HLS May CAS Challenge + DT Call

Hi everyone.  May is here already!  This year is flying by.  Time for a new CAS Challenge here at Happy Little Stampers.  This is going to be a LOT of FUN! :)

The winners from the April CAS Stenciling challenge will be announced here next week. We are so thrilled to have over 100 entries --- WOW!  Thanks so much to all of you who played along.  We loved checking out all your cards!! :)  If you'd like an overall view of the amazing cards from last month, click HERE to see the Pinterest Board we've created for the April Stenciling entries.

Here's our new challenge ...

There are lots of ways to use die-cut and punches on cards.  Whether you have them as your focal point, create a scene, add a frame, or use them as a mask ... die-cuts and punches are easy to use and add lots of dimension to cards.  We hope you'll pull out your die-cuts or punches, create a CAS card, and join us for some fun!

At Happy Little Stampers, CAS  (clean and simple) is defined as:

- one main focal point
- lots of white or open (no pattern) space
- minimal layers
- minimal embellishments

This month we are excited to have Bonnie (Stamping with Klass) as our Guest Designer. Bonnie makes the most amazing CAS cards and also shares techniques that she's learned along the way.  Please take some time to check out her blog ... we know you'll be inspired!

Welcome to the team, Bonnie!! :)


Here are the CAS Die-cut cards for this week ...

Bonnie - Guest Designer

The Iris is die-cut, sponged with ink and then an Aqua Painter (waterbrush) was used to spread the colors.  Using Loll's shaping technique (link to video below), the petals were curled with a burnishing tool.

Kylie

My card was made by activating brusho powder on my watercolour card and then blowing through a straw to move the colour around. A simple die cut paired with an embossed sentiment and a punched corner for interest finished it off.

Loll

Die-cut leaves and branch are sponged and shaped for dimension (see link to video tutorial below).  Die-cut wreath is cut-up and layered to create the nest for the fussy-cut birds.

Here are links to some wonderful die-cutting tutorials on YouTube to help inspire you ...

Adding Dimension to Die-cut Leaves by Loll Thompson (3:16)
Adhering intricate die-cuts the easy way by Chrissie Stokes (2:23)
Die-cut Acetate Stencil Background by Michelle Joy Wecksler (6:15)
Dimensional Die-cutting by Joanna Harty (4:53)
Faux Laser Cut Die-cutting by Jennifer McGuire (12.20)
Glitter Die Cutting by Jennifer McGuire (6:26)
Inlaid Die Cuts by Dina Kowal (6:51)
Layered Die-cuts by Laura Bassen (4:30)
Partial Die-Cutting by Debby Hughes (7:12)
Partial Die-Cutting by Kylie Purtell (photo tutorial)

Come and join the fun and link up your Die-cut / Punch CAS card below.

Design Team Call

We have some more exciting news at Happy Little Stampers Blog.  Kylie mentioned on the Sketch Challenge post that we are looking for crafters to join our Design Team for the Sketch Challenge and upcoming new Christmas Challenge.  Please click HERE if you are interested in joining either of those teams.

We are also looking for some CAS card designers to join our Design Team for the CAS Challenge.  If you're interested, please add DT after your name on your entry this month.  

Please consider the requirements below before applying (these requirements apply to each of the monthly challenges)

* You will need to make a project for the monthly challenge based on either the sketch or theme by a specified deadline and add it to our admin blog. You may be required to create a reminder project every so often.

* You will need to comment on your allotted entries

* You will need to vote on the entries by a specified deadline

* Your term will be for 6 months starting July 2015 with the option to continue

An InLinkz Link-up