Buttons & Bling

cherish. love. ~ CASE Study #78

2012-02-15T21:01:00.000-08:00

Good evening! It’s time for another week of incredible inspiration by our talented February Muse, Karola Witczak, over on the CASE Study challenge blog. I knew I wanted to make a square card with my scalloped square nestabilities and some fun Out of Print paper by Basicgrey. Then I just started playing with flowers and my new Maya Road tickets. I love that the little sentiments from Verve’s Wings of Love fit perfectly on these sweet little tickets :) Here’s the lovely photo we are working with this week…

Now head over to the CASE Study blog to check out how the Design Team interpreted this card…THEN join in the fun! Would love to see what you come up with :) Thanks for visiting!!

what’s in it?

stamps: verve wings of love

ink: versafine onyx

paper: pti soft stone, white, bascigrey out of print

accessories: spellbinders square dies, maya road tickets, prima flower, hero arts art prints flowers

Happy Birthday

2012-02-14T21:49:00.001-08:00

Good evening!! Well, I am officially anniversary challenged out!! Thank goodness this is the last one…I know I didn’t need to do every one, but I did and I am DONE. Really, it would be nice to only have a few card challenges…especially when one works full time and only has one day. Having said that, I have some nice cards in my stash now :) The last challenge is to make an interactive card…well, the only kind I like to make are useful ones that include little book marks :) So I made just that :)

Indeed, we are surrounded by miracles!! Okay, I’m off to make my lunch and then tuck this little card maker into bed :) Sweet dreams!

what’s in it?

this late at night I wonder too!! Email me if you need any info :) Thanks :)

Bringin’ Back the Mini Pizza Box!

2012-02-14T04:00:00.000-08:00

Good morning! Happy Valentine’s Day!! I had a few projects left over from the Verve Release last month that I didn’t post and thought it was appropriate to show this one on Valentine’s Day :) I always like to stretch myself a bit and make a 3D project for new releases. These little pizza boxes are so cute and it always amazes me that it only takes one sheet of paper to make them :) PLUS I get to fill them with yummy theme candy for the photo shoot ;)

Wishing you love and hugs every day…not just for today :) Remember, Love is the Answer!

what’s in it?

stamps: Twitterpated, Valentine’s Day Plain Jane, Tag Time (Verve)

paper: lavender moon, rustic cream (PTI), rose romance, going gray, cherry cobbler (SU), Love Me (MME)

ink: rose red (SU), Autumn Rose (PTI), onyx (Versafine)

accessories: Hearts and Swirls Frame die (A Cut Above Dies by Verve), heart, scalloped heart, square, scalloped square dies (Spellbinders), tiny tag die, ribbon (PTI), gems (Kaisercraft)

May You Find Peace

2012-02-13T20:05:00.001-08:00

Good evening! Another card for the Papertrey Ink anniversary challenge. Today we have to use leaves and butterflies. I always think of sympathy cards when I think of leave and butterflies so that’s what came out on this card. I also discovered that one of the flourishes in Gratitude Journal fits perfectly into the bottom and top of a Labels 9 die!! Score! I’ll keep this short as the dh said he would hang my ribbon racks tonight!! Woohoo!! It will feel good to have all those spools sorted and put in their place :) Hope your Monday was wonderful!

what’s in it?

stamps: verve bloom and grow, new mercies, pti harvest berries, gratitude journal

ink: versafine onyx, su sahara sand

paper: pti kraft, rustic cream, su sahara sand

accessories: verve, elegant leaves die, pti love lives here die, buttons, thread, spellbinders labels 9

Wishing You Luck

2012-02-13T04:00:00.000-08:00

Good morning! Ah, a regular post this morning! I had a little extra time in the studio last night so I decided to create something using this week’s My Favourite Things sketch…

I thought of the A La Mode gal as soon as I saw that long panel. She fits perfectly into the long rectangle nestabilities die:) For some reason, all the layers made me think of Crate Papers Farmhouse collection…LOVE this paper! Hope your week has started out right! It’s a busy one at work…Valentine’s Day tomorrow, 100 Day on Wednesday and Parent/Teacher interviews on Wednesday and Thursday :) Busy, but fun!! Thanks so much for stopping by and all your sweet comments…I do so love and appreciate them :)

what’s in it?

stamps: mft wishing you luck

ink: versafine onyx

paper: pti rustic cream, kraft, su espresso, crate paper farmhouse

accessories: long rectangle nestabilities, pti banner die, button and twine, stitching

Sweet Love

2012-02-11T19:26:00.001-08:00

Good evening! Another quick post for the Papertrey Ink’s Anniversary challenge. Today we have to incorporate hearts. I went onto Pinterest and had several photos to work with but got sidetracked. Look at my new inspiration!! ACK!!

When the dh and I were out today, we stopped at Starbucks and they had the cutest love cups!! I couldn’t resist making a card based on my cup :) I had to dig through a lot of stamp sets to get the right sentiments…not easy, but I love the way it turned out :) Hope you do too :) Okay, off to dinner…it smells great! He’s making me rack of lamb :) (Red wine tonight, Lynn!)

what’s in it?

many stamp sets!! But some are PTI :)

You Go Girl!

2012-02-11T04:00:00.000-08:00

Good morning!! It’s Saturday and today’s card is inspired by the lovely colours over on the colourQ challenge blog this week. Don’t those cookies look scrumptious?

They almost look too pretty to eat! I added some soft stone as the owls look like they are on a soft stone coloured plate :) I sure love adding the sentiment onto a journal tab…so fun! Have a fantastic day!! Thanks so much for stopping by :)

what’s in it?

stamps: verve to the moon, pti hello friend

ink: versafine onyx, su pumpkin pie

paper: pti white, soft stone, echo park yours truly

accessories: pti edgers, journal tabs, friendly flower dies, ribbon, button, thread, tim holtz embossing folder, craft concepts woodgrain embossing folder, stitching

Best Wishes on Your Birthday

2012-02-10T19:33:00.001-08:00

Hello again!! Happy Friday evening! The dh has gone out to a hockey game with his brother so I’m in the studio creating a few cards :) Tonight’s little number is for the Papertrey sketch challenge over on Nichole’s blog. I was attracted to the one with all the buttons!

The card sales went very well this week. Sold 54 cards!! I have a lovely staff who appreciates handmade cards. They are also very thoughtful when picking out cards and I love to hear why they chose certain cards. And I usually have a story that goes along with a card…why it was created, etc. They are like my little babies :) Tomorrow is the fun day with my dh :) I hope the PTI challenge is a quick, easy one! Maybe I can sneak a card in while he puts up my keyboard shelf…HA! Hope your weekend has started out right :) Hugs to you!

what’s in it?

all supplies are PTI except…

paper: october afternoon sidewalks, su poppy parade, so saffron

accessories: oval nestabilities, su felt leaves

Sweet Baby Boy

2012-02-10T04:00:00.000-08:00

Good morning!! It’s Friday!! The most glorious day of the week!! I have been happily selling my cards at work this week and today’s card is one of them :) I needed a few more baby boy cards in the stash and I love banners with sweet little sayings on them…so Diva Sankari’s Viva La Verve sketch this week was perfect!

The dh is finally home for a weekend!! We decided that tomorrow would be our Valentine’s Day. We are spending the day together…Home Depot for him, Michaels for me, gathering a few things for the house and then I’ll help him put a few more things together in the studio :) I’m sure a Starbucks stop will be in there somewhere :) And then he’s making me a romantic dinner :) Wine, dinner, cozy fireplace…would much rather “stay in” than go out. Don’t wait up!! ;)

what’s in it?

stamps: Small Phrases, Seeing Stars (Verve)

paper: kraft, rustic cream (PTI), soft sage (SU), social club (cosmo cricket)

ink: onyx (versafine), ruby red (SU)

accessories: banner die, buttons, twine (PTI), star punch (ek success), stars embossing folder (cuttlebug), stitching

Love You

2012-02-09T18:23:00.001-08:00

Good evening!! I have been so fortunate to be able to sneak these PTI challenges in during their 10 day anniversary celebration. I see the new challenge in the morning and then think about it all day so I have a starting point when I get home. Today’s challenge is to find inspiration on Pinterest. No problem!! Except how to narrow it down. So I just chose a picture…no more thinking about it!! My plan did change a bit once I was in the studio, so I went with it. I was inspired by the doily, striped pattern paper, flowers, buttons, thread and colours (although I used turquoise instead of that fabulous green as I had difficulty matching this colour on my screen).

So the announcement today was that there will be an online Stamp-a-faire this July instead of a live event. I have mixed feelings on this. Would I go again? I think in a heart beat…especially since my bestie Lynn lives there :) However, it is an expensive trip from Canada and I do understand that only a lucky 200 got to go last year. At the very least, maybe I could host an event here!! We had 30 people for a sit down Christmas dinner, I could probably handle 10 stampers!! LOL What are YOUR thoughts on the SAF event? Thanks for visiting :) Back early in the morning with the new Viva La Verve sketch :) Yahoo, Friday!!

what’s in it?

all PTI product except…

sentiment: Verve You and I

striped pattern paper: crate paper

flowers: prima

Happy Valentine’s Day ~ CASE Study #77

2012-02-08T21:01:00.000-08:00

Hello!! Welcome to another week of incredible inspiration over on the CASE Study challenge blog!! We continue on with another stunning creation by our February Muse, Karola Witczak! I was drawn to the patterns she used on her card…stripes on the bottom and dots on the top. My version came out as plaid on the bottom and circles and hearts on the top. Her gorgeous little bloomer translated to a seam binding double bow and button on my card. And because we are in the month of Valentine’s Day I thought I would keep the love going with these sweet little love birds :) The top panel was looking a little empty so I added some bling! Can’t have Valentine’s without a bit of bling…even if it’s just on a card! LOL

What are you inspired by? I do hope you’ll join us this week! Head on over to the CASE Study blog and see what the rest of the Design Team did!! Woohoo! Two more days until the weekend! Hugs!!

what’s in it?

stamps: pti love birds

ink: versafine onyx, su basic gray, rose romance, cherry cobbler

paper: pti rustic cream, mme Love Me

accessories: pti love birds die, bling flourish, seam binding ribbon, button, twine, stitching

The Desires of Your Heart

2012-02-08T20:02:00.001-08:00

Good evening!! I’m slipping in before my CASE Study post goes live in an hour in order to play along with the Papertrey Anniversary Colour Challenge. No surprise I picked Dawn’s colour combo…but this time it’s because she had only 3 colours to deal with. It’s been a long day and there isn’t much time in the studio tonight. So I whipped up this sweet little number ‘cause you can never go wrong with berry sorbet ribbon (just sayin’!). This was actually my last piece of berry sorbet, but I needn’t worry as I have recently unpacked the back up roll!! I may not back up my computer as often as I should, but I always do my favourite ribbon!! LOL If I win this prize, my husband may file for divorce!! LOL Okay, come back in an hour for my CASE Study post :) Have a wonderful evening and thanks for stopping by :) Hugs!

what’s in it?

all supplies are from Papertrey Ink. Please email me if you need more info :)

Wishing You the Happiest of Birthdays

2012-02-06T20:04:00.001-08:00

Good evening! It’s Day 2 of the Papertrey Ink 5th Anniversary celebrations and I’ve been lucky to have the time to create a little something tonight for the Freebie challenge. I saw the images this morning and thought about the card I would like to make during work today! No easy feat with 20 seven year olds at my ankles!! LOL I was once again inspired by Dawn’s fun image as well as her gorgeous card. Boy, does that girl rock die layering or WHAT? No surprise I turned to my favourite Mat Stack 4 and coordinating Woodgrain stamp :) LOVE! I don’t have the half and half dies, but I found out that by trimming the edger dies you can get a similar effect! I also got to try out my new Tim Holtz embossing folder with the new Big Shot (a present for the new studio ;). I must say that it does emboss deeper than the Cuttlebug without an extra shim. I was hoping it would when I bought it last June :) Now I’m off to unpack a few more boxes before bed :) Thanks for stopping by!

what’s in it?

stamps: pti modern woodgrain

ink: su basic grey, pti tea dye duo

paper: pti rustic cream, raspberry fizz, su cherry cobbler, echo park Yours Truly

accessories: pti edger, limitless layer, mat stack 4 dies, spellbinders oval, tim holtz embossing folder, su buttons, thread, pti sentiment download

Sugar and Spice

2012-02-06T04:00:00.000-08:00

Good morning! Today’s soft and pretty card is inspired by the colours over The Play Date Cafe this week. These colours made me think of a baby girl card. I’m taking my cards into work this week and I must say baby and wedding cards go the quickest! I’m keeping it short and sweet today, eh? LOL Thanks for stopping by and I hope your week has started off right!

what’s in it?

stamps: verve to the moon, small phrases, pti mat stack 2 stamps

ink: versafine onyx, su soft sky, pti tea dye duo

paper: pti cream, sweet blush, pink paiselee dp

accessories: pti mat stack 2 die, circle die, pti buttons, thread, OA button, SU tiny tag, seam binding ribbon, paper heart doily, gems, stitching

You are Sunshine for My Soul

2012-02-05T13:51:00.000-08:00

Today is the kick off for Papertrey’s Anniversary celebration! The first challenge is to create a card inspired by one of the Design Team members. Though they all inspire me, Dawn holds a special place in my heart. I am constantly inspired by her colours, stamps, die layering and her bright, cheery spirit :) It was beyond my dreams to meet her but I did last summer at Stamp a faire :) Remember this?

