Create a holiday card and we hope to see you there!

Until next time, Happy Crafting.

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

The Holly & Ivy Challenge

Pammie's Inky Pinkies

Girlz Creative Fun Art of Scrap

12 Months of Christmas

Kerst/Christmas Facebook Challenge

Peace on Earth Christmas Challenge

CD Sunday +

Love Those Pretty Papers

Gem of a Challenge

Polkadoodles

Hot Cocoa Mouse

Good Tuesday Crafty Friends! Just when we thought Spring was in sight, here comes another Winter Storm across the middle United States.  It's balmy here in Florida though, and my bones are thankful for that.

Today, I have a quick share featuring an adorable mouse and her Big Cuppa Cocoa, just in time for the Winter Storm expected in the next few days.

This cutie is from Bugaboo Stamps, which sadly is now defunct.  I do miss Bugaboo and Jodie's amazing characters (Jodie, wherever you are, I hope you are well).  I've colored using Copic and Spectrum Noir Alcohol markers.  The sentiment is from the Hot Cocoa Wishes Stamp Set from Your Next Stamp.

I've cut the focal panel using a nesting Postage Die from Catherine Pooler, the sentiment has been cut using a sentiment strip die from Kat Scrappiness, the patterned papers are from an older 6x6 paper pad, purchased at Hobby Lobby and the sequins are from my stash.  

That's all Folks, stay warm and until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Unicorn Challenge

Dream Valley

CD Sunday +

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends

613 Avenue Create

Polkadoodles

Gem of a Challenge

Creative Fingers

Critter Crazy

Crafty Animals

Warm Wintery Wishes

Hello and Happy Friday!  We've made it to the weekend and I hope you're staying warm and toasty, lots of snow and ice in the Northern Hemisphere.  I would like to take a moment to mention and send prayers to all those affected by the horrific Fires in California.  It looks apocalyptic!

I have a quick share today featuring a Sweet Snowman and Penguin friend sharing some Wintery Hugs.  The image is from Bugaboo Stamps and I've colored using Alcohol markers.

It seems teal and pink are all the rage recently, so I couldn't resist going with that color combo in my card.  The papers are from a holiday/winter pack from Scrapbook.com. The sentiment is part of the digital set, but unfortunately Bugaboo Stamps is no more and I miss them!  Jody, I hope you are well and maybe one day, you'll share your art with us again.

The focal panel and sentiment have been cut using stitched nesting dies, the sentiment has been popped on foam pads for dimension.  Lastly, I've added sequins for additional interest and shine.  That's all I have for you today.  Have a fabulous weekend, until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Crafty Catz

My Time to Craft

Creative Inspiration

Digi Choosday

Penny's Challenges

Word Art Wednesday

Crafty Gals Corner: Fill in the Blank - Snowman

Let's Craft and Create

Outlawz Monday Greetings

CD Sunday +

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends

Stamping Sensations

You're EARResistible

Hello Crafty Friends and Happy Monday!  I hope your weekend was lovely and your day wasn't too busy.  I have a quick share for you featuring the Bunny Line digital image from Bugaboo Stamps and a sentiment from the Hippity Hoppity Stamp Set by Kat Scrappiness.

I've created a card slightly larger than a standard mini slimline and colored the images with Prismacolor Pencils.  I printed the image a bit larger than I normally would as I wanted the scene panel to make up the majority of the card front.

The patterned paper is from an Easter pack by Kat Scrappiness.  The papers are adorable but I'm not fond of the finish, it's rather glossy and slick, so I'm trying to use it up this Spring and Easter season.

This is such a sweet scene, the bunnies are adorable and no one drew cute like Jodi Mackrel from Bugaboo.  I've posted all Easter cards today in hopes they land before Easter, I just have to complete ones that will be hand delivered.  Are you finished creating Easter cards?  

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge

Creative Moments

Cutie Pie Challenge

Ally's Angels

Coloring with Pencils

Star Stampz

CD Sunday +

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends

613 Avenue Create

Stamping Sensations

Di's Digi Design Challenge

Gem of a Challenge

Polkadoodle

Crafty Animals

Critter Crazy

Easter Joy

Hello and Happy Saturday!  I hope your week went smoothly and you find some time for crafting this weekend.  I plan on crafting all day long..the temperature is expected to reach near 90 degrees today, so it's crafting under the air conditioning for me!

I have a quick share today featuring an Easter card created using the Bugaboo Stamps "Bunny Chick Topper" image.  I know I say this every time I use a Bugaboo image - I miss Bugaboo Stamps!

I've colored the image using Prismacolor Pencils, the patterned papers are from the Craft Consortium "Bloom & Wild" 6x6 paper pad.  The sentiment is from the "Easter Lilies" Stamp Set by Scrappy Tails.  

