Pizza Box and Gift Card ~ Verve Challenges 4 and 5

Good morning!! Why do weekends go by so quickly? I was able to spend lots of time in the studio this weekend. Finished the gift cards for my sister's store as well as all the Verve sketches...yay!! Today's post combines the last 2 challenges. First up is my entry for the pizza box challenge. I had never made one of these before, but have seen many beautiful samples. I read Jen's tutorial on how to make these and then the fun began...they are so fun to make and decorate! Used up some Christmas bits and now just have to fill it with chocolate almonds or Christmas jelly beans....mmmmm, this may be a gift to me!! LOL

Here's a side view....I put the ribbon on the top, but you can also wrap it around the sides to keep the box secure.

This last photo is for the 5th challenge...a gift card holder. I immediately thought of my dh...he always says he wants a gift certificate to his favourite store in town...a sporting goods/hunting store so this would be the perfect wrapping :) I used this tutorial and love the masculine touches of twine and caribou (ok, it's supposed to be a reindeer, but my husband hunts for caribou!). I chose this "no peeking" sentiment because my dh is a little kid at heart when it comes to Christmas and he definitely is a gift shaker and snoop! LOL I didn't take a picture of what the inside looks like...I just stamped snowflakes in Versamark but check out the tutorial because the inside is really cool....looks very professional. Have a wonderful Monday...we have a staff meeting and it should be a doozy as we haven't had one for a month...wish me luck!!

What's in it?

{Pizza Box}
Stamps: PTI Signature Christmas
Ink: PTI Raspberry Fizz
Paper: SU kraft, cool caribbean, kiwi kiss; PTI shimmer white; Basicgrey Eskimo Kisses, Doodlebug glitter cardstock
Accessories: grosgrain ribbon, square nestabilities, MS snowflake punches, button, linen thread

{Gift Card}
Stamps: PTI Holiday Button Bits
Ink: SU real red
Paper: SU kraft, white, real red; Memory Box dp
Accessories: red twine, SU circle and word window punches, silver pearls, wooden reindeer embellishment (craft supply),

The Thank-you Cover Up ~ Verve Release Challenge #2

Okay...here's the kooky story...I was happily stamping away yesterday after coming up with an idea for the second Verve release challenge. I stamped the snowflakes, sewed the panels, made the snowflake embellishment and attached everything. Ahh, I looked at my card with admiration and smiled. Then I went online and checked out Marisa's lovely card for the same challenge...and read the part about the cards should have a "thankful' theme about them. EEEKKKKKKKK!!!! I remember reading this part of the challenge, but got soooo caught up in making it and wondering what sentiment would fit the horizontal strip that I totally forgot to make it a "Thank-you" card!!! I literally screamed in the studio!! I did NOT want to make another one and the sentiment was on tight.....hmmmm......then came the great cover-up idea!! I'll just make another sentiment to put over top and submit that one!! LOL I'm hoping Julee and the Divas will appreciate my creativity!! It actually looks kind of neat...like I meant to have it on an angle with the library clip!! A lovely commenter on Splitcoast even said I may have started a trend!! Hahaha!! Do you have any funny stories like that? Have a wonderful Sunday :)

What's in it?
Stamps: Verve Christmas in the Air, Frosty Flakes; Thankful Blossoms
Ink: SU choc chip, PTI sweet blush, vintage cream, tea dye
Paper: SU blush blossom, melon mambo, kraft; PTI vintage cream, Cosmo Cricket dp, Doodlebug pink glitter paper
Accessories: satin ribbon, stitching, crystal brad, MS snowflake punches, Heidi Swapp ghost snowflake, gemstones