I would like to thank Dawn and the whole Design Team AND the gals (and David and Dave) behind the scenes for being sunshine to my soul :) Congratulations on your anniversary :) I’ll leave you with one last picture from Stamp a faire…me and Lynn as honourary DT members!! LOL

what’s in it?

stamps: verve happy hello, pti harvest berries, fillable frame #11 stamps, newsprint

ink: versafine onyx, su sahara sand, chocolate, more mustard, versamark

paper: pti rustic cream, kraft, soft stone, raspberry fizz

accessories: pti bloom builders #3, fillable fram #11, layerz mat 4, harvest berries dies, button, chocolate bakers twine, stitching

The Key to Every Dream

2012-02-05T04:00:00.000-08:00

Good morning!! Those fabulous ladies over on A Passion for Papertrey have the most fabulous challenge happening this week. Be inspired by a book!! I love challenges like this! Oh, but which one to pick? When I have to make a choice like this, I always go with The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. I read it over 15 years ago and forget most of the story except for one excerpt…

When a person really desires something, all the universe conspires to help that person realize his dream.

This has really stuck with me throughout the years. I even have it as the opening quote in my wedding scrapbook. So what did I desire? To be a good mother, to create my own happiness and to find someone who would love me deeply and want to spend the rest of his life with me. Things have always happened later rather than sooner with me…but I have come to appreciate that things worth having are worthy of patience and even a little pain. Having said that, be careful what you wish for!! Be specific because you just might get it!! LOL I knew I had to find the perfect stamp to convey this feeling and I think I’ve found it in this sentiment from PTI’s Daydreamer set. What are your heart’s desires? Food for thought on a Sunday morning, eh? Thanks so much for spending a few moments here…I really appreciate it :) Hugs!

what’s in it?

stamps: pti daydreamer

ink: versafine onyx

paper: pti soft stone, aquamist, lilybee memorandum dp

accessories: su ribbon and felt leaves, pti flower and fillable frame dies, button, twine, stitching

Happy Valentine’s Day

2012-02-04T04:00:00.000-08:00

Good morning! Today’s card is inspired not only by the fabulous colour combination from the ColourQ Challenge blog this week, but by my dear friend, Lynn’s card HERE. She rocked the PTI half and half die and has had me drooling for days with that card! I don’t have these dies…did a trick a time or two with the Spellbinders dies…so I trimmed my edgers die piece to look like a half and half die panel :) It was hard NOT to make another Valentine card with this delicious colour ensemble. The black and white reminded me of this sheet of paper in the Echo Park Yours Truly pad. The pink plaid paper was on the reverse side so I didn’t have to look far for a contrasting complement piece :) I also had fun layering that sweet little red heart button onto the larger pink button :) More unpacking to do…but I’m getting there…slowly but surely :) Have a great Saturday! Thanks for visiting :)

what’s in it?

stamps: pti heart prints

ink: versafine onyx

paper: pti kraft, echo park Yours Truly

accessories: pti edgers die, ribbon, buttons, Michaels heart button, thread, stitching

Valentine, Be Mine

2012-02-03T04:00:00.000-08:00

Good morning!! It’s fabulous Friday and we’re starting the month off right with a whole new series of sketches over at the Viva La Verve Forum! Head hostess Diva Amber is starting us off with a super fun 3 paneled sketch.

I’m using some new Valentine paper by Echo Park, layering some fun die shapes and mixing 3 different Verve sets, Heart’s Desire, Love Notes and the new Twitterpated. Check out the great “LOVE” sale over in the Verve Store until Feb. 14th!

Thanks for stopping by! Have a great start to your weekend!

what’s in it?

stamps: Hearts Desire, Love Notes, Twitterpated (Verve)

paper: white, pink, kraft, soft stone (PTI), ruby red (SU), Yours Truly (Echo Park)

ink: onyx (Versafine), raspberry fizz (PTI), rose romance (SU)

accessories: Jotted Heart die, Hearts and Swirls Frame (A Cut Above by Verve), heart circles die (spellbinders), hearts embossing folder (Cuttlebug), gems (Kaisercraft), felt hearts (Martha Stewart), button and twine (PTI), ribbon (Michaels)

Hey There, Little Lady

2012-02-02T13:51:00.001-08:00

I’m sneaking a quick post in with this card for the Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge. I didn’t know what I wanted to do for the stamped area, then noticed this card base I had made a few weeks ago but never used. Perfect!! I really wanted to use another sentiment from Back in the Saddle and thought this one went well with all the pink!! (as opposed to the John Wayne quote! LOL) I call it “Cowboy Glam!” See you tomorrow for a new month of Viva La Verve sketches!!

what’s in it?

stamps: wms back in the saddle, pti newsprint

ink: versafine onyx

paper: pti white, soft stone, bitty box basics

accessories: pti edgers, michaels ribbon, pti buttons and twine

You Are A Treasure ~ CASE Study #76

2012-02-01T21:01:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!! It’s February and that means that we are playing with a new Muse over on the CASE Study challenge blog :) Up this month is the super talented Karola Witczak! Oh, my, wait until you get a look at her designs! Super feminine and super beautiful! Here is the first week’s card…oh that yummy green and blue! As you can probably tell, I was inspired by the 6 paper patches, the colour and the sentiment banner. My flower is made with Websters Pages tulle and a GLUEBER!! (not, goober, teehee!). It’s an extra large glue dot that allows you to make fabric flowers in a jiffy!

Want to join us? First head over to the CASE Study blog and check out what the design team came up with, then make your own card! Would love to see it :) Thanks so much for visiting!

what’s in it?

stamps: verve small phrases

ink: versafine onyx, pti tea dye duo

paper: pti kraft, cream, soft stone, OA Farmhouse dp, various scraps of old dp

accessories: websters pages tulle, pti banner and button boutique dies, buttons and twine, stitching, GUBER

Miss You a Latte

2012-01-31T21:00:00.000-08:00

Good afternoon! My normal morning posting time has been altered a bit this week to fit in my Cath (sans CHA) post last night. I was thinking that card would go live tonight, but it was 12:00 AM EST, which was 9:00 last night!! Good thing I caught that last night. No worries…my CASE Study card goes live tomorrow night so this will space out the cards nicely. I was inspired to make this card based on last week’s My Favorite Things Wednesday Sketch. I pulled out my sweet little Latte A La Mode (sans colour!), some of that fabulous Authentique Splendid paper and some soft pretty pink ribbon. I’m hoping my friend, Melisa, is reading this post and thinking the same thing as this card {wink!}. Though the studio is still in disarray, I must say I LOVE all the standing areas!! My back is pretty happy too with all the counter height areas :) Hope your week is humming along. I sure love it when you stop by!!

what’s in it?

stamps: my favorite things miss you a latte a la mode

ink: versafine onyx

paper: pti cream, rustic cream, soft stone, su espresso, authentique splendid dp

accessories: pti limitiless layers and banner dies, ribbon, button, twine, stitching

For Cath (sans CHA) with Love Blog Hop

2012-01-30T21:15:00.000-08:00

Good evening! I have the pleasure of participating in a little blog hop for the lovely Cath Edvalson of Moxie Fab World. She was headed to CHA for a fun filled week when an ongoing injury made her sadly cancel her trip. So this card is part of the fun Blog Hop to wish Cath a speedy recovery and send her hugs so she doesn’t feel too sad for missing the show. I’m not going either, Cath!! I need a hug too! ;) A link to all the people participating is HERE.
Sending you healing wishes and big hugs, Cath!! Hang in there!!

what’s in it?

stamps: verve kind words, blue skies

ink: versafine onyx, su sahara sand, more mustard, rose romance

paper: SU sahara, OA Sidewalks

accessories: pti edgers die, ribbon, OA Farmhouse journaling card, stitching

Whatever our Souls are Made Of (and Purge Hop Winner!)

2012-01-30T04:00:00.000-08:00

Good morning everyone! It was quite the show in the studio this weekend. I have started the painstakingly difficult task of finding a place for everything in all the boxes we moved. How did I get all this stuff?! Really, I was not a happy camper yesterday after working for hours putting things away only to see more and more boxes still sitting outside the studio. I guess I just need to be more patient with myself. For a little fun break, I decided to play with the ladies over at The Play Date Cafe. I’ve only played a few times and just loved the colours they have this week. A colleague has asked for a couple of fun wedding cards next month so I started with this one. Kind of funky and traditional at the same time.

But you may only be here today for the announcement of my winner for the Purge Blog Hop!! It’s Luanne from He Golfs, I Stamp!! Congratulations, Luanne! Email me with your address and I’ll get these goodies out to you pronto!! Thanks to everyone who left such sweet comments and loved our idea of spreading some love out in blogland :) We were thrilled with the success!! Maybe we’ve started a new movement! Have a wonderful day!

And the winners are…

Tosh ~ TBA

Andrea ~ Deb Buckminster @ DebsDesignsNDoodles

Maureen ~ Luanne @ He Golfs, I Stamp

Sony ~ TBA

Laurie ~ TBA

Julee ~ TBA

Janelle ~ Kristen @ By The Book Paper

Betty ~ Toni(ravengirl) @ Sweet Peas Story

Jen ~ Heather @ Wire Wrapture

Teresa ~ Sherry Gardner @ Life Is Good

The Day That Gave Me You

2012-01-28T04:00:00.000-08:00

Good morning!! Ah, the lovely weekend is here! I’m most excited about the new studio arriving this week!! But now comes the daunting task of UNPACKING! And purging big time! I’ll share some photos at the end of this post :) I am also excited about today’s card. I wasn’t too sure about this week’s colourQ colours, but then I got thinking that they would be perfect for my dh’s birthday card for his birthday next week :) While I was making this, he called me while out of town and asked what I was doing…I told him I was making a birthday card for someone I loved dearly. He was a little puzzled and said that the only upcoming birthday he knew about was his own, pause…then he said, “oh, I get it!” LOL I warned him there was one bit of “girlie” on his card. I had the gorgeous red ribbon on my mind for this card so there it is!! I also knew I wanted to use this fabulous Verve sentiment from Love’s Flower (on sale this month!). It perfectly conveys how I feel about Tony’s birthday :)

Okay, here are the just installed pictures of the new studio cupboards and counters. I opted for lower cupboards only as I have many things to put on the wall…3 ribbon racks, a button cubby organizer, bulletin board/magnetic board and a few framed pictures of special publications :) I will share more when I’ve organized and unpacked more :) Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful weekend!

what’s in it?

stamps: verve love’s flower, pti fillable frames

ink: versafine onyx, su sahara sand

paper: PTI white, su more mustard, MME Gertie Paper and Kraft FunDay

accessories: pti fillable frame and scallop border dies, Michaels ribbon, gems, stitching

Love Happens Over Coffee

2012-01-27T04:00:00.000-08:00

Good morning and TGIF!! It’s Friday and that means a new Viva La Verve sketch challenge :) This week we are going CAS, although I added a few extra elements to my card. I was thinking this would be the perfect sketch for making the dh’s Valentine card. Many of you know that we met at Starbucks so I thought I would add 2 SB cups with little hearts on them (I was a grande nonfat latte and he was a grande caramel macchiato :) I did a little “surgery” on 2 of my stamps from the Better with You set…I really wanted to use the word ‘love’ on this card rather than ‘life,’ so I carefully cut off each word from the main sentiment so they would fit back with the original sentiment. That’s the beauty of clear stamps! If you check out the stamp set, you might say, “Moe, why didn’t you just use the “Love at first Sip” sentiment? Well, that’s being saved for our Anniversary ;) {wink!}. Hope your weekend starts off right…woohoo! Hope you can play with us over on the Viva La Verve forum…would love to see your take on this beauty of a sketch :) Or do you need some Valentine stamps? Check out the sale over in the Verve Store!

what’s in it?

stamps: Twitterpated, Sip and Savor, Better with You (Verve)

paper: cranberry red, espresso, sahara sand (SU), soft stone, rustic cream, vellum cardstock (PTI), Love Me (My Mind’s Eye),

ink: onyx (Versafine), jet black (Stazon)

accessories: square and scalloped square dies (Spellbinders), gems (Kaisercraft), stitching

Feel Better Soon ~ CASE Study #75

2012-01-25T21:01:00.000-08:00

Good evening!! It’s a new challenge over on the CASE Study blog and sadly the last week with our talented muse, Jen Rzasa. When I first saw Jen’s card, I had to giggle!! It was her entry to the September PTI Blog Hop. I remember this hop because I was one of the random winners for a stamp set AND one of my hop cards will be published in the March CARDS magazine :) Needless to say, this was a fun card to work with this week :) I was inspired by the burst of coloured stripes on a white card base and the “feel better soon” sentiment.

