Serendipity Stamps Challenge #26

Hi there!

Hope you are doing well, staying relaxed and enjoying the season. I am trying! Today it is time once again for a new challenge on the Serendipity Stamps Challenge Blog. The challenge this week is chalk. I have such fun with the chalkboard technique, and that's what I used for my card.

I wanted to use something wintery and festive, so I used the Birch Candles image. I stamped it onto dark gray cardstock with white pigment ink, and then added a few accents with a white colored pencil. I also added some crystal glitter, because everything at the holidays needs to have a little sparkle! In the past, I've only ever used sentiment stamps for the chalkboard technique, but why not a pretty image?

Be sure to stop by and visit the rest of the Design Team:

Jenny Gropp
Marybeth Lopez
Miriam Napier
Pauline Pollington
Anya Schrier - you are here!
Jeanne Jachna
Vickie Zimmer
Julie Warner
Karen Amidon

I hope you'll join us for this week's challenge. If you're in the mood for a little shopping, Serendipity has more than 100 stamps on the 50% Off Wood Mounted Sale. They also have 3 different grab bags – unmounted, Sticky cushion, and Cling Cushion. Each has 10 small stamps. Just search for "grab bag"!

Thanks for stopping by!

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Recipe
STAMPS: Birch Candles - Serendipity Stamps
CARDSTOCK: Oatmeal - Wplus9; Smokey Shadow - PTI
PATTERNED PAPER: North Pole - We R Memory Keepers
INK: White Craft Pigment Ink - Wplus9; Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger
OTHER: Crystal Fine Glitter - Martha Stewart Crafts

Holiday Greetings

Hello, hello!

I am just going to pop in and out and share a little card with you that I made using this week's Mojo Monday sketch.

I used Verve's Holiday Greetings stamp set. I am kinda super crazy about those adorable Christmas trees, but I used the charming wreath from the set on my card.

I used Copic markers to color the wreath, and was inspired by a color combo in Basic Grey's 25th & Pine collection.

Did you know that Verve Stamps is having a holiday sale? All the stamps released in 2013 are 25% off! What a great deal!

So glad you stopped by today!

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Recipe
STAMPS: Holiday Greetings - Verve Stamps
CARDSTOCK: Soft Sky - SU!; Oatmeal - Wplus9
PATTERNED PAPER: 25th & Pine - Basic Grey
INK: Tuxedo Black Memento - Tsukineko; Soft Sky - SU!; Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger
OTHER: Standard Circle Nestabilities - Spellbinders; Diamond Stickles - Ranger; Melon Berry Button - PTI; Crochet thread

December Verve Diva Inspirations Hop

Hello!

Welcome to the December Verve Diva Inspirations Hop!

It's the 5th of the month and that means it's hopping time. We love to get our Verve inky around here.  So pull up a chair and take a tour of some fun creations using Verve favorites. It's sure to be a treat, and speaking of treats, we've got a prize for one lucky commenter along the hop! Check out the Verve Blog today for all the prize info and deadlines.

You are on the right track if you've arrived here from Amy's blog. The hop is kicking off on the Verve Blog, so be sure to head there to get all the details!

This week there is also a contest going on at the Mojo Monday Blog. I used this week's sketch to help kick start my inspiration.

The holidays are in full swing around here, and I'm adding to the holiday card stack whenever I can.  For today's card, I used the Bright Spirits set, a fabulous holiday set (with the most gorgeous font EVER!) that was released in 2011.

There are lots of lovely Verve ladies joining us today - some of the release team is with us, so be sure to keep on hopping! Betty Wright is your next stop along the hop!

	1. Julee	12. Andrea
	2. Amy	13. Teresa
	3. Anya	14. Charmaine
	4. Betty	15. Laurie S,
	5. Jessica	16. Stacey {Guest}
	6. Karen	17. Jen
	7. Sankari	18. Amber
	8. Sarah	19. Maureen
	10. Susan	20. Marisa
	11. Tiffany	21. Christyne

And since the holidays are just around the corner, Verve Stamps has a little holiday sale going on! Don't forget to pick up a little something for your own stocking! 

Take care, and thanks for stopping by!