I've die cut the focal image using a fancy stitched square nesting die from My Favorite Things, sentiment cut with a nesting circle die, the yellow strip has been punched for a fancy edge.  The focal and sentiment have been lifted with foam pads.

Lastly, pink sequins from my stash were added for some shine and interest.  That's all I have for today.  Have a fabulous Saturday and until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

All Sorts

Di's Digi Design Challenge

Pink Gem Challenge

Polkadoodles

Crafty Catz

Creative Fingers

Cut It Up

Aloha Friday

Outlawz Twisted Thursday: Texture, Die Cut, Patterned Paper

Simply Create Too

Krafty Chicks

Daisy Chain Challenge

Crafty Animals

Critter Crazy

Inspiration Station Challenge March 2024

Hello and Happy 1st Monday of March!  I hope you are starting to see signs of Spring where you are.  If you're in the Southern Hemisphere, I hope you're winter weather hasn't arrived yet.

Today begins a new challenge month at The Inspiration Station Challenge Blog.  The challenges always have an inspirational prompt for you to interpret into your design.  The inspiration photo this month is:

There are so many ways to interpret this photo, I went with a St. Patrick's Day theme as I get the vibe of a Parade with lots of fun visuals and sounds.  I've used the now defunct Bugaboo Stamps St. Patrick's Day Frog for my card.

I've colored this Cheeky Frog using Prismacolor Pencils.  The patterned papers are from a St. Patrick's Day digital paper pack that I purchased on Etsy approximately 5 years ago, and I've used only scrap on this card.  Because it's a digital paper pack, I'll always have these "papers" to use.

I've die cut the focal image using a nested stitched circle die from Cheery Lynn (purchased from Amazon).  I've popped the circle focal on foam pads, as well as the banner.  Lastly, I've added green faux gems for added interest. 

The team and I hope you'll pop over to the challenge and play along this month.  There is a lovely prize from Pretty Pink Posh (not a sponsored prize) and everyone is eligible for the prize, no matter of your location, as long as rules for the challenge are followed.

That's all for now.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenges

Double Trouble

A Place to Start

Aud Sentiments

Outlawz Monday Greetings

CD Sunday +

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends

613 Avenue Create

Crafting Happiness
Crafty Animals

Pearly Sparkles

Crafts Galore Encore

The Sisterhood of Crafters

Penny's Paper Crafty Challenges

Kidz Reindeer

Hello Crafty Friends and Happy Tuesday!  We only have 13 more sleeps until the Jolly Man comes and I hope you're getting as excited as I am for his visit.  I have a quick share for your today featuring an adorable little one dressed as a reindeer.

The image is the Kidz Reindeer digital image from Bugaboo Stamps (now retired) and I've used my Prismacolor Pencils for coloring.  The patterned papers are from the Miss Mary Christmas 6x6 paper pad purchased at Hobby Lobby and look like strips of ribbon.

I've die cut the focal image using a stitched tag die from Gina K. Designs, the glittery background banner strip was cut using a die from Kat Scrappiness and the sentiment is from a pre-stamped pack by Simon Says Stamp.

The focal tag has been popped on craft foam for dimension and Crystal Stickles were added to the Christmas lights for that much needed holiday sparkle.  For the finishing touch, a small Baker's Twine Bow has been added to the tag.

That's all I have for you today.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Polkadoodles Digi Choosday

Holly and Ivy Christmas Challenge

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge

Double Trouble

Use Your Stuff

Outlawz Monday Greetings

Cutie Pie Challenge

Christmas with the Cuties

Mirtillamente

The Crafting Challenge

Sheepski Designs

Merry Little Christmas Challenge

Hot Cocoa Christmas Mouse

Hello and Happy Sunday Everyone, I hope your weekend has been lovely.  Today I have a quick share featuring the adorable Hot Cocoa Christmas Mouse digital image from Bugaboo Stamps (now retired).  

I've colored the image using Prismacolor Pencils, the patterned papers are from the "Mary Christmas" 6x6 paper stack, purchased at Hobby Lobby.  I've die cut the focal image using a scalloped edge nesting oval die.

The focal image has been popped up using foam pads and I've added red sequins along with Crystal Stickles (on the tiny heart and marshmallow) for that extra bit of holiday sparkle.

That's all I have for today.  Have a fabulous week, stay calm and carry on within the Christmas crowds and until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Coloring with Pencils

Star Stampz

CD Sunday +

Little Patch of Crafty Friends

613 Avenue Create

Gem of a Challenge

Polkadoodles

Send A Smile 4 Kids

Crafty Catz

2 Crafty Critter Crazies

My Time to Craft

A Place to Start

Inspiration Station Challenge #51

Hello Everyone and Happy July 3rd!  I hope you're enjoying a long holiday weekend and staying as Cool as you possibly can in this sweltering heat!