What are you inspired by? Head over to the CASE Study challenge blog and see what inspired the other Design Team members then join in the fun! Remember, you don’t have to CASE the whole card, just whatever inspires you :)

what’s in it?

stamps: verve hope blooms, pti fillable frames #7

ink: pti raspberry fizz, versafine onyx

paper: pti white and dotty biscotti dp, lilybee designs head over heels

accessories: pti fillable frame and edgers dies, ribbon, my favourite things butterfly die, pti button, thread

Papertrey Ink January Blog Hop

2012-01-25T04:00:00.000-08:00

Hello! This month’s PTI blog hop challenge sounded good at first, but then I remembered what happened the last time I CASEd myself…it was HARD! My CASEd card did not turn out as well as the original and I chalked it up to the process. When I love a card, it’s the process I love as well. So with that in mind, I tried to enjoy the process and not get caught up in the CASEing part. It was also hard choosing ONE favourite project, so I chose TWO (with 3 pictures) that made me smile all over again and used a lot of PTI products. The smaller cards are the originals.

You may recognize these next original cards…they were my entries for the October and November Blog Hops. I just could not NOT use the woodgrain and hello friend stamps again!! I still love them :)

Now, before you go, I hope you’ll let me share some exciting news with you :) Have you seen the January CARDS yet? You may just recognize the Designer of the Month {wink!}. Oh, and I also wanted to share the gorgeous view I get to come home to every night now that we’re in the new house :) Thanks! I look forward to viewing all the wonderful projects on the hop after work :)

what’s in them?

{birthday wishes for you}

stamps: verve making a statement, pti happy day

ink: versafine onyx, pti melon berry

paper: pti soft stone, dotty biscotti dp, su espresso, lilybee designs head over heals

accessories: pti tag, love lives here and happy day dies, ribbon, twine and buttons, kaisercraft gems, stitching

{life is beautiful}

stamps: verve sunny days, ptp modern woodgrain, hello friend

ink: versafine onyx, su choc chip, pti raspberry fizz

paper: pti rustic cream, cream, su sahara sand, MME love me dp

accessories: pti friendly flower, mat stack, tag and banner dies, buttons, twine, may arts twill ribbon, cuttlebug embossing folder, stitching

valentine. i’m yours.

2012-01-24T04:00:00.000-08:00

Greetings everyone! I’m excited about today’s card and the challenge it goes with. It’s been awhile since I spent some time with the JUGS girls and thought this fun colour challenge was the perfect time to visit :) I had a few ideas floating around, but after playing with paper and ribbon and hearts, this became the final product. I got the twine, clothes pin and heart treatment idea from my bestie, Lynn, who is also on the JUGS Design Team…check out her AMAZING CAS card here! Gotta love pink and red and white…you can’t get anymore lovey dovey than that! Are you making Valentine cards yet or have you made and seen so many you are sick of them? lol Have a wonderful day :) Thanks so much for stopping by :)

what’s in it?

stamps: verve twitterpatted, pti heart prints

ink: versafine onyx, su pink, red

paper: pti white, su ruby red, echo park happy days dp

accessories: ms heart border punch, ek success heart punches, pti ribbon and banner die, clothes pin, bakers twine, stitching

Always and Forever

2012-01-23T04:00:00.000-08:00

Good morning! It was a fun day in the studio yesterday and I got to play with some of my favourite challenges such as the Waltzingmouse Sketch challenge AND use some new goodies :) Along with the Waltzingmouse Back in the Saddle set, I’ve had my sights on Say it Loud for awhile. I have admired how some designers cut around the big words after stamping them so I have done the same…so fun and elegant :) I also got to ink up that fabulous heart tag that coordinates with the original Spellbinders heart die. I am right into making Valentine cards…loving all the pink and all the love {swoon!}. Hope your week is starting out right. Why do weekends go by so quickly?

what’s in it?

stamps: wms say it loud, seasons of love tags

ink: versafine onyx, pti raspberry fizz

paper: pti white, sweet blush, mme love me dp

accessories: spellbinders heart die, pti buttons and twine, gems, seam binding ribbon, stitching

All Things Grow with Love

2012-01-22T04:00:00.000-08:00

Sunday morning greetings to you all! Wowzers, I think my Purge Blog buddies and I have started something crazy!! I am overwhelmed by all the positive response on the first day! Wow! See this post HERE for more details!! I’ve been asked to make some more wedding cards and was experimenting with some bold colours via the colourQ challenge this week. What do you think? Or should wedding cards be mostly neutral with a touch of colour? I think it depends on the couple. I am happy to report that the temperature has warmed up to a balmy –5 (Celsius). It’s so nice to be outside and enjoy it rather than curse it! LOL Wishing you a wonderful day! Thanks for visiting!

what’s in it?

stamps: verve bloom and grow, pti heart prints, love and marriage

ink: su wisteria wonder, baroque burgundy, versafine onyx

paper: pti white, damask designs dp

accessories: su razzleberry grosgrain ribbon, ek success heart punch, button and twine

Purge Blog Hop!

2012-01-21T05:00:00.000-08:00

A few blogging friends of mine are having a hard time letting go of our much loved papers and embellishments. We decided to share them with all of you in a week long Purge Hop!

1. Tosh 6. Julee

2. Andrea 7.Janelle

3. Maureen 8. Betty

4. Sonja 9. Jen

5. Laurie 10. Teresa

Comment once on the hop spots you want a chance to win and tell us what you spy as your favorite item. The hop will stay open until January 28th, 5PM ET. Each of my friends will post a winner from their prize post on Monday, January 30th!

My purge package includes…

5 used and gently used Cosmo Cricket 6x6 paper pads ( Early Bird, Salt Air, Material Girl, Pixie-Licious, Jolly by Golly)

2 used/gently used 6x6 paper pads (Green at Heart, Kioshi)

various paper flowers (some not shown)

various ribbon (some not shown),

Tim Holtz journaling tickets

Tattered Angels vintage key embellishments

Studio G small St. Patrick’s Day stamps

1 new package large sheer butterflies

1 new package of BasicGrey woolies stickers

3 gently used packages of brown, red, aqua Making Memories felt alphabet stickers (not shown)

and whatever else I can squeeze into the small mailing box!! It will be a surprise!

Here’s a card I made with one of the Tim Holtz tickets…it was published in the December CARDS magazine :)

Thanks for stopping by!! Enjoy the rest of the hop :) Now onto Sony’s blog to see what goodies she’s got!

p.s. Please make sure I can contact you if you are the winner. Leave your email in your comment if your email is not hooked up to your blog comment. Thanks!

i’m yours.

2012-01-20T04:00:00.000-08:00

TGIF!! For a bitterly cold week, the days flew by and here we are on my favourite day of the week :) I am keeping the new Verve release love fires going with this week’s Viva La Verve sketch by Diva Teresa. When I saw all those fabulous panels, I knew I wanted to layer some more of my gorgeous Head Over Heels paper :) I’ve used the sweet hearts from Wings of Love with the matching Wavy Hearts die set and the sentiment and heart outline stamps from Twitterpated. I just love the simple sentiments in this set and the little {periods} at the end of them…that’s it, I’m yours, period!! LOL

Now for some more exciting news!! Some blog buddies and I have caught the PURGE bug and are hosting a little Purge Blog Hop starting tomorrow morning. Leave a little love via a comment on each blog and you could win the purge offering on that blog. Some items are gently used or new…we are clearing things out, hoping to find a loving new home for them. So come back tomorrow for all the details :)

Thanks so much for stopping by…hope your weekend has a great start :)

what’s in it?

stamps: twitterpated, wings of love (Verve)

paper: kraft, autumn rose, scarlet jewel (PTI), ruby red (PTI), Head over Heels (Lilybee Designs)

ink: onyx (Versafine), ruby red (SU), Autumn Rose (PTI)

accessories: Wavy Hearts Die set (A Cut Above dies by Verve), banner die, button, twine (PTI), seam binding ribbon (Memriemare@Etsy), stitching, gems (Kaisercraft)

Yee Haw!

2012-01-19T04:00:00.000-08:00

Giddyup!! Howdy partners!! Well, I’m very excited about my new Waltzingmouse Stamp Set, Back in the Saddle. I’ve been eyeing it for more than a few months and now have it in my hot little hands :) I’ve started really looking at my stamp collection and like to have different looks and sayings now. AND my dad is a cowboy so I’ll get enough use out of this set even if I just make cards for him and his friends! Plus, there’s a little cowgirl in me too {wink, wink!} and “giddyup” is a saying I use a lot (via Kramer on Seinfeld!). This card is also for this week’s Waltzingmouse sketch challenge.

We are having some bitterly cold weather this week…more typical for where I live. Staying nice and warm with our big fireplace! Hope you are staying warm where you are :) Y’all come back now real soon! teehee

what’s in it?

stamps: back in the saddle (waltzingmouse stamps), fancy flourishes (PTI)

ink: onyx (versafine), sahara sand (SU)

paper: rustic cream, kraft (PTI), espresso (SU), curio (basicgrey)

accessories: pinking edge die, buttons and twine (PTI), bracket die (my favorite things)

Make the Most of Yourself ~ CASE Study #74

2012-01-18T21:01:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!! Are you ready for another week of amazing inspiration at CASE Study? Our delightful Muse of the Month, Jen Rzasa, is giving us another CAS beauty to work with this week. I was inspired by the gorgeous colours on the white background.

I’ve lost/misplaced my white doilies and have been itching to put a doily on a card!! So I made my own. Yes, I still find it a drag to poke out the little bits from the die, but the pain is so worth the final product. LOVE making the doilies out of fabulous dp :)

We also have a sponsor this week offering a prize! My Creative Classroom is an online arts and crafts learning center. Their interactive and in-depth courses are instructor led and filled with wonderful projects and techniques to help you get the most out of your supplies. This Spring MCC will be offering over 100 courses. From the Cricut to Primas, to mixed media and rubber stamping, to scrapbooking, sewing and more; we have something for everyone. Don't miss out on some wonderful classes starting in January, including:

Beginner Copics - Class starts Jan 24th
Photo Organization - Class starts Jan 24th
Understanding Color - Class starts Jan 25th
Stenciling with Style - Class starts Feb 6th
Focus on Photos - Class starts Jan 26th
The Organized Crafter - Class starts Feb 1st
Rubber Stamping Basics - Class starts Feb 2nd

They are offering a free seat to a class of the winner’s choice.

Hope your week is going well and I do hope you’ll join in the fun over at CASE Study this week. Check out what inspired the rest of the Design Team HERE.

what’s in it?

stamps: seeing stars (verve)

ink: onyx (versafine)

paper: white, hawaiian shores (PTI), head over heels (lilybeedesigns)

accessories: doily and pinking border dies, ribbon (PTI), circle die (spellbinders)

Heartfelt Thanks

2012-01-17T04:00:00.000-08:00

Good morning!! I made today’s card on Sunday after our big snowfall on Saturday night and Sunday morning. I had almost forgotten what real snow looked like as we had a very green Christmas (unusual for where I live in BC). So inspired by the lovely snow, I made this card using Jen’s Sketch for You to Try. The Cat’s Pajamas is sponsoring this month’s prize and although I don’t have any of their stamps, I do have their FABULOUS snowflake die from last year :) I cut it out of white glitter paper and then left the little cutouts still in it for a different look. This card was given to my oldest sister as a thank you for the house warming gift she gave us at Christmas, a beautiful barbeque set to go with the new BBQ :) Thanks for popping by!! See you tomorrow night for the new CASE Study sketch :)

what’s in it?

stamps: frame it (waltzingmouse stamps)

ink: onyx (versafine)

paper: white, rustic cream, aquamist, hawaiian shores (PTI), sage shadow, sahara sand, wasabi (SU), holly jolly christmas (echo park), white glitter cardstock

accessories: snowflake die (cats pajamas), damask snowflake and banner dies (PTI), bakers twine and button (craft supply), stitching

Scooting By to Say Hi!