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Recipe
STAMPS: Bright Spirits - Verve Stamps
CARDSTOCK: Oatmeal - Wplus9; Soft Sky - SU!
PATTERNED PAPER: 25th & Pine - Basic Grey
INK: Onyx Black Versafine - Tsukineko; Vintage Photo Distress Ink - Ranger
OTHER: Corner Chomper - We R Memory Keepers; Star Dust Stickles - Ranger; Melon Berry Button - PTI; Eggshell Seam Binding - Hug Snug; Copic Markers

Serendipity Stamps Challenge #25

Hello, hello!

How is your week going? It didn't take long to get right into the swing of the holidays, did it? Today it is time once again for a new challenge on the Serendipity Stamps Challenge Blog. The challenge this week is to create a shaped card.

Using a few circle dies and some freehand cutting, I came up with this guy.

This idea really started when I was looking through my stamps and saw the Merry Christmas Arc stamp. It reminded me of a banner, and I thought it would be cute to have a snowman hold the message.

I also used some other Serendipity images to decorate him - his body is stamped with the Large Snowflake Flourish and then brushed with Perfect Pearls for some shimmer. His scarf and glove patterns were created using the Large Cupcake stamp. Just a little fun :)

Won't you join us for this week's challenge? All you need to do is use at least one Serendipity Stamps image on your shaped card and link it up over on the Serendipity Stamps Challenge Blog.

Be sure to stop by and visit the rest of the Design Team:

Jenny Gropp
Marybeth Lopez
Miriam Napier
Pauline Pollington
Anya Schrier - you are here!
Jeanne Jachna
Vickie Zimmer
Julie Warner
Karen Amidon

I hope you'll join us for this week's challenge. If you're in the mood for a little shopping, this week's sale is buy 3, get the 4th free. The special is good through 12/11.

Thanks for stopping by!

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Recipe
STAMPS: Merry Christmas Arc, Large Snowflake Flourish, Large Cupcake - Serendipity Stamps
CARDSTOCK: White, Cupid's Bow - Wplus9; Chocolate Chip, Bashful Blue, Pumpkin Pie - SU!
INK: Buckaroo Blue - SU!; White Pigment - Wplus9
OTHER: Detail Gold Embossing Powder - Stewart Superior; Perfect Pearls - Ranger; Standard Circles Large and Small Nestabilities - Spellbinders

WMS Inspiration Blog

Hello there!

Today I am posting over on the new Waltzingmouse Inspiration Blog! I hope you'll head over there and see what I cooked up for today. The entire Design Team will be posting throughout the month, so you'll have lots of fresh ideas and inspiration. Look for me there every first of the month!

Wplus9 Monday Mood Board

I am so glad to be playing along with this week's Monday Mood Board Challenge from Wplus9, it has been ages.

I love poinsettias, but this set kind of flew under my radar during the last Wplus9 release. But when I started seeing the absolutely amazing things that Meredith MacRitchie was making, really, I couldn't believe that I had passed this one up. Bill and I were married right before Christmas, so my memories of that day are full of red and cream sparkly poinsettias and the warm glow of twinkle lights. I had that in mind when I pulled out Pretty Poinsettias for this card.

I particularly loved the placement of elements on this week's Monday Mood Board graphic. I thought it would make a great card layout.

I guess that kraft isn't really a true poinsettia color, but that is the vibe I was feeling from the Mood Board. I added the leaf veins with Versamark ink and embossed them in gold. I love how warm this card feels.

The little bit of greenery is from the Merry & Bright set, it amazes me how realistic it looks.

I hope you have a great day - we got about a foot of snow last night, so its really starting to feel festive around here. I will share some pictures in the next few days, but man, I am so thankful for such a beautiful place to live. Hugs to you all!

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Recipe
STAMPS: Pretty Poinsettias, Merry & Bright - Wplus9
CARDSTOCK: Cranberry Crisp - SU!; Oatmeal - Wplus9
INK: Crumb Cake, Baked Brown Sugar, Mellow Moss, Old Olive, Cranberry Crisp, Soft Suede, So Saffron - SU!; Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger
OTHER: Pretty Poinsettias Die - Wplus9; Detail Gold Filigree Embossing Powder - Stewart Superior

Gobble, Gobble

Hi there, today I am playing along with this week's Viva La Verve sketch challenge.