Today begins a new challenge month at The inspiration Station Challenge Blog.  Our photo prompt for July is so appropriate for this time of year in the Northern Hemisphere:

For my team project, I've decided to use an oldie but goodie digital image from Bugaboo Stamps.  I was inspired by the water and found a fun Snorkeling Penguin.  I've colored up the Poppi Penguin with Scuba Gear image using Prismacolor Pencils.

The patterned papers are from the Summer Vibes paper pack by Kat Scrappiness and the sentiment is from Whimsy Stamps.

To finish off the design, I've added faux gems that match the color of the water.  I've always loved Bugaboo images and they were the first digitals I started coloring.  I was also honored to be on the Design Team.  Jodie, I hope you are well and living your best life, wherever you are!

Please stop by the Inspiration Station Challenge and let's see how the photo prompt inspires you.

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge

A Place to Start

CD Sunday

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends

613 Avenue Create

Crafting Happiness

Friendship Challenge

2 Crafty Critter Crazies

Park Hopping My Happy Place - Inspired by the Penguins at Sea World Orlando

Four Seasons Challenge

Love to Craft

Crafty Animals

Inspiration Station Challenge #38 - Scarecrows

Hello and Happy Wednesday!  Today begins a new bi-weekly challenge at The Inspiration Station Challenge Blog and our generous sponsor is TLC Designs.  The inspiration photo for this challenge is adorable:

I had think on this inspiration photo, I don't have any scarecrow images in my stash but I have an image from Bugaboo Stamps and thought it would be perfect for this challenge round.  P.S.  I miss Bugaboo and I have hope that maybe Jodie will come back some day.

My card measures 5.5" square and the patterned papers are from the Echo Park "Trick or Treat" 6x6 paper pad.  I've followed a card sketch from Cards by Kendra, I was inspired by the faces, sunflowers and colors in the photo.

The image has been colored using Spectrum Noir Illustrator Alcohol Markers and I've added enamel embellishments for added interest.  

Please join us at The Isnpiration Station Challenge Blog and share with us your inspired projects.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna 

**Challenges Entered:

Fab n Funky

Penny's Challenges

Crafty Gals Corner

Crafting Happiness

Dream Valley

Outlawz Monday Greetings

Get Creative

Ally's Angels

Country View Challenges

Two Old Bats Halloween Challenge

Send A Smile 4 Kids

Pammie's Inky Pinkies Challenge - Anything Goes

Hello Friends and Happy Monday!  Today begins a new challenge week at Pammie's Inky Pinkies with a theme of CAS (Clean and Simple).  The sponsor this week is Bugaboo Stamps and I'm certain by now you've hard they have closed shop.  The prize will still be awarded and will be the images the Design Team used to create their projects.

For my team project, I used a Halloween Frame image to create a wee 5" note card perfect for posting or including in a Trick or Treat Sack.  The sentiment was included with the image so it made for fun and fast cardmaking.

I've colored the images with Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers and mounted flat to a card base of 110 lb. Neenah Solar White Classic Crest cardstock.

Stop by the challenge this week and join us in the fun!  I am thinking we may see loads of Autumn and Halloween creations, we are getting close to that time of year!

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

Catch the Bug Sunday Sketch Challenge

Hello and Happy 4th of July to all my USA friends!  It's also Sunday and time for a new Sketch Challenge at Bugaboo Stamps Catch the Bug Challenge Blog.  Starting July 3rd, the Saturday Anything Goes and the Sunday Sketch challenges will now run for 1 month instead of bi-weekly.

The Sketch for this month is the following:

For my design team project, I created an A2 sized card and tried to stay true to the sketch as much as possible.

For my card, I colored the florals, which are components of the Izzy Flowers Mini Set, using Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers.  The Gingham paper is from an older Color Bok 6x6 paper pad, the Baker's Twine and Faux Gems from my stash.

Please jon us this month for the Sketch Challenge.  We would love to see your designs and hope to inspire you with ours.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Di's Digi Design

CD Sunday Plus

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends

Angie's Digital Stamps

Catch the Bug Anything Goes Challenge

Hello Crafty Friends and Happy Saturday!  Today begins a new challenge at Bugaboo Stamps Catch the Bug Challenge Blog and starting today, the Saturday Anything Goes Challenge will now be Monthly.  

For my design team project, I've used the Butterfly Bear Watermelon digital image to create a side folding A2 sized card.

I've colored the image with Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers, die cut the focal using a Slanted Stitch Circle Die from Pretty Pink Posh and the patterned paper is from an Echo Park Good Day Sunshine 6x6 paper pad.  