2012-01-16T04:00:00.000-08:00

Good morning!! It’s a new week and I’ve had the chance to play with some new stamps this weekend. I didn’t have a transportation stamp set so when I saw this die and stamp set at My Favorite Things I knew I had to get it. This card uses their Wednesday sketch #54. My little flag fell a bit and landed on the hot pink ribbon!! Love when that happens {wink!}. Isn’t that little scooter the sweetest? Ah, makes me dream of Italy!! Hope your week is starting off right…thanks so much for “scooting by!” Hugs!

what’s in it?

stamps: you move me dienamics (my favourite things)

ink: onyx (versafine)

paper: white, black, raspberry fizz (PTI), happy days (Echo Park)

accessories: you move me dies (MFT), banner die, ribbon (PTI), pin (making memories), stitching

Love Ya {period}

2012-01-15T04:00:00.000-08:00

Good morning everyone!! I am still high from the Verve release this past Friday night and have kept the love going in the studio this weekend :) Today’s card uses the once again FABULOUS colourQ inspiration colours this week. I’ve had these pink scallop borders on my desk since the move and wanted to put them together on a card somehow. I am using some more of Love Me by My Mind’s Eye as the grey is perfect for this challenge!!

With adorable paper like this, it was a no brainer picking the sentiment for the little grey banner (love ya!). The newly released Twitterpated has so many adorable little sentiments that fit perfectly onto banner dies. We are celebrating “love day” early over at the Verve Store so check out all that’s on sale HERE. Thanks so much for stopping by and all the sweet comments during the hop :) Love ya!!

what’s in it?

stamps: Twitterpated (Verve)

paper: white (PTI), going gray (SU), making memories gingham dp, Love Me (MME)

accessories: banner and scallop border die (PTI), ribbon (May Arts), puffed heart button (Michaels), thread, scallop banner die cut (craft supply)

Verve After Party Blog Hop!

2012-01-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to our January 2012 After Party Hop! Last night we released 3 new stamp sets, 4 plain janes and 4 dies! All of the new products we've been showcasing this week are available now in the Verve store!

I was having a difficult time deciding which card I wanted to end with a bang on. As this card started to form on my desk, I knew I had my After Party card. This is one of those “pure joy” cards for me. Maybe it’s that stamping these Lucky You shamrocks makes this St. Patty’s Day baby giddy with delight or maybe it’s creating another tag card…whatever it was, all the stamping stars were aligned in the new studio :) I wanted to show you that you can incorporate shamrocks at any time of year, not just in March. If you have an Irish friend, I’m sure she (or he) would love a little touch o’ the Irish on a card you give them. I sure would {wink!}. I even found a little four leaf clover/flower button to add to my shamrocks, die cut from the Shamrock Die Set. Once this card had been displayed for an appropriate, lengthy time on the mantle, I would be tempted to carefully take the tag part off and use it as a bookmark!!

Didn’t win anything last night or want to add to your winnings? Feeling the Luck o’ the Irish? Be sure to leave a little comment love as you take one last stroll through the Diva blogs. One lucky commenter from today's hop will win the ENTIRE Release! Check out the Verve Blog today for all the prize details and deadlines.

January 14, 2012

1. Amy 8. Tosha

2. Maureen 9. Laurie

3. Sankari 10. Julee

4. Andrea 11. Janelle

5. Teresa 12. Betty

6. Amber 13. Shannan

7. Charmaine 14. Jackie

what’s in it?

stamps: Lucky You (Verve)

paper: white, aquamist (PTI), kiwi kiss (SU), Lime Twist (MME)

ink: onyx (Versafine), kiwi kiss (SU)

accessories: Shamrock Set (A Cut Above Dies by Verve), beaded circles die (Spellbinders), tag die, buttons, twine (PTI), ribbon (American crafts), gems (Kaisercraft), embossing folder (Cuttlebug), kraft tag (Maya Road), stitching

Verve January Release Spotlight Hop ~ Day 3

2012-01-13T06:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to our January 2012 Spotlight Hops! Hop along with the Divas one more time as we share our last first looks at a few of the new products releasing from Verve tonight!! That’s right…6:00 PM (Moe’s PST time, 9:00 PM Eastern Time)

Woohoo! It’s Friday, it’s Release Night on the Verve Forum AND there’s another Viva La Verve sketch up and ready to go this week!! It just doesn’t get any better than that!! Today’s card uses the sweet new Twitterpated set (from the movie Bambi meaning “being in love, like knee-knocking, butterflies in your stomach love, crazy love.” I love this term as I quite often tell the dh, “I crazy love you.” It’s my way of saying that I couldn’t love him anymore if I tried, ahhhh :) So I think this will be his Valentine card :) This set also has a coordinating Hearts and Swirls Frame die for that adorable hearts and swirls border stamp!

Want a chance to win today’s stamps and dies? One lucky commenter from each day's hop will win the sets and dies featured that day, so be sure and leave a little love in the Divasphere! Check out the Verve Blog today for all the prize details and deadlines. Hope to see you all tonight at the PAR-TAY!!

January 13, 2012

1. Amber 7. Amy

2. Teresa 8. Laurie

3. Charmaine 9. Maureen

4. Andrea 10. Julee

5. Tosha 11. Sankari

6. Janelle

what’s in it?

stamps: Twitterpated, Love Notes (Verve)

paper: cream, sweet blush (PTI), cherry cobbler, espresso, sahara sand (SU), Farmhouse (Crate Paper)

ink: ruby red, bermuda bay (SU), onyx (Versafine)

accessories: Hearts and Swirls Frame die, jotted heart die (A Cut Above Dies by Verve), oval and scalloped oval dies (Spellbinders), lace trim, felt heart (Martha Stewart), gem (Kaisercraft), stitching

Verve January Release Spotlight Hop ~ Day 2

2012-01-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to our January 2012 Spotlight Hops! Hop along with the Divas over the next few days as we share our first looks at a few of the new products releasing from Verve this Friday night!

Today’s card showcases the new Wings of Love stamp set and the coordinating Wavy Hearts Die set. Oh my!! This set is so fun to play with!! It comes with so many little inspiring words to encourage someone special in your life. I love adding a little extra sentiment somewhere on cards like I did here with the word “believe” on the charming banner die. The combinations are fabulously endless!! You can see one of the wavy heart winged images in the lower right corner. It was stamped in Autumn Rose ink and die cut with one of the 2 wavy hearts :) Remember, hearts are not just for Valentine’s Day but for whenever you want to send a little love to someone…any day goes for that!

Want to win today’s stamps and dies? One lucky commenter from each day's hop will win the sets and dies featured that day, so be sure and leave a little love in the Divasphere! Check out the Verve Blog today for all the prize details and deadlines and come back tomorrow for the last of the Spotlights before the big party tomorrow night! Woohoo!!

January 12, 2012

1. Janelle 7. Teresa

2. Julee 8. Andrea

3. Laurie 9. Sankari

4. Tosha 10. Maureen

5. Charmaine 11. Amy

6. Amber

what’s in it?

stamps: Wings of Love (Verve)

paper: rustic cream, autumn rose, scarlet jewel, hibiscus burst (PTI), espresso, ruby red (SU), Head Over Heels (Lilybee Designs)

ink: Autumn Rose (PTI), onyx (Versafine)

accessories: Wavy Hearts, Charming Banner (A Cut Above Dies by Verve), long scalloped and long rectangle dies (Spellbinders), seam binding ribbon (SU), button and twine (PTI), gems (Kaisercraft), stitching

Thank You ~ CASE Study #73

2012-01-11T21:01:00.000-08:00

Good evening! This month over on the CASE Study challenge blog, we are inspired by the talented Jen Rzasa! This is the delightful card we get to work with this week…

I went a whole lotta CAS last week and so this week I swung the pendulum to the other side with layers and ribbon and lace :) Are those butterflies fantabulous or what? I took my cue from the colours, sentiment and butterflies. Doesn’t this picture just make you want to play? I sure hope you will!! Come see the other amazing interpretations by our CASE Study design team over on the CASE Study blog :) Thanks for stopping by!

what’s in it?

stamps: verve you and I

ink: versafine onyx

paper: pti cream, su old olive, echo park victoria gardens, pti dotty biscotti

accessories: pti die, my favourite things butterfly die, seam binding, making memories pins, pti button and twine, prima lace, stitching

Verve January Release Spotlight Hop ~ Day 1

2012-01-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to our January 2012 Spotlight Hops! Hop along with the Divas over the next few days as we share our first looks at a few of the new products releasing from Verve this Friday night!

Well, the countdown is on!! Not just for new amazing Verve stamps, but the counter on the side of my blog says it’s 65 more days to my favourite day of the year! And what better way to start the celebrations than with the new Verve set, Lucky You!! I have been wishful thinking that Julee would make a shamrock set (for little ol’ me!} and now she has!! Although, officially, I don’t know if I inspired ~~bugged~~ her on this one or not {wink!} I went shamrock crazy on this square card, die cutting 9 small shamrocks and stamping them with one of the FOUR shamrock stamps that come with the set. Some green bling, a sparkly button, a fun greeting and this card is ready to send to a special friend for her birthday!! (Just sayin’!).

Feeling lucky? One lucky commenter from each day's hop will win the stamps and dies featured today, so be sure and leave a little love in the Divasphere! Check out the Verve Blog today for all the prize details and deadlines and see you back here bright and early tomorrow with Day 2!!

January 11, 2012

1. Amy 7. Charmaine

2. Maureen 8. Tosha

3. Sankari 9. Laurie

4. Andrea 10. Julee

5. Teresa 11. Janelle

6. Amber

what’s in it?

stamps: Lucky You (Verve)

paper: kraft, white (PTI), wild wasabi (SU), 12 days of Christmas (My Mind’s Eye)

ink: onyx (Versafine)

accessories: Shamrock Set (A Cut Above Dies by Verve), square and scalloped square dies (Spellbinders), banner die, button, twine (PTI), gems (Kaisercraft), stitching

My Nicest Thoughts…

2012-01-08T04:00:00.000-08:00

Good morning!! Well, we finally got some snow yesterday afternoon!! So nothing better to do than stamp the afternoon away! If you follow my blog, you know of my shameless addiction to the colourQ weekly challenge. I love to play most weeks if the colour combination speaks to me and more times than not it does! This week is no different…check out the fabulous inspiration photo :)

This challenge (and Lynn) has convinced me to get some cherry cobbler ink!! I hope your weekend is going well. I have some more inky time planned for later this morning getting ready for the upcoming Verve Release this Friday! What a fun week ahead!

what’s in it?

stamps: verve nicest thoughts plain jane

ink: versafine onyx

paper: pti white, su pear pizzazz, kiwi, caribbean, pti distressed dots dp, mme lime twist dp, lilybee desisn head over heels dp

accessories: pti fillable frame, scallop border and leaf dies, su embossing folder, pti button, thread, gems, stitching

Viva La Verve is back!!

2012-01-06T04:00:00.000-08:00

Woohoo!! It’s Friday and one of my favourite sketch challenges is back after a little Christmas hiatus in December :) Sweet Diva Amber has started the year off right with this fabulous sketch…

And double woohoo for some new Love Me paper by My Mind’s Eye…I couldn’t resist!! I used my beloved (and very brown) heart stamp from Love Notes along with its coordinating Jotted Heart Die, “be Mine” sentiment from Heart’s Desire and “with all my Heart” sentiment from Heart to Heart on the little tag which is attached to a Tiny Sweet Scallop die. Oh, all those pinks and reds looks so yummy!! Now head over to the Viva La Verve forum and join in the fun!! Hope you have a fantastic start to your weekend!!

p.s. I gave that sweet jotted heart stamp a good scrubbing facial with some Stazon cleaner and she looks almost brand new now!! Woohoo!!

p.p.s…and don’t forget next Friday night!! Woohoo!

what’s in it?

stamps: Love Notes, Heart to Heart, Heart’s Desire (Verve)

paper: rustic cream, kraft, lavender moon (PTI), going gray, red (SU), Love Me (My Mind’s Eye)

accessories: jotted heart die, tiny sweet scallop die (A Cut Above by Verve), doily, banner, small tag dies, twine, button (PTI), stitching

Congrats! CASE Study #72

2012-01-04T21:01:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! It’s a new month over on the CASE Study blog, so that means we have a brand new MUSE to inspire us! Jennifer Rzasa has a clean and simple style that has me drooling as I so admire those who can do it well. With that said, here’s my CAS card based on Jen’s first card this month…

How did I do? I was inspired by the theme of the card (congrats!) and the colours on the balloon :) I have a couple of friends with new homes so this card will be postal bound ASAP :) Now, there’s one more thing to celebrate over on CASE STUDY this week. We have a new Design Team member!! It’s none other than sweet Christina MacLaren from Sea Glass & Sentiments!! Woohoo! I am thrilled to have her as a teamie as she is just the sweetest AND we met last summer at the PTI Stamp-a-faire! Remember this?

