Sunday, March 30, 2014

Viva la Verve!

Good morning. Dr. says I have bronchitis, so at least I felt so bad for a reason!

I wanted to make sure I share this week's fabulous Viva la Verve sketch challenge with you. Its a fun one brought to us this week from Stacey Schafer. Its her first sketch, so you should let her know how much you love it!


I created this card for the sketch, using Verve's Happy Days set.


I love the fun, beachy vibe to this card. Wishful thinking? You bet.

I hope you will join us for this week's sketch - if you've been playing along all month, you'll just increase your chances of winning the $100 gift certificate to the Verve store. You can find more details on the Viva la Verve blog. I hope you will join us!

Have a great day!



---------------
Recipe
STAMPS: Happy Days - Verve Stamps
CARDSTOCK: Spring Moss, Kraft - PTI; Soft Sky - SU!; Oatmeal - Wplus9
INK: Spring Moss - PTI; Crumb Cake - SU!; Lake House, Nautical Navy - Wplus9
OTHER: Flag It Die Set - Verve Stamps; Linen & Canvas Impression Plate - PTI; Washi tape

Friday, March 28, 2014

Serendipity Stamps Blog Hop


Hi there. Today the Serendipity Stamps Design Team is having a blog hop to share the new Teapot and Tea Cup dies that Serendipity is releasing.


Like Serendipity's other dies, these are very detailed and produce wonderfully elegant die cuts.

Before I share my card, I want to make sure you know that one random commenter will be chosen from the Design Team blogs to win a $20 gift code - so be sure to leave a comment on each blog, you could be the winner! Comments are open through March 30 at midnight and will be announced on the Serendipity Stamps Blog on the 31st. You should have arrived here from Vickie's blog. If you'd like to join us from the beginning, things are kicking off on the Serendipity Blog.


I used my nifty technique to replace the die cuts bits with different colors. It really isn't anything mind-blowing, I just remove all the cut out pieces from my bottom layer (in this case, the blue teapot and cup) and adhere it to my card, making sure to leave adhesive in all the little openings. Then I die cut the design from the other colors I want to use. I carefully remove the die cut shape from my cutting plate so that all the pieces remain intact, and then place it over my original bottom layer. I use a paper piercing tool to pop out the little pieces I want to fill in my die cut. I repeat with the different colors until my design is complete. It is much easier that trying to maneuver all those little bits into their right spots. Here is a close up of the new dies.


My friend Jeanne will be your next stop along the hop, here's the full list if you need it.


Have a great day!


---------------
Recipe
STAMPS: Get Well - Serendipity Stamps
CARDSTOCK: Oatmeal - Wplus9; Soft Sky, Barely Banana - SU!; Spring Moss - PTI
PATTERNED PAPER: The Sweetest Thing Lavender Collection - My Mind's Eye
INK: Onyx Black Versafine - Tsukineko; Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger
OTHER: Teapot, Tea Cup die - Serendipity Stamps

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Festive Friday #27

Happy Wednesday - I am popping in super quick to share my card for the current Festive Friday challenge. Sometime over the weekend I managed to pick up some nasty little bug, and I'm struggling here. I have a date with the couch tonight.

Here is the inspiration photo:


And the card that I made.


Sorry for the blurry picture; it is what it is. 

I used a cute set from J.Day Designs called Country Christmas. I paired it with some of my favorite 25th & Pine paper and new inks from Wplus9. They are scrumptious.

Thanks for stopping by, I think its time for some tea.


---------------
Recipe
STAMPS: Country Christmas - J.Day Designs for Market Street Stamps
CARDSTOCK: Steel Mill, Dove Grey, Oatmeal - Wplus9
PATTERNED PAPER: 25th & Pine - Basic Grey
INK: Appletini, Silver Lining - Wplus9; Onyx Black Versafine - Tsukineko
OTHER: Antique Silver Glitter - Martha Stewart Crafts

Friday, March 21, 2014

Well with my Soul

Hi there!

Today I am the hostess for this week's Viva la Verve sketch challenge! It is also inspiration photo week, so you can use the sketch by itself or pair it up with the inspiration photo to add some pizzazz!

Here is the sketch and inspiration photo:



And the card that I created using a combination of the sketch and some elements I pulled from the photo:


I used the Surely Goodness stamp set paired with the coordinating Goodness Flowers Die Set. The cute tag is the Sweet Scallop Tag Die.

I hope you will join us this week. Be sure to head to the Viva la Verve challenge blog to check out the other samples the Divas have created and to link up your own. Playing along with all four challenges for the month enters you into the chance to win $100 for the Verve store!


Also, be sure to check out the newly released set Better Together. It is 20% off now, along with ALL the other stamps and dies!

Have a great day!