Warm Winter Wishes ~ Verve Challenge #3

Good evening ladies...this is a second post today. I don't usually post twice in one day, but it's Verve's release weekend with challenges that are due by Monday night. This card is for the third challenge...to use embellishments that start with the letters V-E-R-V-E...so I have Ribbon, Rhinestones, and Embossing. Isn't that ribbon fun? I got it at Michaels last February and used it on my dh's Valentine gift. I thought it would be a fun addition to this pink Winter card :) The fabulous dp is from the Cosmo Cricket Jolly by Golly collection. Love it!! Very whimsical. I have a similar card for tomorrow's card....sketch #2 and a funny little story :) Oh, and I got my H1N1 shot today...finally! I am not in any special category (can you believe that?! LOL) so had to wait until everyone else got it. No reaction, nothing...I barely even felt it. So far so good! I was a little miffed that no one cheered and applauded for me...apparently that's only for the 3 and under crowd ;) Have a lovely evening...see you in the morning.

What's in it?
Stamps: SU snowflakes; Verve Christmas in the Air, Frosty Flakes
Ink: SU choc chip; PTI vintage cream, sweet blush, raspberry fizz
Paper: SU blush blossom, melon mambo, kraft, doodlebug glitter; Cosmo Cricket dp
Accessories: cuttlebug ef, stitching, ribbon, MS snowflake punch, Heidi Swapp ghost snowflake, felt flurrie, crystal brad, gemstones, SU horizontal slot and tag corner punch

Thanks Julee!!

Wow!! What a great day I had yesterday!! When I got to work, I made coffee and then settled down to check my blog and email!! Lo and behold, I had won a Gift Certificate for Verve stamps for my November Project Parade post :) Last night was the blog party and it didn't take long for me to spend every cent and then some!! Julee and the Divas have 5 challenges and other fun stuff going on this weekend so check them out over on the Verve Blog. I combined the first colour challenge with Amber's Viva La Verve sketch. I love the Verve snowflakes and am getting better at playing with them :) On a side note...it's my baby's 21st birthday today!! He is away at university so although I won't see him today, he will be getting a phone call later this morning and opening the card I sent him (the "girly" card that has a nice cheque in it so he won't mind the ribbon and bling!! LOL). Have a lovely day!!

What's in it?
Stamps: Verve Christmas in the Air, Frosty Flakes, complimentary Plain Jane
Ink: SU black, old olive, PTI aquamist
Paper: SU black, old olive; PTI white, ocean tides; Cosmo Cricket Jolly by Golly dp
Accessories: stitching, cuttlebug efs, SU scallop and circle punches; silver pearls, ribbon

A Christmas Thank-you :)

Good morning sweet friends!! It's TGIF!!! Today's card is a combination Christmas/Thanksgiving Day card for my American blog friends :) I'm free stylin' today...no sketch, no colour challenge...just a panel left on the desk that didn't fit my Mercy card yesterday :) I couldn't bear to throw out that yummy Basic Grey paper mounted on an apron lace punched panel. So I made a card for it. The kraft base was a little too plain, so I stamped a snowflake background in Versamark. Still loving my ornament stamps and punch and Dawn's Christmas Signature set is fabulous...really, if you don't have it, get it!! It has every sentiment you'll ever need for Christmas! Even this thank-you!! The Verve stamp release is tonight...I'm hoping to take part in all the fun this weekend....and I'm determined to play with my Slice more...maybe I'll take it easy and start with a simple tag :) Enjoy your day!!

What's in it?
Stamps: SU Delightful Decorations; PTI Signature Christmas; Great Impressions snowflake background
Paper: PTI kraft, white, sweet blush, scarlet jewel, Basicgrey Eskimo kisses, SU choc chip
Ink: SU choc chip, baroque burgundy; Versamark
Accessories: Cuttlebug ef, fiskars apron lace punch, SU ornament punch and silver cording, gemstones, PTI grosgrain