This week's sketch was designed by Teresa Kline.

I used the little turkey from Bountiful Harvest for my card.

I used a bunch of different patterned papers to paper piece him. Isn't he fancy?

The VLV sketch challenge is hosted on the Verve forum over on the Splitcoaststampers site. Go check out the challenge rules and join us! You could win $100 in Verve goodies - the clock is ticking!

Have a fabulous day!

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Recipe
STAMPS: Bountiful Harvest - Verve Stamps
CARDSTOCK: Oatmeal - Wplus9
PATTERNED PAPER: PB&J - Basic Grey; Handmade Holiday - Simple Stories; Restoration Collection - Crate Paper
INK: Onyx Black Versafine - Tsukineko; Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger; Crumb Cake - SU!
OTHER: Cappuccino Twine - The Twinery; Oval Nestabilities - Spellbinders

November Pajama Party at WMS

Good evening, sweets! How about a little late night fun?

The Waltzingmouse Stamps November Pajama Party has just kicked off, with four fabulous holiday inspired challenges to add a little spice to your evening. The challenges are open for 24 hours, so if you need a little time to think things over, you have until tomorrow evening to link up your projects.  

Read all about this month's challenges here!

I'm sharing a little something using the Bedtime Story Sketch. This particular challenge remains open for a week, so you have plenty of time to join us.

I just have to say, I can't help myself.

You may just see these pinecones on everything for the rest of forever.

Festive Foliage + Heirloom Patterns = happy.

Join us, won't you?

Have a lovely evening!

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Recipe
STAMPS: Festive Foliage, Heirloom Patterns, Folk Art Christmas Additions - Waltzingmouse Stamps
CARDSTOCK: Vintage Cream - PTI; Ballet Slippers - Wplus9
PATTERNED PAPER: 25th & Pine - Basic Grey
INK: Cinnamon, Sage, Umber VersaColor - Tsukineko; Early Espresso - SU!; Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger
OTHER: Pinecones Die Set - Waltzingmouse Stamps; Circle Nestabilities - Spellbinders; Sewing machine

A Waltzingmouse Christmas - Day 4

Hi there. Today is our final day of A Waltzingmouse Christmas. I hope you enjoyed seeing the new products Waltzingmouse Stamps has available and collected a little holiday inspiration. Today we are sharing ideas for holiday decorations.

My project for today is a tad more function than decoration, but still shares the holiday spirit. It would also make a great gift!

I used the new Holly Sprig Die and some felt scraps to create a little festive fabric coaster.

I die cut the holly and berries from felt and stitched it to the houndstooth fabric with embroidery floss. In addition to adhering it to the fabric coaster, the stitching also helped to give the holly leaves a bit more definition.  As you can see, I am not practiced at embroidery :) 

Perfect for a mug of hot cocoa!

A little set of these tied up with some twine would make a cute gift, I think! Or you could keep them for yourself (mine is going to stay on my desk, perfect for a cuppa ;) They are inexpensive to make and don't require too much time - a great Sunday afternoon project.

That wraps it up for me today. Tomorrow is the monthly WMS Pajama Party so I hope you'll check out the details and join us... goodies are up for grabs! Here are the rest of the Design Team links for today!

Anya Schrier - you are here!

Becca Feeken

Edna Morrisedie

Iwona Palamountain

Jeanne Jachna

Jen Cuthbertson

Jennifer Holmes

Julia Aston

Karin Åkesdotter

Kelly Schirmer

Kim Duran

Lynn Mercurio

Renee Lynch

Sandie Dunne

Teresa Kline

Tosha Leyendekker

Claire Brennan

So glad you stopped by! Have a super day!

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Recipe
MATERIALS: Holly Sprig Die Set - Waltzingmouse Stamps; Scrap Felt Squares (approx. 4 1/2 inches); Embroidery thread

A Waltzingmouse Christmas - Day 3

Good morning and welcome back for Day 3 of A Waltzingmouse Christmas. Today we are inspiring you with Christmas tag ideas.

For today's project, I pulled out another newly released set, Seasonal Flourish. A beautifully elegant sentiment set, these phrases are stand-alone works of art!