I generated the sentiment on the computer and die cut using a stitched sentiment banner die from My Favorite Things.  Please join us for the challenge at Catch the Bug and remember, the Saturday Challenge is now Monthly so you have lots of time to enter!

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Di's Digi Design

Outlawz PAM

Crafty Calendar

Crafty Catz

Polkadoodles

Gem of a Challenge

Creative Fingers

2 Crafty Critter Crazies

Stella Says Sketch - Birthday Fishes

Hello my Crafty Friends!  Today begins a new Sketch Challenge at Bugaboo Stamps Catch the Bug Challenge Blog.  The sketch for the next 2 weeks is:

For my design team project, I used the sketch as inspiration to create a 5.5" square Birthday Card using the Make It Snappy Birthday Fishes image.  

I colored the image with Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers and mounted on a die cut Tag.  I also die cut Balloons, colored with alcohol markers and added Wink of Stella along with Judi Kins Diamond Glaze so they would have dimension, sparkle and shine.  The Image and Balloons are mounted on foam pads, the papers are from the American Crafts Everyday 6x6 paper pad and the additional sentiment is from a CTMH Petite Perks Treat Youself Stamp Set.

Please stop by Catch the Bug and join in the Sketch challenge this round!  Hope to see you there.

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

CD Sunday

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends

Gem of a Challenge

Di's Digi Design

Send a Smile 4 Kids

Outlawz Festive Friday

Polkadoodles

Crafty Creations

Get Creative

Creative Knockouts

Cute Card Thursday

Friday Freebie at Bugaboo's Catch the Bug

 Hello My Crafty Friends and Happy Friday Freebie!  Yes, it's Friday Freebie at Bugaboo's Catch the Bug Challenge Blog.  The following image will be available as a Freebie for 1 week so please stop by and get it while you can.

I needed a tag for a birthday gift and thought this image was perfect.  I resized the image, printed and colored with Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers.  I then cut out the image with a large tag die from Gina K. Designs, added a ribbon and mini staples and called it complete.

Thanks for stopping by and until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

The Paper Shelter

Color It Create It Show It Off

Morgan's Art World

Bugaboo Saturday Summer Sign

Hello and Happy Saturday!  Today begins a new bi-weekly Anything Goes challenge on the Bugaboo Stamps Catch the Bug Challenge Blog.  My design team project today is a card celebrating Summer.

Summer Dreams of Camping, Fishing, Swimming, BBQ'ing, Fireworks, Holidays and the Beach are filling my head.  

For my card, I colored the Summer Sign digital stamp with Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers, ink blended a sky using the Mini Cloud Edges stencil from My Favorite Things, Die cut rolling hills and blended all with Salvaged Patina and Cracked Pistachio Distress Oxide Inks from Tim Holtz.  Please stop by the challenge blog and enter your design, we would love to see what you create!

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Gem of a Challenge

Crafter's Castle

Crafty Calendar

Taylormade Cards 4 U

Polkadoodles

Creative Fingers

Send A Smile 4 Kids

Outlawz Festive Fridays

Cardz 4 Galz

Aud Sentiments

Bugaboo's Friday Freebie - A Fishing Monkey

Hello and Happy Friday Freebie Day at the Bugaboo Stamps Blog.  Today's Freebie is a Fishing Monkey and he would be a great image to color up for a Father's Day Card.

I've colored the Monkey with Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers, used DSP from the Paper House "Nautical" 12x12 paper pad and added Wink of Stella to the water under the boat (which cannot be seen in the photo).  Please visit the Bugaboo Blog for your Free image; it will be available for 1 week.  

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Crafty Catz

Polkadoodles

Cardz TV

Outlawz Festive Fridays

Scrapping 4 Fun

C.R.A.F.T

Cute Card Thursday

Cardz 4 Galz

Outlawz Twisted Thursday

Stinkin' Inkers

Sogando Scrap / Dreaming of Scrap

Happy "Bird" day Chickie

Hello and Happy Saturday!  Today begins the new Anything Goes Challenge at Bugaboo's Catch the Bug Challenge Blog!  For my design team project, I've used the Happy Bird Day Chickie digital stamp to create a fun Birthday card.

I've colored the image with Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers and die cut the focal image with a scalloped die.  I created the background using the "smooshing" technique and Twisted Citron, Rustic Wildnerness, Blueprint Sketch and Salty Ocean Distress Oxide Inks.  The focal and sentiment flag were popped on foam pads for dimension, sequins and doodling added for interest.

Please join us at Catch the Bug for the Anything Goes Saturday Challenge.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

All Sorts

Di's Digi Design

Outlawz Festive Fridays

Creative Fingers

Crafty Catz

Let's Craft and Create

Creative Moments

Penny's Challenges

AAA Birthday

CRAFT

World Wide Open DT