Joy to the World ~ Mercy's Tuesday Sketch

Happy Thanksgiving to all my American blog buddies!! I must say you all have the right idea celebrating over 2 days to make your weekend extra long! Some even have the whole week off!! I wish Canada did the same...we only get a lousy Monday off :( And no one can beat your sales!! Today's card is for Mercy's Tuesday sketch. I knew I wanted a kraft card base and to somehow use up some of my little bits of yummy dp :) After stamping the holly, I noticed I still had raspberry fizz thread in my sewing machine...perfect!! I also tried out my new Martha Stewart holly punch...I must say her new punches punch out better than the older ones. This delicate design is punched out in thick Papertrey paper...no problems!! Yay!! I wanted to keep it clean and simple (can you believe it?). I hope you all have a blessed day, wherever you are in the world. I am thankful everyday for my blessed life and my blog gals :) TGIF tomorrow!!

What's in it?
Stamps: PTI holiday button bits; signature christmas
Ink: SU baroque burgundy, old olive
Paper: PTI kraft, scarlet jewel, raspberry fizz, vintage cream, holiday cheer dp
Accessories: MS holly punch, PTI buttons, stitching

Celebrate the Season ~ Mojo Monday

Greetings, fellow card makers!! I had fun making this card Monday night of all nights!! LOL I just finished making it before Dancing with the Stars came on and prescheduled this post between dances!! LOL I always think I won't have time for Mojo Monday, but then Julee posts such wonderful sketches and I'm hooked! Inspired lately by nontraditional Christmas colours, I chose some aqua dp and paired it with Raspberry Fizz pink and Berry Sorbet. The stamped scallop medallion is from an old SU set last year, but I love layering it and thought it was perfect for the corner image :) Just before I took the picture, something was missing...bling!! A little added to the snowflake and then {smile!} it was done! Hope your day is going well. I'm still making cards for my sister...will post some of the gift cards soon:)

What's in it?
Stamps: SU so many scallops
Paper: PTI white, raspberry fizz, berry sorbet, SU kraft, soft sky, Recollections dp
Ink: SU choc chip, PTI raspberry fizz
Accessories: cuttlebug ef, ek success large scallop punch; SU linen thread, circle punches, rhinestones, button, PTI grosgrain

Blog Award

Good Tuesday morning, Blog Buddies!! I have been meaning to post this award for a few weeks now and then received it again this weekend so I thought I should just sit down and do it!! My sweet blog buddies, Aimes and Maile, honour me with this award. Their work is so amazing and inspires me each week :)

Here are the rules:

Answer the following questions using single word answers. (ok, even I couldn't do that!)
To pass the award to 5 other people and let them know.

Your cell phone? purse (probably not charged)
Your hair? straight
Your mother? sweet
Your father? cowboy
Your favorite food? sweet potato
Your dream last night? blogging!! LOL
Your favorite drink? nonfat latte
Your dream/goal? long life
What room are you in? studio
Your hobby? Stamping
Your fear? car accidents
Where do you want to be in 6 years? new house
Where were you last night? Home
Something that you aren't? daredevil
Muffins? bran
Wish list item? new camera
Where did you grow up? BC, Canada
Last thing you did? posted a card
What are you wearing? workout pants/hoodie
Your TV? Off
Your Pets? none
Friends? many
Your life? Blessed
Your mood? relaxed
Missing someone? Jake (my son at university)
Vehicle? VW Jetta
Something you're not wearing? socks
Your favorite store? Lululemon
Your favorite color? periwinkle
When was the last time you laughed? Today
Last time you cried? tonight (cutting a red onion)
Your best friend? have a few
One place that you go to over and over? gym
Facebook? Yes
Favorite place to eat? Home or Felix on 4th

The 5 lovely bloggers I would like to pass this award to are:

Marisa
Laural
Tanny
Kristina
Michelle

If you have time, check out their blogs...they are a fabulous group of women!! Have a fantastic day!!