I wanted to incorporate as many of the sentiments as possible on my tag, so I used them to stamp my background. I love the look - the flourishes are so elegant. I accented my background with some glitter-covered Scor-Tape and a little corsage of Festive Foliage. I used all three of the coordinating dies: Holly Sprig, Pinecones, and Mistletoe to create the look.

Tomorrow is another day of inspiration, I hope you will join us! Here are the rest of the Design Team links for today!

Anya Schrier - you are here!

Becca Feeken

Edna Morrisedie

Iwona Palamountain

Jeanne Jachna

Jen Cuthbertson

Jennifer Holmes

Julia Aston

Karin Åkesdotter

Kelly Schirmer

Kim Duran

Laurie Schmidlin

Lynn Mercurio

Renee Lynch

Sandie Dunne

Teresa Kline

Tosha Leyendekker

Claire Brennan

So glad you stopped by! Have a super day!

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Recipe
STAMPS: Seasonal Flourish, Festive Foliage - Waltzingmouse Stamps
CARDSTOCK: Vintage Cream - PTI
INK: Going Gray, Mellow Moss, Handsome Hunter, Wild Wasabi, Always Artichoke, Close to Cocoa, Ruby Red - SU!; Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger
OTHER: Holly Sprig Die Set, Pinecones Die Set, Mistletoe Die Set - Waltzingmouse Stamps; Linen Thread - SU!; Manila Tag - Stampers Anonymous; Florentine Gold Glitter - Martha Stewart Crafts

Serendipity Stamps Challenge #24

Hi there!

This week is just moving right along, isn't it? Today it is time once again for a new challenge on the Serendipity Stamps Challenge Blog. The challenge this week is to create a gift or tag for the holidays.

I thought a tag was the perfect thing on which to use this whimsical little Christmas Tree. I love the little lean it has to it :)

I stamped it on a variety of patterned papers (all from Simple Stories' Handmade Holiday collection) and paper-pieced my stamped image. I added a little bit of twine in the top corner to match the tree's lean. I also thought a little clothespin would be a cutie way to attach it to a gift (alas, my clothespins are MIA - in a box somewhere, I'm sure!).

Won't you join us for this week's challenge? All you need to do is use at least one Serendipity Stamps image on your project, along with paper scraps, and link it up over on the Serendipity Stamps Challenge Blog.

Here is this week's fabulous inspiration from the rest of the Design Team:

Jenny Gropp
Marybeth Lopez
Miriam Napier
Pauline Pollington
Anya Schrier - you are here!
Jeanne Jachna
Vickie Zimmer
Julie Warner
Karen Amidon

I hope you'll join us for this week's challenge. If you're in the mood for a little shopping, this week's sale is 40% off the highest priced item in your card. Use the coupon code 40fromhigh1113 to apply the discount. The special is good through 11/27.

Thanks for stopping by, take care!

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Recipe
STAMPS: Christmas Tree - Serendipity Stamps
CARDSTOCK: Oatmeal - Wplus9
PATTERNED PAPER: Handmade Holiday - Simple Stories
INK: Onyx Black Versafine - Tsukineko; Vintage Photo Distress Ink - Ranger
OTHER: Star Dust Stickles - Ranger; Rustic Cream Button Twine - PTI; Corner Chomper 1/4 Edge Rounder - We R Memory Keepers

A Waltzingmouse Christmas - Day 2

Good morning and welcome back to Day 2 of A Waltzingmouse Christmas. Today we're focusing on Christmas cards, pulling together new releases and some old favorites. No more chit-chat, I can't wait to show you my first card!

In the words of sweetie Renee Lynch, I die! And its thanks to her and her massive die-cutting efforts that I can share the new Pinecones Die Set with you! This is another of the new die releases that coordinates with the Festive Foliage set.

The ornaments are from a newly released set, Folk Art Christmas Additions. This little set has a rustic, Scandinavian feel and pairs perfectly with the themes in Folk Art Medallion. And speaking of, I used some of the motifs in the Folk Art Medallion set to accent the ornaments. They weren't a perfect match, but they created that fabulous ghosting look reminiscent of vintage Christmas cards. In serious love here, especially with the red and blue ornament.

The Musical Background added a subtle pattern to my card base. The sentiment is one of five from Folk Art Christmas Additions. And yes, I am already wishing for dies for this set, too.