Welcome, Christina!! Okay, now head over to CASE Study to view all the other fabulous projects from the Team :) Hope you’ll join us this week!! Hugs,

what’s in it?

stamps: verve you and I, pti love lives here, congrats all ways

ink: versafine onyx, su blissful blue, rose romance, perfect plum

accessories: verve i heart u die, pti love lives here dies

Thank You

2012-01-03T04:00:00.000-08:00

Oh my!! The holidays are really over! It feels like I have been off for a month, which must mean I had a fabulous time for the past 2 weeks! I wonder if the kids will be as tired as me this morning ;) I had one last hurrah in the studio yesterday and made this sweet snowflake Thank You card using Karen’s Sweet Sunday Sketch. I haven’t played in eons but when I saw her fun sketch with that big round panel, I couldn’t resist! I had been wanting to use my PTI snowflake dies again and this was the perfect opportunity. After several house warming gifts over the past few weeks, I need to send out some thank you cards. This one is going to my brother and his wife :) It feels kind of funny sending a snowflake card out…we had a green Christmas this year and there’s still no sign of snow anytime soon (which is VERY strange for the interior of B.C.!). Okay, that’s it for me…wish me luck on the first day back to work!!

what’s in it?

stamps: verve free stamp with purchase :)

ink: versafine onyx

paper: pti rustic cream, su espresso, mme kraft funday everyday fun, echo park holly jolly Christmas

accessories: pti felt, button, twine, snowflake dies, stitching

A Happy New Year!!

2012-01-01T14:53:00.001-08:00

It’s been a truly lazy day here and as I started seeing “Year in Review” posts in my Google Reader, I sat down to start compiling my 12 favourite cards of the year. Well, after 20 minutes of doing that and still being in JANUARY 2011, I decided to stamp instead!! LOL I have been itching to use these mitten dies and stamps for a very long time!! I knew I would use some Verve stamps for the sentiment, but the “happy” from Merry Wishes was too big. Then I remembered that Happy Hello had a “A Happy” stamp and the size was perfect!! I love when that happens! I have LOTS of little jingle bells left and since I got a slow start to using them, couldn’t resist adding them to this card :) I didn’t get a chance to send out all the Christmas cards I would have liked to this year, but I think Happy New Year ones are perfect AND will be a happy surprise to the recipients (and can last a little longer on the mantle, long after the Christmas ones are put away :)

As many of you know, 2011 has been a very blessed year for me. Becoming a Verve Diva, winning the Papercrafts Color Inspirations contest, Guest Designing for Skipping Stones and several Challenge Blogs, joining the CASE Study Design Team, being published in CARDS, travelling to Ohio to meet Lynn, attending the PTI Stamp-a-faire and meeting my stamping idol, Dawn McVey, building and moving into our new home have been just some of the special highlights that come to mind as I sit and write this post. AND continuing to connect to other card makers through our blogs and personal lives. Thanks so much for visiting here when you can and leaving comments when you feel inspired to do so :)

Yes, I am blessed. I hope you can take time to look for the blessings in your life, even through the ups and downs, they are there, waiting for you to discover them. I’m not one for New Year’s Resolutions, but I do like to remember little sayings that I’ve heard over the years. This quote comes to mind…

Live in abundance.

I think that’s a great way to start the New Year! Hugs to you all :)

what’s in it?

stamps: verve merry wishes and happy hello, gina k winter mittens

ink: versafine onyx, pti raspberry fizz

paper: pti white, hawaiian shores, mme 12 days of Christmas

accessories: spellbinders nested mittens, pti edger and banner die, pti twine, michaels ribbon and bells

In Love With You (and Studio pics!)

2011-12-30T04:00:00.000-08:00

Good morning! Yesterday was a VERY EXCITING day!! As I was leaving the house before noon, the postal truck drove up and had not one but TWO packages for me :) Then, when I checked our mail box ANOTHER package had arrived. THEN our new living room furniture arrived!! Oh, it felt like Christmas all over again. I also spent some quality time in the studio, organizing more paper and making a few cards. The colourQ challenge was on my “to do for sure” list and I had fun using some new and old items on this card. The challenge this week is to use black and white with a splash of one other colour. Hmmm, which colour?! After some auditions, I went with HOT PINK!! She wins almost every time when adding a pop of colour :) The paper is from last year’s Echo Park’s Be Mine kit. I still love this and you will probably see more of it as we get closer to Valentine’s Day ;)

I took a couple of pictures of the studio as it looked last night. It’s a bit make shift right now until the new cupboards and counters come in and I can hang my ribbon holders on the wall. But it’s starting to feel like “home.”

These are the 2 Ikea shelves we picked up in October. They hold a LOT of things and were much cheaper than the ones in Nichole Heady’s new studio (if you follow the PTI newsletters). HA! There’s Seinfeld on t.v.!! I picked up a cheap flat screen at Costco and it will be mounted on the wall soon too…counter space is expensive real estate in a studio, so anything that can be mounted on the wall will be :)

Now for something incredible that I discovered at Michaels this week! The perfect die storage for my beloved Verve dies (which are on SALE right now!) and PTI dies. I had 2 GCs from Santa to spend and LOVED going in after Christmas with them to pick up some Christmas and organization items on sale for 50 – 70% off!! This little jewelry/drawer organizer was in one of the main aisles with a bunch of other matching organizers. I thought it might be the perfect die holder and once I got home, I discovered it WAS!! My dies fit perfectly!! I went back to Michaels and picked up 2 more…for future growth!! The right side, where my Verve dies are, is divided into 3 sections. SCORE!!

Well, that’s all for me :) I’m off to the gym and then for a pedicure this morning. Then back into the studio for some more inky time :) Hope your week has been fabulous :)

what’s in it?

stamps: pti love and marriage

ink: versafine onyx

paper: pti white, echo park be mine dp

accessories: pti edger die and ribbon, Michaels button, bakers twine, gems

Hello Friend ~ CASE Study #71

2011-12-28T21:01:00.000-08:00

Good evening!! I’m back tonight with this week’s CASE Study challenge card. It’s sadly the last week we are CASEing the most amazing Amy Sheffer. It is no secret I adore her work and it will by no means be the last time I am totally inspired by her. The last card she is sharing with us is full of Verve goodies…so in true and good Diva style, I used some more of my beloved Verve stamps too :)

I just love these colours and as you can see, I was inspired by basically the whole card! LOL I do hope you’ll join us this week!! Head over to the CASE Study blog and check out all the fabulous samples inpsired by Amy :) Hope the week is going well…thanks for stopping by :)

what’s in it?

stamps: love notes, hope blooms (Verve)

paper: white, kraft (PTI), Lime Twist (My Mind’s Eye)

ink: onyx (Versafine), ruby red (SU),

accessories: jotted heart die (A Cut Above by Verve), large doily (My Favorite Things), small doily (Martha Stewart), button (PTI), ribbon (Michaels), linen thread (SU)

A Wonderful Life and Happy Boxing Day!

2011-12-26T13:58:00.001-08:00

Happy Boxing Day, everyone!! We had an amazing evening last night hosting Christmas dinner for both our families…30 people. The new house is officially broken in!! Everything went off without a hitch and I was so busy visiting and giving house tours that I didn’t even pick up my camera :) I went out early this morning to pick up a few things at Pier 1. Today is Boxing Day in Canada (and the UK I believe). It’s kind of like the Thanksgiving Day sales in the US. Most stores start their sales before Christmas, but not Pier 1. We needed stocking hangers for the new fireplace and Pier 1 had the perfect, rustic looking ones. However, I was not going to pay full price so I waited until today to pick these up…

They match the mantle perfectly!! Score! Got back home before 9:00, cleaned up the kitchen some more, had a turkey bun (one advantage of hosting dinner…yummy leftovers!) and was able to make a card! My sister from Texas wants to give a good friend of hers a special card for her birthday in a few days, so she asked if I would make one. She picked out this sentiment and then I showed her some of my new papers and we decided on the colour palette. I’ve used my beloved Verve stamps, ALL of which are on sale during the week long Good Buy sale HERE…first up is Tag Time on sale for 50% off! I used the graph paper tag stamp that coordinates with the tagged rectangle die on sale for 10% off.

The sentiment is from Words of Wisdom, on sale for 30% off!!

Check out the rest of the amazing sale HERE…

AND when you’re there, please notice this little banner! Woohoo!! Let’s just say this Diva is a little excited about this one ;)
Okay, I’m off to do some online shopping myself!! Thanks so much for dropping by…let me know what you are buying this week…maybe it’s something I need too!! LOL Happy Shopping!!

what’s in it?

stamps: tag time, words of wisdom (Verve)

paper: rustic cream (PTI), espresso, pumpkin, caribbean (SU), farmhouse (Crate Paper), Farmhouse (October Afternoon)

ink: onyx (Versafine), sahara sand (SU),

accessories: tagged rectangle die (A Cut Above dies by Verve), eyelet (SU), twine, button and ribbon (PTI), border punch (Fiskars), stitching

Sending Christmas Joy & Cheer

2011-12-23T15:43:00.001-08:00

Hi!! I’m just sneaking this card in before the 25th. My package from Ellen Hutson arrived at the beginning of the week and I just HAD to cut into the new October Afternoon paper…was this released a little too late this year or was it just me? Anyways, I was happy to have made at least one card with it :) I picked out a few of my favourite papers and then went from there. The poinsettia is made with Dawn’s PTI poinsettia stamp set and dies…I have had fun with these this season :) This was a hand delivered card this week…too bulky and wide for mailing, but it is going to a dear stamping friend here in town :) Okay, I’ll leave you with our tree…much more beautiful IRL…the ornaments are a mixture of the dh’s and mine, which are mostly gifts from students through the years…a tree of loving memories :) I may not be back here until after Christmas so here is one final “Merry Christmas!!” Hugs to you in your part of the world…I appreciate your visits and sweet comments always :)

what’s in it?

stamps: pti Christmas poinsettia, Stylish Sentiments Holiday

ink: versafine onyx, su ruby red, sahara sand

paper: pti rustic cream, cream, October Afternoon holiday style

accessories: pti banner, poinsettia, mat stack 4 dies, pearls, stitching

Peace, Joy & Love

2011-12-21T16:41:00.001-08:00

Good afternoon!! It’s been a fun few days with my son here and the Christmas decorating mostly done :) I needed to make one more special card and with 2 of my favourite challenges, this card was born. It’s for the joy of my life, my son, Jake. It uses the colour palettes for this week’s colourQ challenge AND this week’s JUGS colour challenge hosted by my bestie, Lynn :) I’m calling a colour overlap on these challenges!!! Hope you think so too :)

Just had to sneak in another woodgrain image…I just love this set! Okay, I’m off to start the biscotti :) Thanks for visiting :) Cheers!

what’s in it?

stamps: pti modern woodgrain, wonderful words holiday

ink: versafine onyx, pti springmoss

paper: pti white, kraft, su cherry cobbler, echo park holly jolly, season’s greetings

accessories: pti word, edger and mat stack dies, ribbon

My Love for You…

2011-12-19T22:07:00.001-08:00

Good evening everyone!! Just popping in with a very special Christmas card I’ve been working on today in between house tours, shopping, baking and card writing :) It was only a few days ago when I realized I hadn’t made Tony’s card yet! Yikes!! I knew I wanted to get into my Verve binders and pick out a “love” sentiment…not a usual choice for a Christmas card, but one definitely for the love of my life on his Christmas card. The sentiment is from the Love Deepens set and the sweet little “xoxo” is from Love Notes. This card is also for the fun challenge over on A Passion for Papertrey :) The “challenge (ahem, cough, cough) is to add GREEN to your card. We are laughing here because this is one of Aimes’ favourite colours AND because it’s not too difficult for this St. Patrick’s Day baby to do the same :) Another busy day tomorrow…my son comes home for 5 days and we’ve got lots planned…he’ll be helping me in the studio and with the technical setups of all the new remotes :) LOL I hope to sneak a little more inky time in this week too :) Hope all your preparations are going well :) So glad you stopped by!! Christmas hugs,

what’s in it?

stamps: Love Deepens, Love Notes (Verve)

paper: kraft, rustic cream, springmoss (PTI), Season’s Greetings (Echo Park)

ink: onyx (Versafine)

accessories: tree, poinsettia, tab dies (PTI), buttons, twine, felt (PTI), brads (Making Memories), star gem ($ store)

merry, merry, merry!