Holly Jolly Christmas ~ Raspberry Suite Take 2

Good morning!! Today's card is the Christmas card I said I had to make with Dawn's colours this week. I don't usually submit 2 cards, but I just had to challenge myself and make a Christmas card. I also experimented with some new Martha Stewart pink tinsel glitter. Notice it's not on the card! LOL Let's just say it's in the studio instead...the carpet, the desk...etc...you get the idea!! I wanted so much to use my new ornament stamps and punch. I love the bling! It was so fun to add it:) Oh, and the thread is Raspberry Fizz!! (or at least the closest I could come to matching it!) Okay, no more cards for Dawn's challenge this week!! LOL Have a wonderful Monday...Dancing with the Stars finale is tonight!! EEK!

What's in it?
Stamps: SU Delightful Decorations, PTI Holiday Button Bits
Ink: PTI aquamist, raspberry fizz; SU kiwi kiss, perfect plum
Paper: PTI vintage cream, lavender mist; SU choc chip
Accessories: stitching, gemstones, twine, cuttlebug ef, fiskars apron lace punch, SU ornament punch

Happy Birthday, Kristina! ~ Karen's Sweet Sunday Sketch

Hello all! I'm spending a quiet afternoon in the studio...not getting as much done as I would like, but having fun nonetheless :) I want to dedicate today's card to a sweet blog buddy, Kristina. If you follow the Verve blog and forum, you know her as a past Guest Designer and Splitcoast Stamper, Woodwinds. She is so cute and funny and has a year's pass to Disneyland, the happiest place on Earth! LOL I love when she talks about it as if it's just like having a pass to a zoo or art gallery. No wonder she is so sweet and happy :) Anyways, Kristina, I hope you are having a wonderful birthday :) I chose a bright green and blue floral paper...brand spankin' new from my Amy Butler dp pack I picked up at Michaels yesterday (along with the Slice!!) I altered the sketch slightly by making the sentiment the main focus...but I HAD to because I wanted to use this Verve stamp as Kristina and I met through the Verve forum on Splitcoast...so it seemed only fitting :) I hope you are all doing well and enjoying your weekend. Blessings to you all :)

What's in it?
Stamps: Verve Wishing You
Ink: SU choc chip
Paper: PTI vanilla, oceans tide, spring moss; K&Company Amy Butler dp
Accessories: fiskars apron punch, gemstones, circle nestabilities, stitching, PTI ribbon

Simply the Best ~ Raspberry Suite Colour Challenge #19

Good evening!! I'm posting a little late today...date night was fabulous and went a little late!! ;) Today's card is for Dawn's colour challenge. The button wreath on my last card took a lot of mojo out of me and I worried I would have nothing left to give to the talented Dawn's challenge. I really wanted to make a Christmas card with these nontraditional colours, and probably still will, but this felt flower kept creeping into my head. I even woke up this morning thinking about it!! LOL It took 3 tries to cut this little sweetie of a flower out. It's the Cuttlebug's doodle flower but it's very delicate when cut from felt. I tore the first 2, eek! I knew I wanted an aqua ribbon and tag, but played around with background stamps until this simple grid won out...I love the contrast of dotted lines with polka dots :) I don't have lavendar mist ink so I stamped off Perfect Plum once before stamping onto the vanilla tag. I was inspired by Melisa's insight about Dawn and Nicole's friendship so I chose this sentiment...something I'm sure they say about each other :) I may be back for a second post with a Christmas card. Stay tuned!!

On a side note, Christmas came early in the studio!! LOL I was at Michaels today taking advantage of the 15% off sale items coupon (if I can't get Amy Butler fabric, I'll get her paper!! LOL). I just happened to walk down the Slice aisle and notice the 40% off sign. As you know, they don't let you use coupons on the Slice so when I saw the sale, I jumped at the opportunity to get it. I thought I would start with a small machine as I think the Cricut may be too much machine for me!! LOL Jen del Muro said she uses the Slice more than the Cricut even though she has both machines and loves them both. So we'll see. Do any of you have this machine? What do you think or what have you heard? Okay, that's all, ladies...have a wonderful Sunday :)

What's in it?
Stamps: PTI background basics retro, polka dot basics; Verve plain jane
Paper: PTI lavender mist, vanilla, springmoss, polkadot basics dp
Ink: SU choc chip, perfect plum, versamark
Accessories: felt, cuttlebug doodle flower die, stitching, SU tag corner, horizontal slot and scallop border punches; fiskars apron lace punch, PTI button and ribbon, brown velvet thread

Lord Have Mercy on Me!!