Next up is a sweet little number using the Candy Jar Christmas Fillers set.

For this set, I pulled out the Jar Essentials Die Set (thanks, Kelly!) for my little sweetie jar. The Jar Fillers - Jam Packed set is also making an appearance. How fun to combine all these sets and dies to create such a cute little jar. The 'Happy Holidays' is another sentiment from Folk Art Christmas Additions.

Be sure to stop back tomorrow - it is Christmas tag day! Here are the rest of the Design Team links for today!

Anya Schrier - you are here!

Becca Feeken

Edna Morrisedie

Iwona Palamountain

Jeanne Jachna

Jen Cuthbertson

Jennifer Holmes

Julia Aston

Karin Åkesdotter

Kelly Schirmer

Kim Duran

Laurie Schmidlin

Lynn Mercurio

Renee Lynch

Sandie Dunne

Teresa Kline

Tosha Leyendekker

Claire Brennan

So glad you stopped by! Have a super day!

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Recipe
Peace on Earth Card
STAMPS: Festive Foliage, Folk Art Christmas Additions, Musical Backgrounds - Waltzingmouse Stamps
CARDSTOCK: Vintage Cream - PTI; Lake House - Wplus9
INK: Poppy Parade, Cool Caribbean, Daffodil Delight, Pistachio Pudding, Close to Cocoa, Always Artichoke, Crumb Cake - SU!; Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger Industries
OTHER: Pinecones Die Set - Waltzingmouse Stamps; Silver Pearls - Recollections; Crystal Fine Glitter - Martha Stewart Crafts; Sewing Machine

Happy Holidays Card
STAMPS: Folk Art Christmas Additions, Candy Jar Christmas Fillers, Jar Fillers - Jam Packed, Pinstripe Backgrounder - Waltzingmouse Stamps
CARDSTOCK: Pistachio Pudding - SU!; White - PTI
PATTERNED PAPER: Season's Greetings - Echo Park Paper Co.; Handmade Holiday - Simple Stories
INK: Bravo Burgundy - SU!; Onyx Black Versafine - Tsukineko; White - Wplus9; Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger Industries
OTHER: Jar Essentials Die Set - Waltzingmouse Stamps; Copic Markers; Vintage Cream Grosgrain Ribbon, Rustic Cream Button Twine - PTI; Star Dust Stickles - Ranger Industries; Button

A Waltzingmouse Christmas

Good Morning!

Today is the first day of a week-long holiday celebration at WMS called A Waltzingmouse Christmas. We will be sharing samples of some of the new holiday sets (that have already been released and are available for sale in the Waltzingmouse store!) as well as some of the older sets. WMS is debuting coordinating dies this month (!!), so we will also be incorporating these into our projects.

Today, I am sharing the Holly Sprig Die Set, along with some peeks of the Alpine Christmas stamp set.

The Holly Sprig Die Set is a thin steel closed die. It coordinates with the large holly sprig and berry cluster from the Festive Foliage stamp set - one of my all time favorites EVER.

For my first card, I combined three snowflake images from Alpine Christmas, stamped onto cream cardstock and die cut with a circle die. I die cut the Holly Sprig as an accent for my design, but found that it was going to overlap my sentiment. I just snipped one of the leaves off, and covered up the edge with the berry cluster. Instant new look! The stamps line up beautifully with the die cuts, and there is a lovely border with lots of room to see where you're stamping.

For my second card, I incorporated the die cut holly into a background design.

I love the texture that this adds to the design. The holly was die cut from the same green cardstock as the banner, then stamped with the solid holly image. I inked the edges a bit with Distress Ink then adhered the die cuts onto the banner, trimming off any excess. I paired the green with a brighter shade stamped with the Woodgrain background. The sentiment and little Christmas village are all from the Alpine Christmas set. I love the vintage feel of this one!

That is it for me today, I will be back tomorrow with more holiday creations. Here are the rest of the Design Team links for today!

Anya Schrier - you are here!

Becca Feeken

Edna Morrisedie

Jeanne Jachna

Jen Cuthbertson

Jennifer Holmes

Julia Aston

Karin Åkesdotter

Kelly Schirmer

Kim Duran

Laurie Schmidlin

Lynn Mercurio

Renee Lynch

Sandie Dunne

Teresa Kline

Tosha Leyendekker

Claire Brennan

So glad you stopped by! Have a super day!