2011-12-16T04:00:00.000-08:00

Good Friday morning!! Let’s start this day and so my holidays can start this afternoon!! Woohoo!! Hopefully I can spend some good quality time getting the studio a bit more organized :) When I saw the colours over on the ColourQ blog this week, clean and simple came to mind! I know! I can’t believe it! I guess I wanted to experiment with multiple die words and this seemed the best way. Here is what the card looked like before I cut the edges…

I moved the words around until I liked the randomness of them around the pink “merry.” Thanks so much for stopping by today…what are you excited about?

what’s in it?

stamps: pti Christmas poinsettia

ink: versamark

paper: pti white, green, kiwi kiss (best match)

accessories: pti word and poinsettia dies, button, baker’s twine

Happy Birthday ~ CASE Study Challenge #70

2011-12-14T21:01:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!! Only 2 more sleeps until I am off for my Christmas vacation. I usually like to work right up until Christmas, but it will be nice to have a week in the new house to perhaps bake a bit, shop, and hang out with my son who arrives on the 20th. I am slowly getting used to my new studio and where everything is. Today’s card is my take on Amy “Sensational” Sheffer’s card over on the CASE Study Challenge Blog this week…

She continues to inspire us with this neutral palette and bold image. I had “doily” on the brain when I first saw this card so I whipped out my Waltzingmouse doily stamps and layered them with 2 paper doilies. I also knew I wanted to use this fabulous aqua linen ribbon for a “wow” factor. I’m thinking this is going to be one of my sister’s birthday cards…stylish and bold :) I noticed a few of my blog buddies played along last week, how about this week? Would love to see your take on this. Head over to the CASE Study blog to see some more divine inspiration and then join in the fun!! Thanks for stopping by! Hugs!

what’s in it?

stamps: verve small phrases, waltzingmouse stamps large doilies

ink: versafine onyx

paper: pti white, soft stone

accessories: pti banner die, martha stewart doily, wilton paper doily, may arts linen ribbon, websters pages button/bauble, spellbinders large scallop dies

Be Merry and Bright

2011-12-12T21:26:00.001-08:00

Good evening! I was cutting some paper for our craft afternoon this coming Friday at work and had an itch to play along with the Waltzingmouse Sketch challenge this week. It was pretty open ended and gave me a good chance to ink up some yet to be used WMS stamps. This fun star image comes from Seasons of Love Tags. Then I flipped through my Christmas paper pads and found this gorgeous blue paper…which became the springboard for the rest of the card. No rusty bells on this one, but some tarnished silver ones that were in the same box with the rusty ones :) I’ve been on a bit of a doily kick again lately…and loving it! Thanks so much for all your sweet comments on the new house…I feel truly blessed here :) Hope your week has started out right…

what’s in it?

stamps: waltzingmouse stamps seasons of love tags

ink: versafine onyx, pti springmoss

paper: pti rustic cream, white, echo park season’s greetings

accessories: wilton doily, seam binding ribbon, silver bells, twine, gems, stitching

Glad Tidings from the new Studio!

2011-12-10T23:05:00.001-08:00

Hi dear friends!! Wow, I think this is the longest time I’ve had between posts! There has literally been no time between work and unpacking the house. I really tackled the studio today. You don’t really realize how much “stuff” you have until you unpack it!! LOL I even had the dh admit that maybe we should have made the studio a bit bigger!! ACK!! What did I say last April?! I think it will be much better once the new counters and cabinets come, then I can really organize. For now, I’ve just unpacked and set things up so I can start creating again. AND as it was settling in at Dad’s in August, this tag took me a good 3 hours to make! I just need to find my groove ;) So today’s colours are via the ColourQ Challenge blog. They also added a twist this week…anything but a card. Hmm, okay, I’ll make a tag (to later put on a card! shh!)…my favourite thing to do with a tag! Hey, did you notice the rusty bells? I found them today and just had to use them right away :) I was SOOOO excited!! Here is the yummy inspiration photo…

I actually want to make a fun card with this palette as well. This is just a delicious combination! Okay, I’ll leave you with some new photos…the fireplace! I love the progression each day. The only thing that wasn’t fun was all the concrete dust EVERYWHERE! And just after we had cleaned everything :(

I was so excited to put up my beloved nativity scene. I love that the stone makes it look so rustic. Will need to find some nice greenery to add.

Thanks so much for visiting!! Hopefully it won’t be too long until I’m back to regular posts. Hope the rest of your weekend is lovely :)

what’s in it?

stamps: verve glad tidings

ink: versafine onyx

paper: pti white, kraft, su caribbean

accessories: pti tree and banner die, buttons, ribbon, cuttlebug embossing folders, gems, stitching, su linen thread, twine, rusty bells!!, pti felt

Joyeux Noel – CASE Study Challenge #69

2011-12-07T21:01:00.000-08:00

Good evening! It is my pleasure to be broadcasting from the new studio! It’s a little unorganized but I love it…lots of time to grow into it. I’m hopefully ordering my new cupboards and counters this week and they should be here in January. A little belated Christmas gift to myself :) So it’s full blown Christmas here in the studio and what better way to decorate it than with a card for this week’s CASE Study Challenge? We are once again inspired by this month’s Muse, Amy “Amazing” Sheffer. Yep, that’s my term of endearment for her this week. She is the queen of delicious layers…and to me, this card is an 8 layer angel food cake with buttercream icing…

I was inspired by all the white layers, the embossing and the gorgeous red poinsettia. My sentiment is a shout out to the second official language of Canada, French, and comes from the Verve stamp set, Glad Tidings. The poinsettia is from the new stamp set, Bright Spirits. Thanks so much for stopping by…remember to head over to the CASE Study blog and feast your eyes on the Design Team’s projects inspired by Amy :) THEN join in the fun this week. We are being sponsored by Crop Stop…the winner will receive a $15.00 Gift Certificate!! Woohoo!! That’s where I buy all my clear envelopes ;)

what’s in it?

stamps: Glad Tidings, Bright Spirits (Verve)

paper: white, shimmer white (PTI), ruby red (SU), glitter cardstock (American Crafts)

ink: onyx (Versafine), real red (SU)

accessories: winter fun die set (A Cut Above by Verve), tag and banner dies (PTI), snowflake (The Cat’s Pajamas), gems (Kaisercraft), seam binding ribbon (craft supply), button (PTI), embossing folder (Cuttlebug)

Thank You

2011-12-06T22:28:00.001-08:00

Good evening! I am really off my regular 4:00 AM posting schedule!! LOL But I’m going with the flow and not sweating the small stuff (except my rusty bells which are still MIA!). This is a masculine card I made last week at Dad’s house. A coworker came and asked if I had any thank you cards for a male coach. Hmm, that’s pretty specific…I said I would bring her my thank you cards to work the next day. Well, I had NO masculine thank you cards so I whipped this one up. I was only too happy to use the lovely PTI botanical set again :) Needless to say my coworker was very pleased and bought 2 more cards along with this one :) We continue to be busy unpacking and getting used to the new home. I have a few photos to share before I head off to bed. First up is the studio…in chaos, but slowly getting there.

Next 2 photos are of the stone waiting patiently to be installed tomorrow! Ah, cozy fireplace will be ready for the weekend…bliss!

Thanks so much for stopping by. Hope all is well in your corner of the world.

what’s in it?

stamps: pti botanical silhouettes

paper: pti kraft, su sahara sand, lilybee designs dp

ink: versafine onyx, su riverrock, sahara sand

accessories: pti twine, buttons, fiskars border punch, creative concepts ef

Love Lives Here

2011-12-05T15:53:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone! Wow, it’s only been 3 days, but I feel totally out of the loop! We moved on the weekend so it’s been a whirlwind of boxes and unpacking and cooking for ourselves again!! LOL I don’t have anything brand new today, but thought I would repost the card I made back in February for the PTI blog hop on scallops. I saved this card for a special occasion and finally found the perfect person to give it to. It’s going to the lovely woman who worked with me since May to coordinate the colours, light fixtures, new furniture etc at the new house. She is our interior designer. At times I felt like she was my BFF calming me down as I got a bit overwhelmed by having too many choices. She was very good at letting me know how everything would work together. And it all does. We are extremely happy with all the decisions we made :) I’ve worked with her before and she’s very good at figuring out what is in my mind and what my tastes are. So it seems only fitting that she receive a little “home” inspired card. I’m off to unpack some more boxes…not sure when I’ll be back to a regular schedule…I’m not putting any pressure on myself, but hope to treat myself to a little inky time one evening this week. Thanks so much for visiting :)

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-02T17:19:00.001-08:00

Good evening and TGIF! I had this post all ready to go last night, but Dad’s internet was down again. Luckily he was getting his new T.V. PVR in and they upgraded his internet modem and wireless router :) So, here is today’s card, a little delayed. We have a busy weekend, but I won’t mind…we are moving the final boxes AND temporary studio tomorrow! I really wanted to squeeze in one more colourQ card in before the big MOVE so kept my Christmas stamps and dies out. I had originally wanted to make some ornaments for this card, but I let the colour Muses guide me and out came a sparkly snowflake instead :) That HUGE button was the biggest one in my PTI button jar…lol It’s the perfect size for that snowflake IMHO. Here are the colours this week…

Hopefully I won’t be offline too long…see you soon! Have a wonderful weekend! I’ll leave you with the final install of the railing :)

Wednesday…

Thursday…almost done!

Thinking of You and my CASE Study DT Debut!!

2011-11-30T21:01:00.000-08:00

Yes!! You read it right!! I have been given the great honour of joining one TALENTED design team! Chupa contacted me last month and voila! Here I am on the other side of this super fun weekly CASE Study challenge! One of the biggest reasons I loved playing this challenge, was the open endedness of the inspiration…colour, layout, sentiments…there’s so much to be inspired by. It really lets you think outside the box and get creatively “messy,” KWIM?

And to make this announcement even sweeter, our Muse this month is none other than my lovely Diva Sistah, the uber fantastic, Amy Sheffer!! ACK!! Her blog was one of the first ones I ever started following!! So this post seems a little serendipitous! I am ALWAYS inspired and FOREVER in awe of her cards…and this week’s card is no exception :)

I was inspired by the colours, polka dotted butterflies and the semi circle panel which I flipped around and added scallops to :) I am challenging all my blog friends and visitors to join us this week in celebration of my debut!! Head over to the CASE Study Blog for more inspiration…woohoo!! Thanks for celebrating with me!

what’s in it?

stamps: verve kind words, pti fillable frames #4

ink: versafine onyx, su ruby red

paper; pti rustic cream, cosmo cricket, october afternoon, pti dps

accessories: pti spiral notepage, love lives here butterfly, scallop edger dies, pti ribbon, buttons, thread

Happy Birthday

2011-11-30T04:00:00.000-08:00

Good morning everyone! I’m sneaking in here with a little card that CASES a card I made a few weeks back :) I loved the way the stamping turned out so I made another one but left off the frame and added some buttons and twine.

I just love the look of stamping on patterned paper. Anyways, this is a super quick post as we are packing up more things at Dad’s as our official move gets closer. I’m thinking I may be off the “grid” Friday and part of the weekend as I move the computer and the rest of the temporary studio. Here are a few more photo updates…

stove is in and hooked up…backsplash is done :)

I wanted my desk to be counter height with a stool, so I can have the option to sit or stand. The shelving unit from Ikea was only desk height. On the weekend, the dh and I were looking in Home Depot for some wood legs and found these brushed nickel legs…SOLD!!

I think it looks like a piece of custom furniture now :) Love when a plan falls into place :) Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful hump day!

what’s in it?

stamps: papertrey ink botanical silhouettes

ink: versafine onyx, su sahara sand, rose romance

paper: papertrey ink soft stone, rustic cream, my mind’s eye blush

accessories: pti love lives here die, my favourite things butterfly, gems, twine, buttons

You are {Deeply} Loved, Jake

2011-11-28T04:00:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone! Today’s post is a combination of two important events. First and foremost, it is my son, Jake’s birthday. My little peanut is 23 and I still remember the wonder and joy I felt when I first held him in my arms. I’m pretty sure I’ve posted this photo before, but I feel it’s very appropriate for the day. Now, secondly, today is my Diva Dare day over on the Verve Blog!! The dare this time is “A Handmade Christmas.” Now you may be asking, where’s the Christmas in this card? lol Read on…

Since I was posting on Jake’s birthday, I thought I’d make his birthday card AND then take the same layout and make a Christmas card as well. I wanted to showcase how you can take one design and have it fit different occasions…to save you/me from going mad thinking up a new idea at the busiest time of the year :) So up first is Jake’s birthday card, complete with a Starbucks card and a little cheque tucked in behind {wink, wink!}.

And here is the Christmas version…

This one won’t be going to Jake, but is all ready to go to a special coworker.

Thanks so much for visiting and letting me gush about my Jake (again). I don’t get to make his cake on his birthday anymore, but I always make one when he comes home for Christmas so he can make a belated wish. I kind of like our new tradition :) Now head over to the Verve Blog to see all the details of the Diva Dare going on this month until December 9th…there’s a prize of a $30.00 gift certificate AND one lucky commenter will get a stamp set of their choice! It will feel just like YOUR birthday! LOL Have a wonderful Monday!

what’s in them?