---------------
Recipe
STAMPS: Surely Goodness - Verve Stamps
CARDSTOCK: Oatmeal, Ballet Slippers - Wplus9
PATTERNED PAPER: The Thrift Store - October Afternoon
INK: Tuxedo Black Memento - Tsukineko; Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger
OTHER: Goodness Flowers Die Set, Sweet Scallop Tag Die - Verve Stamps; Copic markers; Twine; Button

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Serendipity Stamps Challenge #29


Hi there. I am here today to share another card for the March challenge on the Serendipity Stamps Challenge Blog. The customer challenge this month is 'In Stitches'. You can use faux, real, stamped or a stitched theme (like knitting) on your project (the DT will provide inspiration twice each month, but you have the whole month to play along!)

This week we are debossing Serendipity's dies along with our stitches. I used the Floral Drangonfly Die along with the In the Attitude of Silence sentiment.


I stamped the sentiment first and then oriented the die in the bottom left to balance things out. I went over the debossed die with some Peacock Feathers Distress Ink to highlight the detail. I also went over it with some Heirloom Gold Perfect Pearls. It settled into the creases of the die, and adds a pretty sheen to the card. Perfect Pearls never show up well in photos. Here is a little close up for you.


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


I hope you'll join us for this month's challenge - all you need to do is use stitching and at least one Serendipity Stamps image or die. Need to add to your collection? This week's sale is free shipping on all US orders of $10 or more. This is a great chance to snap up the stamps from the Wood Mounted Stamp sale and to throw in some grab bags. The sale runs through 3/26. Enjoy!

Thanks for stopping by!


------------
Recipe
STAMPS: In the Attitude of Silence - Serendipity Stamps
CARDSTOCK: Oatmeal, Lake House - Wplus9
INK: Peacock Feathers, Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger; Onyx Black Versafine - Tsukineko
OTHER: Floral Drangonfly Die - Serendipity Stamps; Lacey Squares Nestabilities - Spellbinders; Heirloom Gold Perfect Pearls - Ranger; Rhinestones - Recollections; Sewing machine

Friday, March 14, 2014

Birthday Blessings

Hello, hello!

I am back again with my regular Friday post to share the new Viva la Verve sketch for this week!

Today's sketch is brought to you by birthday girl Maureen Plut.


And my card for you today..


This is such a great, classic layout. Lots of options with this one! I used a sentiment and the fabulously fun flowers from On Occasion. I love the way this turned out with the pop of coral and yellow against the green. This cutie even was delivered to a friend for her special day, so what can be better than that?

I sure hope you can play along with this challenge. Don't forget that if you join us for each of March's challenges (there are 4!) you can be in the running for a fab Verve prize! Head over to the VLV Blog and get all the deets!


And don't forget that Verve is having a sale - 20% off all stamps and dies, and extra off of retiring sets! Get them before they are gone!

Hope your weekend is great!



---------------
Recipe
STAMPS: On Occasion - Verve Stamps
CARDSTOCK: Oatmeal - Wplus9; Soft Sky - SU!; Spring Moss - PTI
PATTERNED PAPER: 5 & Dime - October Afternoon
INK: Tuxedo Black Memento - Tsukineko; Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger
OTHER: Standard, Scalloped Circle Nestabilities - Spellbinders; Copic Markers; Doily - Wilton; Sequins

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Festive Friday #26

It snowed again today. After it was 60* yesterday, I am really over it.

I am playing along with the current Festive Friday challenge.


This inspiration photo made me think right away of the Christmas pudding image in the Around Christmastime set from WMS, so that's what I used. The sentiment is from Alpine Christmas.


I pulled out one of my favorite sketches, and this card came together in no time.

Here's hoping Spring shows up soon!

Thanks for stopping by,



---------------
Recipe
STAMPS: Around Christmastime, Alpine Christmas - Waltzingmouse Stamps
CARDSTOCK: Kraft, Oatmeal - Wplus9; Poppy Parade, Wild Wasabi - SU!
INK: Early Espresso, Handsome Hunter, Bravo Burgundy - SU!
OTHER: Red Rhinestones - Recollections

Monday, March 10, 2014

Serendipity and PPC Blog Hop


Happy Monday morning, and welcome to the Serendipity Stamps and Perfect Paper Crafting blog hop!

You should have arrived here from Laura Lynn and the Perfect Paper Crafting Blog. The Serendipity Stamps DT has teamed up with the Perfect Paper Crafting DT to try out some of their fabulous products and share our creations with you. I used the Perfect Layers Mini tool on my card, and once I figured out the hang of it (I watched the super helpful video), I got to layering!


I started by coloring my Veggie Basket Large image from Serendipity with Copic markers. Then, the Perfect Layers Mini tool made it so easy to get all those different layers. Each tool has four different options for mat width, and I tried different ones out on each of my layers.  This tool requires no measuring, and is such a great addition to your crafting arsenal! 

Jenny Gropp will be your next stop along the hop - be sure to leave comments along the way, as on next Monday, March 17th, a $50 gift certificate for each company will be up for grabs to two randomly drawn comments! Comments will close midnight PST on Sunday, March 16th.

Also note that each company is running a special during the hop. Use the code serendipity5% at the Perfect Paper Crafting store to receive a discount on your order. Serendipity is offering 20% off the Easter Category through March 12.