Good morning and TGIF!! Whew!! I thought my Mercy card a few weeks ago was a doozy, but this one would give it a run for its money. The first card I made for this sketch did NOT work out at all...I may be able to salvage it, but it won't look at all like Mercy's sketch!! I blame myself...I "altered" the sketch a "wee" bit and this time it did not work in my favour!! So I started fresh...even cleaned up the desk and changed my scratch paper where I stamp. I chose not to make the long version of the sketch because I am making cards for my sister's store and my cards need to be a standard size right now. I know Mercy is very precise with her sketches, but I just had to change it {insert heartfelt apology here!}. I love this Verve sentiment and thought that I would feel better if I used some favourite colours with it. I think what's missing is ribbon, but I wanted to keep it clean. I also moved the flower down because the sentiment had room in the bottom corner for an embellishment. Am I rambling now? LOL Okay, enough!! It's simple and I like it!! LOL I think I'm having some side effects from finishing my reports early!! LOL Enjoy your Friday...my double date is still on ;)

What's in it?
Stamps: Verve Believe
Ink: SU choc chip
Paper: SU kraft; PTI white, sweet blush, spring moss, melon berry, dp
Accessories: square nestabilities, fiskar apron punch, gemstones, prima flower, cuttlebug ef

Snow Bunny Bella ~ Mojo Monday

Greetings, everyone!! Today's card is for the Mojo Monday challenge :) When I saw the long rectangular panel, I knew I wanted to use my Snow Bunny Bella!! It's the first time I've been able to ink her up since getting her last Spring. Isn't she fun? A totally Canadian Diva!! LOL I say Canadian, not just because I am in Canada, but because the company that makes her is Canadian!! There was no "handling fee" on her!! LOL I tried something new with my stitching. I hope you can notice the straight stitching on the white panel and then when it hits the pink polka dot panel it changes to zigzigging...I hope I'm not doing anything that will hurt my machine! Eek! Veteran sewers help me if I am!! Ah, she looks so warm in that parka and those fun boots!! I wanted to give her some sparkle with some prisma glitter on the fur, but didn't want to take the chance of ruining her...next time for sure!! TGIF tomorrow...it's double date night with the dh and some good friends. Yahoo!!

What's in it?
Stamps: Snowbunnybella; Verve circular sayings
Ink: Versafine Onyx, SU pink, rose red, caribbean, caramel, cocoa, choc chip
Paper: PTI melon berry, white, raspberry fizz, aquamist, kraft, dp; Herringbone (Michaels, watercolour paper
Accessories: circle nestabilities, PTI grosgrain, button, linen thread, cuttlebug ef, stitching, pearls

Simply Amazing ~ Embellish Colour Challenge

Good morning sweet friends :) It's a lovely Wednesday morning...my reports are handed in (I'm the first in the school, I know, teacher's pet...LOL) and now I can concentrate on my Christmas cards :) I wasn't going to participate in the Embellish challenge this week. These colours really intimidate me. I do not make (many) children's cards and red, blue and yellow always say "kid's card" to me. But if it was easy, it wouldn't be a challenge, would it? So I thought and thought of how to put these colours together without it looking like an invitation to a 5 year old's birthday party (not that there's anything wrong with that! LOL). It was just my personal challenge.