{you are loved}

stamps: Small Phrases, Bloom and Grow, Birthday Bash (Verve)

paper: cream, ocean tides (PTI), sahara sand, choc chip (SU), Spice (My Mind’s Eye)

ink: onyx (Versafine), sahara sand (SU), Versaamark

accessories: elegant leaves, charming banner dies (A Cut Above Dies by Verve), gift card die, buttons, twine (PTI), pearls (Kaisercraft), woodgrain embossing folder (Craft Concepts), stitching

{just for you}

stamps: Bright Spirits, Glad Tidings, Frosty Flakes, Christmas in the Air, Sunny Days (Verve)

paper: cream, kraft (PTI), sahara sand, espresso, ruby red (SU), Season’s Greetings (Echo Park)

ink: onyx (Versafine), chocolate chip, ruby red (SU)

accessories: Frosty Snowflakes, Leafy Sprigs, Charming Oval dies (A Cut Above dies by Verve), gift card die, button, twine (PTI), gem (Kaisercraft), embossing folder (SU), stitching

Merry Christmas

2011-11-27T04:00:00.000-08:00

Good morning! After working at the new house yesterday, I came back to Dad’s and looked at my wish-to-do list. On it was this week’s My Favourite Things sketch :) I am always thankful when I can fit one of these in :) It had a tag so I couldn’t resist even if I tried :) I don’t have any MFT Christmas stamps so I used the note paper stamp from Own Your Own Story. It’s not much MFT, but I tried! I’ll leave you with a few new house photos, one of which shows the new Ikea furniture in the new studio, just waiting for stamps, paper, ink, ribbon, buttons and bling! Can’t wait!! Thanks for visiting and have a lovely day :)

what’s in it?

stamps: mft own your own story, verve bright spirits

ink: versafine onyx, versamark

paper: pti rustic cream, hawaiian shore, mme 12 days of christmas

accessories: pti tag and poinsettia dies, felt, buttons, bakers twine, Michaels bell, stitching, twill ribbon

laundry room

desk top, desk legs, shelves, trash bin, stool all from Ikea

Joy! A Card, a Sale, and some House Pics!

2011-11-26T10:00:00.001-08:00

Good morning!! I’m off to a bit of a late start this morning…got a “honey do” list that I’m actually going to enjoy…moving more things into the house :) But before I leave, I wanted to share another card I made for the Verve Release this month. I’ve used the Sweet Scallop tag dies, both Tiny and Regular as well as the new Snowflake Tidings die that coordinates with the snowflakes in Glad Tidings. Have you heard about the Verve Black Friday sale on now until tomorrow? Check it out HERE!

And lastly, things continue to move along at the house and finally yesterday I felt I could see the light at the end of the tunnel. The plumbers fixed the kitchen taps so I can keep the ones I picked out and desperately love! The backsplashes in all the rooms are complete AND the carpenter doing our staircase railing showed up and started putting the posts in…AND he should be back today to continue…the railing is another must have before occupancy!! So Moe was very excited…PLUS I had a handsome and handy man help put some things together in the studio…here are the photos. Thanks for popping by!!

Desk was put together late last night…will take a photo today…it makes me REALLY smile :)

what’s in it?

stamps: Bright Spirits, Glad Tidings (Verve)

paper: sahara sand, espresso (SU), white (PTI), Season’s Greetings (Echo Park)

ink: onyx (Versafine), choc chip, sahara sand (SU), tea dye duo (PTI)

accessories: Snowflake Tidings, Tiny Sweet Scallop, Sweet Scallop Tag dies (A Cut Above dies by Verve ), wine tag and tag dies, twine (PTI), bells and ribbon (Michaels), gems (Kaisercraft), Holly Ribbons embossing folder (Cuttlebug), stitching

Papertrey Ink November Blog Hop

2011-11-25T04:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my PTI Blog Hop post! I’ve had a bit of crazy fun with all my new Christmas dies and stamps last weekend so grab a coffee (or tea, Aimes!). For this first card, I’m going to use a line on you that I teach my children…”Ms Plut…I want you to notice {something about their artwork}.” Dear Visitor, I want you to notice that the poinsettia has been die cut out of Joy to the World sheet music (from my dear friend, Janelle!). Oh, how I love the new ink! This is the first time using Springmoss and I LOVE it! No more stamping off Kiwi Kiss!! This next card is using that fabulous snowflake die, oh my!

And lastly, because your coffee (or tea!) is almost done… another snowflake, but this time out of felt! The button and leaves were inspired by the Starbucks packaging this year…and so is this sentiment {Let’s} Merry. Leave it to SB to make an adjective into a verb! They are making my job more difficult!! LOL

I think the inspiration for all the cards is self explanatory seeing the photo below :) …all the colours (red, green, cream and kraft) and patterns. Thanks so much for looking and always leaving such lovely comments…enjoy the rest of the hop and the start to the weekend :)

what’s in them?

{peacelovejoy}

stamps: pti modern woodgrain,stylish sentiments

ink: versafine onyx, pti springmoss

paper: pti rustic cream, cream, kraft, lime twist, sheet music

accessories: pti dies, wood button, twine, jingle bells (Michaels), may arts twill

{christmas cheer}

stamps: pti stylish sentiments

ink: versafine onyx

paper: pti kraft, rustic cream, su red, echo park season’s greetings dp

accessories: pti snowflake die, circle nestabilities, pti buttons, twine, Michaels ribbon, stitching

{merry}

stamps: pti modern woodgrain

ink: su ruby red

paper: pti kraft, rustic cream, su red, echo park season’s greetings dp

accessories: pti dies, felt, button, twine

Truly Make a Difference

2011-11-24T04:00:00.000-08:00

Good “day before Friday” everyone!! I don’t make many teacher appreciation cards…lots of teacher coworker thank you cards, but not many to say thanks to all those wonderful teachers out there. Being a teacher myself, it sounds a bit self serving. However, who better to know what the other teachers are doing out there? I see it first hand everyday. I like to share this little analogy that I heard one teacher use as she described her job…it’s like hosting a daily birthday party of 24+ children for 6 hours. Having said that, it’s also very rewarding if it was what you have always wanted to be since you were 9…that’s my story ;) I took my cue from the ColourQ palette this week. I have issues with orange and brown at times, hoping I won’t make them look like a Brownie uniform! LOL I think the white and yellow help in that respect. I embossed the tag and jotted heart with the typeset Cuttlebug folder. The house is inching (sounds better than centimetering!) along. My handsome and handy husband caulked all the windows today…one item that is on the “occupancy and home warranty checklists.” We have 2 more items and then can call the city inspector. He also told me I could start unpacking some boxes this weekend! MY PLEASURE!! Woohoo!! Have a fantastic day!

what’s in it?

stamps: my favourite things clearly sentimental about teaching, four point frame stamps

ink: versafine onyx, su ruby red

paper: pti white, su espresso, basicgrey dp

accessories: verve jotted heart, pti edgers, tag, blossom, fillable frame dies, button,, cuttlebug ef, thread, crate paper brad, Michaels ribbon and cork

Finally, a new Wild Card Colour Challenge!

2011-11-23T04:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Hump Day everyone! I am all caught up on my DT duties and personal cards, so I thought it would be fun to pull some new colours and make another Wild Card Colour Challenge (for those of you new to my blog, see the Wild Card page button above). I was skimming through the Papertrey Ink forum this week and someone had asked if there was a colour challenge in blogland using PTI colours and my blog was mentioned!! Though not a “formal” challenge, pulling your own colour combination is super fun and really gets the old dendrites working :) Oh, I have missed this personal challenge. Here’s what was pulled last night…

As you can see from my card, I am not done with my Modern Woodgrain stamp set AT ALL!! I was also itching to get out the Newsprint set again…just love stamping it to make a quick background. I also got to cut into my new Damask paper :) Thanks for enabling, Lynn!! In a rut this week? How ‘bout use my colours!! Let me know if you do, I’d love to visit your blog and see your take on it! Have a lovely day :)

what’s in it?

stamps: verve big wish, pti modern woodgrains, newsprint

ink: versafine onyx, su going grey

paper: pti rustic cream, cream, damask dp, authentique dp

accessories: pti scallop, banner, mat stack 4, friendly flower dies, ribbon, button, twine

Merry Christmas

2011-11-22T04:00:00.000-08:00

Hello and good morning!! I always love the weeks after a stamp release :) After having SO much fun playing with brand new images, I love that I can take the next few weeks to slowly share the other projects I made. This card was SUPER fun with the Echo Park Holly Jolly Christmas paper. I’ve used one of the sentiments from Verve’s Bright Spirits as well as the snowflakes from Christmas in the Air with the new matching dies!! LOVE the dies!! I’m also getting a nice little stock pile of Christmas cards…how are yours? Have a wonderful day!! Thanks for spending a few minutes with me :)

what’s in it?

stamps: Bright Spirits, Christmas in the Air (Verve)

paper: kraft, white (PTI), espresso, bermuda bay (SU), Holly Jolly Christmas (Echo Park)

ink: onyx (Versafine)

accessories: Frosty Snowflakes dies (A Cut Above dies by Verve), scallop border die, buttons, twine (PTI), ribbon (May Arts), stitching

Yuletide Blessings

2011-11-21T04:00:00.000-08:00

Good morning!! It’s a new week and I’m not sad it’s Monday…it means that hopefully more work will be done at the house that will see us moving soon…so bring on Monday!! LOL Today’s card is for this week’s Waltzingmouse Sketch challenge…I am still determined to win a stamp set one of these days :) I took some (read “lots of”) liberty with the sketch as I was determined to use my lovely heirloom ornaments from last year. They hardly got used last year before we were onto Valentine’s cards! I also have a little fetish with bells and twine this year. Still sad about my rusty bells in storage somewhere, but these crimson ones are helping put a smile back on my face :) Thanks so much for visiting…have a fabulous day :)

what’s in it?

stamps: waltzingmouse vintage ornaments, compliments of the season

ink: versafine onyx, su ruby red

paper: pti kraft, cream, authentique wonder dp

accessories; spellbinders heritage ornament die, wilton paper doily, su seam binding, Michaels jingle bells, pti twine, gems, stitching

Many Hands Make Light Work (and a few more new house pics!)

2011-11-20T04:00:00.000-08:00

Good morning!! Last weekend we were able to move many of our boxes out of the storage containers and into the new house with the help of 3 dear friends. Acts of kindness like this (who wants to move boxes on your day off?) overwhelm us and so I wanted to show our appreciation in a small way with a handmade card. I immediately thought of the PTI Love Lives Here set. It’s perfect for creating a “home”y feel to cards.

Things are coming together at the house…here are a few updates…the wood floor is in the basement and studio now :) It’s engineered hardwood. Love it next to Sahara Sand.

The front door is now stained!! I love how our painter made it look like a wood door with just the streaking of the stain! It’s a fiberglass door! Cool :)

the kitchen backsplash…before grout. I didn’t think it would be so busy…but I think the cream grout will soften it.

Another shot of it…there will be an inset in that empty spot…some diamond tiles with dark squares.

thanks for visiting…have a blessed Sunday :)

what’s in them?

stamps: pti love lives here

ink: versafine onyx

paper: pti cream, rustic cream, sweet blush, spring moss, kraft, october afternoon and prima dps, glitter cardstock

accessories: pti doily, love lives here, banner and tag dies, twill ribbon, ms butterfly punch, gems, stitching, twine

In the Direction of Your Dreams

2011-11-19T04:00:00.000-08:00

Hello!! ACK! I’ve been without internet since Tuesday and after being disconnected twice by our internet provider, on hold for 30 minutes and promised a call back that never happened, I am delighted to say it was an easy fix and we are back up today. So I am just in time to play with this week’s ColourQ colours! And here we go with another scrumptious inspiration photo…

It doesn’t get any yummier than razzleberry, pumpkin and crumb cake! Oh my!! I even got the neutral “white” right this week!! I was so happy to have remembered this lovely satin ribbon AND delighted that I had brought it with me (‘cause I didn’t bring my SU Autumn Splendor set that would have been PERFECT for this card). We are literally on the “HOME” stretch (pun intended) and if everyone shows up this week MAY be moving in the next 2 weeks :) I’ll have some more photos tomorrow :) Thanks so much for visiting today…I’m off to vote in our municipal election and then up to the house to clean cupboards :) Have a wonderful day!

what’s in it?

stamps: verve words of wisdom

ink: versafine onyx

paper: pti kraft, white, su pumpkin, razzleberry, pti autumn abundance and MME lost and found dps

accessories: pti tab and scallop border dies, may arts ribbon, stitching, pti button, thread

Merry Christmas ~ Get Your Diva On!