Thanks for stopping, and enjoy the hop!



---------------
Recipe:
STAMPS: Veggie Basket Large - Serendipity Stamps
CARDSTOCK: Kraft, Oatmeal - Wplus9
PATTERNED PAPER: Early Bird - Cosmo Cricket
INK: Tuxedo Black Memento - Tsukineko; Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger
OTHER: Perfect Layers Mini - Perfect Paper Crafting

Friday, March 7, 2014

Guiding Me Through

Happy Friday!

Today I am here to share this week's Viva la Verve sketch challenge! Julee is our beautiful hostess this week and since its the first challenge of the month, we are pairing the sketch with a color challenge.



Feel free to combine the sketch and colors or pick one or the other! I have such fun combining them, and here is what I came up with this week:


I used the Strong Anchor stamp set and some of my favorite Verve dies. I used the Rounded Scallop Frame, the Flag It Die Set, and the Nautical Die Set.

This was a great sketch, and I love these colors. I can't wait to see your take on it! If you would like to join us, be sure to head to the Viva la Verve challenge blog to check out the other samples the Divas have created and to link up your own. This sketch is our second VLV challenge for March, and playing along for the whole month enters you into the chance to win $100 for the Verve store!


Verve is also having a huge spring cleaning sale, and retiring products are half off! Be sure to check it out!

Hope your day is great, I'm so glad to see you!



---------------
Recipe
STAMPS: Strong Anchor - Verve Stamps
CARDSTOCK: Soft Sky - SU!; Oatmeal - Wplus9
PATTERNED PAPER: 25th & Pine - Basic Grey
INK: Wild Wasabi, Soft Suede - SU!; Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger
OTHER: Rounded Scallop Frame, Flag It Die Set, Nautical Die Set - Verve Stamps; Standard Circle Nestabilities - Spellbinders; Mini Rays Embossing Folder - Sizzix; Button

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

March Verve Diva Inspirations Hop

Welcome to Verve's March Diva Inspirations Hop. It's the 5th of the month and that means it's hopping time! This month we've got a fabulous challenge that's sure to put a spring in your step! So in addition to a comment prize hidden along the hop, you can play along with the challenge and link up your creation for a chance to win another prize!

Our March challenge is Spring Has Sprung:

 

It's time to ditch the winter blues! Create a card that sings Spring using inspirational quotes, pretty colors and florals or themes that celebrate new life. Whether you draw inspiration from the graphic or blaze your own trail, just show us what spring means to you!


I'm not sure about you, but when I think spring, I think cute, fuzzy chicks!


I combined the adorable spring images from Chicks Rule with the scalloped frame from Making a Statement. I mixed my pastels and can't help but smile at this cutie!

Need a little inspiration? Check out the blogs linked below to see what the other Divas did with the challenge! 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.
1. Amy 11. Julee
2. Anya 12. Teresa
3. Betty 13. Stacey
4. Jessica 14. Marisa
5. Karen 15. Laurie
6. Sankari 16. Maureen
7. Sarah 17. Jen
8. Sony 18. Christyne
9. Susan 19. Charmaine
10. Tiffany 20. Andrea

And be sure to head to the Verve store to check out the Spring Cleaning sale! Retiring sets are 50% off - make sure you get them before they are gone! 


Thanks for stopping by today, enjoy the rest of the hop!


------------
Recipe
STAMPS: Chicks Rule, Making a Statement - Verve Stamps
CARDSTOCK: Oatmeal, Kraft - Wplus9; Barely Banana, Groovy Guava, Pale Plum - SU!
INK: More Mustard, Baked Brown Sugar, Groovy Guava, Wisteria Wonder - SU!
OTHER: Rounded Scallop Frame Die, Flag It Die Set, Pastel Sequin Mix - Verve Stamps; Sewing machine

Serendipity Stamps Challenge #29


Hi there. I am here today to share the first March challenge on the Serendipity Stamps Challenge Blog. The customer challenge this month is 'In Stitches'. You can use faux, real, stamped or a stitched theme (like knitting) on your project (the DT will provide inspiration twice each month, but you have the whole month to play along!)

This week we are combining a transportation theme with stitches. I used some patterned paper with stitching on it as well as some real machine stitching along with the Bicycle image.


I left a sentiment off the front, instead carrying my theme through to the inside, where I stamped the Life Is Like Riding sentiment. That is good advice, and goodness knows I am keeping moving.


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


I hope you'll join us for this month's challenge - all you need to do is use stitching and at least one Serendipity Stamps image or die. Need to add to your collection? This week's sale is 20% off the Easter category. Enjoy!

Thanks for stopping by!


------------
Recipe
STAMPS: Bicycle, Life Is Like Riding - Serendipity Stamps
CARDSTOCK: Cupid's Bow - Wplus9; Vintage Cream - PTI; Pistachio Pudding - SU!
PATTERNED PAPER: 5 & Dime - October Afternoon
INK: Tuxedo Black Memento - Tsukineko
OTHER: Copic markers; Twine; Button; Sewing machine