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Recipe
Merry Christmas Card
STAMPS: Alpine Christmas, Cabin Plaid Backgrounder, Festive Foliage - Waltzingmouse Stamps
CARDSTOCK: Kraft, Oatmeal - Wplus9
INK: Crumb Cake, River Rock, Baked Brown Sugar, Always Artichoke, Cranberry Crisp - SU!; Coffee Archival Ink, Vintage Photo Distress Ink - Ranger Industries
OTHER: Holly Sprig Die Set - Waltzingmouse Stamps; Standard Circle Nestabilities - Spellbinders

Happiest of Holidays Card
STAMPS: Alpine Christmas, Festive Foliage, Woodgrain - Waltzingmouse Stamps
CARDSTOCK: Crumb Cake, Wild Wasabi - SU!; Spring Moss - PTI; Oatmeal - Wplus9
INK: Wild Wasabi, Poppy Parade, Bravo Burgundy; Smoky Slate - SU!; Spring Moss - PTI; Vintage Photo Distress Ink - Ranger Industries
OTHER: Holly Sprig Die Set - Waltzingmouse Stamps; Diamond Stickles - Ranger Industries

Festive Friday Challenge - Take 2

Hi there, I am back again to share a second project for this week's Festive Friday Challenge. I sure do love a two week long challenge, don't you? :)

For my second card, I used the newly released Alpine Christmas set from Waltzingmouse Stamps.

I stamped the mountain, little village, and trees (all separate stamps) in white ink onto red cardstock. Then I doused it in glitter so everything sparkles like snow. This new set is going to be such fun to use!

In addition to the Alpine Christmas stamp set, coordinating dies have been released! Also, dies for some of the previously released sets: Bright Season and Little Lanterns are also available.

In an effort to make these products available as quickly as possible, Claire has released them without the typical release countdown. However, starting on Monday, November 18th, the Design Team is kicking off A Waltzingmouse Christmas event. We'll be showcasing the new sets and dies and sharing lots of holiday inspiration. I can't wait for you to join us!

Have a lovely day!

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Recipe
STAMPS: Alpine Christmas - Waltzingmouse Stamps
CARDSTOCK: White, Lake House, Cupid's Bow - Wplus9
INK: White Pigment - Wplus9; Onyx Black Versafine - Tsukineko
OTHER: Circle Nestabilities - Spellbinders; Snowflake Embossing Folder - ProvoCraft; Dazzling Diamonds glitter - SU!

Give Thanks - November Viva La Verve!

Happy Friday!

Today I am happy to be hosting this week's Viva La Verve! sketch challenge!

Here is your sketch for this week:

This week also features an inspiration photo to help give your crafting a kick start. Here is the fun, fall photo I picked:

photo source

So beautiful! Here is the card that I made using the sketch and inspiration from the photo.

I loved all those dahlias in the rich fall colors, so you can see how those things made their way into my card. I used the Bloom & Grow stamp set from Verve to create my floral background panels. I used some generation stamping to get some different color variations. The sentiment is from the Bountiful Harvest set. I did a little masking to change the orientation of the sentiment so it would fit in my die-cut oval.

The VLV sketch challenge is hosted on the Verve forum over on the Splitcoaststampers site. I encourage you to head over there and check out the challenge rules and join us! You could win $100 in Verve goodies, and really, who can pass that up?

I also hope you'll stop in the forum to see the amazing samples that some of the other DT ladies created using this week's sketch. They did such a fabulous job!

I am also sharing a second card for this week's Festive Friday challenge (featuring some newly released stamps from Waltzingmouse Stamps). I'll share more details here tomorrow.

Have a fabulous day!

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Recipe
STAMPS: Bloom & Grow, Bountiful Harvest - Verve Stamps
CARDSTOCK: Oatmeal - Wplus9; Blush Blossom - SU!
INK: Rich Razzleberry, Really Rust, Blush Blossom - SU!; Antique Linen Distress Ink, Coffee Archival Ink - Ranger Industries
OTHER: Oval Die - Spellbinders; Baker's Twine - Target; buttons; sewing machine