The flower is made of canvas and cut out with my nestabilities blossom die. I stamped the layers with a French script and flourish. The sentiment is stamped in night of navy and silver brads highlight it. I think I like it! It definitely doesn't say "kid's party" so I guess I did what I set out to do :) Have a wonderful day...Mojo Monday card is up for tomorrow :)

What's in it?
Stamps: SU french script, PTI fancy flourishes, Verve bountiful backgrounds
Ink: SU night of navy, real red
Paper: PTI vanilla, lemon tart, polka dot dp, SU wasabi
Accessories: stitching, blossom nestabilities, canvas,fiskars apron punch, silver brads, button, SU vanilla grosgrain

Warmest Wishes ~ Karen's Sweet Sketch

Greetings, blog friends!! Today's card is for Karen's Sweet Sunday sketch. The sketch was a little more involved this week...lots of panels!! I was inspired by the beautiful sample Karen made...love that ribbon!! My cards have really been girly lately...I mean overly girly...what's up with that? I think it's that Eskimo Kisses paper!! LOL While looking for a sentiment that would fit the shape as well as go with a winter card, I came across my old SU All Year Cheer 1 set. I can't remember the last time this little stamp felt ink, poor thing! That yummy ribbon is actually from a Christmas sale bin at Michaels last year...picked up about 3 rolls of it. It's a cross between berry sorbet and ruby red. Hope Tuesday goes well for you all :) Sending you warmest wishes :)

What's in it?
Stamps: SU All Year Cheer 1
Ink: SU ruby red
Paper: PTI white, sweet blush, polkadot dp; SU ruby red, eggplant; Basicgrey Eskimo Kisses dp
Accessories: stitching, cuttlebug ef, fiskars apron punch, circle nestabilities, ribbon, gems, MS snowflake punch, buttons, silver cord

Girly Joy Wreath

Good morning friends!! Ah, report cards are written and minus the printing, editing and reprinting, they are done!! Yippee!! So now back to stamping!! My sweet blog friend, Winter, has joined with some friends to bring us a couple of new challenges over on their new blog Everything But the Kitchen Sink . I loved their first sketch so I had to join in :) Hmmm, those patches screamed "quilted" to me and that round panel could have nothing but a button wreath on it!! LOL I went "girly" with it inspired by something around my house....

My 80% off pink Christmas wreath I picked up at Michaels last January has been patiently waiting in the basement. I had my dh get it down and up it went onto the studio door :) I had actually thought it was white, silver and hot pink...forgetting that it was just a green wreath...so much for my memory :) LOL If you get a chance, check out the new challenge and join it the fun!! There's a $25.00 GC for Two Peas and a Bucket up for grabs :) Have a joyful day :)

What's in it?
Stamps: PTI signature Christmas
Ink: SU black
Paper: PTI vintage cream, raspberry fizz, scarlet jewel, holiday cheer dp
Accessories: sheer ribbon, gemstones, stitching, buttons (craft supply), blossom nestabilities, SU embossing folder

Merry Christmas, Dear Friend

Good morning!! I know, I know...I was supposed to be writing report cards...don't worry I still am...but all typing and no play makes Moe cranky!! LOL I thought I'd make my Vive La Verve card Friday night before starting reports Saturday morning. I love this sketch and I love this card!! I am on a pink, aqua and white kick...so be prepared!! LOL I had to use my Eskimo Kisses dp again (dp for "delicious paper"!). The photo below is a closeup of the stitching...it's aquamist thread!! Yes, this is the perfectionist in me (buried deeply, but there nonetheless).

After getting my sewing machine last Spring, I headed to Walmart with some of my favourite cardstock samples and matched them to some thread. It really shows up well against the pink and white paper. I hope you're having a wonderful weekend. We had our first real snowfall Friday night, more like a blizzard...but it's mostly gone now. How's the weather where you are?

What's in it?
Stamps: SU cute and curly
Ink: PTI aquamist
Paper: PTI sweet blush, white, Basicgrey Eskimo Kisses dp
Accessories: cuttlebug ef, papercraft snowflake border punch; stitching, curly label and corner rounder punches, PTI grosgrain ribbon