2011-11-16T04:00:00.000-08:00

Good morning!! Have you seen the new just released stamps and dies from Verve? Check out all the new products over in the Verve Store! Then, head over to the Verve Forum for the newest Get Your Diva On Challenge. Diva Teresa is challenging us to be inspired by this gorgeous festive photo…if THIS doesn’t get you in the Christmas spirit, nothing will!! LOL I was making this card for the new release and then realized it was perfect for the GYDO challenge. I added a music paper poinsettia (notice I used Joy to the World music!) and some fun little jingle bells. But the sweetest thing is that little “joy” tag!! I got the Stampin’ Up antique tags awhile ago and was dying to use them. BUT I had to find a word small enough for it!! Enter Small Phrases to the rescue. The “joy” is from the stamp “bundle of joy.” LOL I just inked up the last word and said a little prayer it would stamp perfectly…and it did!! woohoo!! So are you ready to get your Diva on?! Can’t wait to see your take on it!!

what’s in it?

stamps: Bright Spirits, Small Phrases (Verve)

paper; rustic cream (PTI), ruby red (SU), Nordic Holiday (basicgrey), Christmas sheet music

ink: onyx (Versafine), tea dye duo (PTI)

accessories: poinsettia die, twine, button (PTI), lace trim, bells (Michaels), tag (SU), border punch (Fiskars), stitching

Christmas Greetings

2011-11-15T04:00:00.000-08:00

Good morning!! It’s the last day to enter a card in the CASE Study challenge for last week, so I’m just under the gun again!! I’ve been having too much fun playing with my new Verve stamps and today’s card is no exception. I picked one of the few sentiments from Bright Spirits that I haven’t inked up yet! Oh I love inking brand new stamps…how ‘bout you? Here’s the inspiration photo from this month’s Muse, Kryssi Ng…

I was soooooo tempted to make another Fall card, but then I saw my friend Andrea’s card and knew I had to start using my PTI snowflake die. I’ve used Kryssi’s layout but just changed the sentiment, images and season!! LOL The single red button with holly leaves was inspired by Starbucks gifts. I was in there a “few” times last weekend and they had a similar single button with leaves on their holiday packaging. Thanks so much for stopping by and for all your sweet comments. They really make my heart sing :) Have a glorious day :)

what’s in it?

stamps: Bright Spirits (Verve)

paper: white, kraft, red (PTI), Wonder (Authentique), glitter cardstock

ink: onyx (Versafine)

accessories: snowtlake die, felt, button, twine (PTI), border punch (EK Success), stitching

Verve After Party Favourite

2011-11-14T04:00:00.000-08:00

Good morning!! It is tradition that we Verve Divas pick a favourite card from the release for our After Party hop. It was a tough call, but I chose this one…it’s loosely based on Diva Amy’s Viva La Verve sketch a week ago :) I just love the pink and red for a non traditional Christmas palette. It also uses some of my favourites from this Release…the sentiment from Bright Spirits and the 2 of the new dies, Winter Fun and Lovely Marquee. Check out the Verve Blog for the master list to see all of the Diva Favourites. What did you or what are YOU planning to buy? lol Check out the SALE as well…happy day to you all!

what’s in it?

stamps: Bright Spirits (Verve)

paper: sweet blush, rustic cream, scarlet jewel, white (PTI), espresso, ruby red, razzleberry (SU), Nordic Holiday (Basicgrey)

ink: onyx (Versafine), choc chip (SU), tea dye duo (PTI)

accessories: Lovely Marquee, Winter Fun dies (A Cut Above dies by Verve), circle and scallop circle dies (Spellbinders), seam binding ribbon (Memriemare), button, twine (PTI), embossing folder (SU), bells (Michaels), gem button (My Mind’s Eye), border punch (EK Success), gems (Kaisercraft)

One Blessing After Another

2011-11-13T04:00:00.000-08:00

Good morning!! It’s been a wonderful long weekend and we’ve got a bit more done at the house. The studio flooring is going in today or tomorrow so I’ll be able to have some updated photos soon. We had to change the cork flooring to hardwood in the basement because the product wasn’t going together well. Anyways…since we didn’t have to do any major moving yet, I thought I’d treat myself to playing around with this week’s colourQ palette :) Love these fall colours and so out came my sweet little acorn dies and stamps. Now, this first card is actually my second card for this challenge…the first one is below but it just wasn’t as vibrant as I wanted it to be…hence the second card. I’ve used canvas again for the leaves…just love using other material for die cuts…so fun!

Hope your day is wonderful…thanks so much for stopping by :)

what’s in them?

{one blessing}

stamps: pti beautiful blessings, autumn acorns

ink: versafine onyx, su choc chip, close to cocoa, melon berry, pti aquamist

paper: su peach parfait, soft suede, pti white, MME dp

accessories: pti acorn and note page dies, button, twine, ribbon, stitching

{thank you"}

stamps: pti wonderful word additions, leaf prints

ink: versafine onyx, su really rust, pumpkin pie

paper: pti white, su soft suede, MME lime twist and Lilybee Designs papers

accessories: canvas, pti leaf, scallop border and note page dies, embossing folder, pti button and twine, stitching

Verve Holiday Spotlight Hops ~ Day Four

2011-11-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to our final Holiday Spotlight Hop! Last night we released 2 new stamp sets, 5 plain janes and 6 dies to coordinate with new and old Verve holiday sets! All of the new products we've been showcasing this week are available now in the Verve store!

Oh, what a fun release party last night!! I am especially excited about the new snowflake and lovely marquee dies…no more cutting for Moe!! LOL AND I get so excited about new sentiments fitting onto my favourite labels dies too :) This new sentiment fits perfectly onto my beloved Classy Label die and coordinating stamp from Love Notes. I also got to play with the Mojo Sketch this week…and you still have time too. It’s contest week so there is a Verve prize!! Perfect timing for the new release! And there are those sweet little Love Birds again…they are a sweet match to the Basicgrey Nordic Holiday paper along with the “Peace” stamp from Bright Spirits released last night.

Are you ready for today’s prize!! Hang onto your Cuttlebug!!

Be sure to leave a little comment love as you take one last stroll through the Diva and Guest Diva blogs. One lucky commenter from today's hop will win the ENTIRE Release! Check out the Verve Blog today for all the prize details and deadlines.

1. Julee 8. Sankari

2. Andrea 9. Teresa

3. Vickie {Guest} 10. Charmaine

4. Amy 11. Tosha

5. Maureen 12. Wanda {Guest}

6. Laurie 13. Jackie

7. Gretchen {Guest}

what’s in it?

stamps: Bright Spirits, Love Notes (Verve)

paper: white, soft stone (PTI), going gray, marina mist (SU), Nordic Holiday (Basicgrey)

ink: onyx (Versafine), soft sky, basic grey (SU)

accessories: Love Birds, Classy Label dies (A Cut Above dies by Verve), tab, tag, spiral notepage dies, buttons (PTI), circle and scallop circle dies (Spellbinders), gems (Kaisercraft), woodgrain embossing folder (Craft Concepts), ribbon (Michaels)

Verve Holiday Spotlight Hop ~ Day Three

2011-11-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the last day of our Holiday Spotlight Hops! Hop along with the Divas today as we share our LAST first looks at a few of the new products releasing from Verve tonight!! It’s 11 – 11- 11 and this Diva is an 11:11 girl (this number shows up a lot in my life!). So after spending the day in quiet remembrance of our brave men and women, I will be ready to celebrate the newest Verve Release. Today’s fun little set is perfect for tags!! Rudolph is totally reminding me that my beloved Reindeer mugs are patiently waiting in storage for their debut at the new house! I added a little red pompom for some added texture and fun! I used the To/From stamp from last year’s Glad Tidings…that little stamp is beyond brown!! If you KWIM!! lol Now, there is also a whole lotta dies releasing tonight…two of which are on this next card, using Diva Jackie’s wonderful Viva La Verve Week 2 sketch over on the VLV thread in the forum…

Julee has answered our prayers and is releasing the matching die to that fabulous marquee stamp from Love Story! I’ve also used the Love Birds dies from yesterday’s sneak peek along with their outline images from Bright Spirits.

Okay, enough chit chat!! Onto the prizes and the party tonight! One lucky commenter from each day's hop will win the sets and dies featured that day, so be sure and leave a little love in the Divasphere! Check out the Verve Blog today for all the prize details and deadlines.

See you tonight at the Verve Release Party over on the Verve Forum!! 6:00 PM Pacific Time!! Hopefully there will be NO interruptions like the last 2 releases!! LOL (i.e. selling my townhouse and the phone company!)

1. Julee 8. Sankari

2. Andrea 9. Teresa

3. Vickie {Guest} 10. Charmaine

4. Amy 11. Tosha

5. Maureen 12. Wanda {Guest}

6. Laurie 13. Jackie

7. Gretchen {Guest}

what’s in it?

{Santa’s Little Helper tag}

stamps: Santa’s Little Helper, Glad Tidings (Verve)

paper: soft stone, white, kraft (PTI), Peppermint (Crate Paper)

ink: onyx (Versafine)

accessories: tag dies, button, ribbon, twine (PTI), circle die (Spellbinders), pompom (Michaels)

{A True Love Story}

stamps: Bright Lights, Love Story (Verve)

paper: soft stone, white, shimmer white (PTI), shimmer bronze (paper supply), Portrait collection (Crate Paper)

ink: onyx (Versafine), sahara sand, choc chip (SU)

accessories: Lovely Marquee, Love Birds, Jotted Heart dies (A Cut Above dies by Verve), heart circles and labels 9 dies (Spellbinders), seam binding (SU), thread (craft supply), gems (Kaisercraft), embossing folder (Cuttlebug), stitching

Verve Holiday Spotlight Hop ~ Day Two

2011-11-10T05:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to our Holiday Spotlight Hops! Hop along with the Divas over the next few days as we share our first looks at a few of the new products releasing from Verve this Friday night! Oh, my! New stamps to stamp onto kraft paper! BLISS! I’ve found that whenever I’m not sure how to cut out a fun image, I will use it to make a background instead! The new Bright Spirits set comes with 4 adorable ornament images, perfect for creating a very merry background! I also love holding up sentiments to all my die shapes to see which one looks good where…the winner this time for this sentiment was the Curvy Bookplate die :) I stamped the sentiment off center so I could add the sweet little layered star/poinsettia also from Bright Spirits. The dies for them are part of the new Winter Fun die collection (FUN indeed! No cutting!! LOL). Want to win this set, these dies and MORE?!
One lucky commenter from each day's hop will win the sets and dies featured that day, so be sure and leave a little love in the Divasphere! Check out the Verve Blog today for all the prize details and deadlines. Enjoy the rest of the hop and see you tomorrow!!

1. Julee 8. Andrea

2. Jackie 9. Vickie {Guest}

3. Teresa 10. Amy

4. Charmaine 11. Laurie

5. Maureen 12. Gretchen {Guest}

6. Tosha 13. Sankari

7. Wanda {Guest}

what’s in it?

stamps: Bright Spirits, Tag Time (Verve)

paper: kraft, white, raspberry fizz, royal velvet, bitty box basics (PTI)

ink: onyx (Versafine), raspberry fizz (PTI), bermuda bay, kiwi kiss, perfect plum (SU)

accessories: Winter Fun and Curvy Bookplate Dies (A Cut Above Dies by Verve), Mat and Doily dies and button (PTI), ribbon (Michaels), bakers twine (craft supply), gems (Kaisercraft), snowflake embossing folder (Cuttlebug)

Verve Holiday Spotlight Hop ~ Day One

2011-11-09T05:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to our Holiday Spotlight Hops! Hop along with the Divas over the next few days as we share our first looks at a few of the new products releasing from Verve this Friday night! For today’s card I used the fabulous new Jeremiah 33:3 Plain Jane with the Flared Cross Plain Jane and coordinating die from the new Cross Set (thanks, Julee!). I am always on the look out for some more inspiring verses to use on get well, thinking of you or even sympathy cards…and this PJ does the job! PLUS it fits perfectly on the Rounded Rectangle die from the last release! I didn’t quite ink up my cross stamp so it would look a bit rustic and added some twine for some extra texture. Want to win these stamps and die?

One lucky commenter from each day's hop will win the sets and dies featured that day, so be sure and leave a little love in the Divasphere! Check out the Verve Blog today for all the prize details and deadlines. Thanks for stopping by!

1. Julee 7. Andrea

2. Teresa 8. Vickie {Guest}

3. Charmaine 9. Amy

4. Maureen 10. Laurie

5. Tosha 11. Gretchen {Guest}

6. Wanda {Guest} 12. Sankari

what’s in it?

stamps: Jeremiah 33:3, Flared Cross (Verve)

paper: rustic cream (PTI), so saffron, sahara sand (SU), Memorandum (Lilybee Designs)

ink; onyx (Versafine), sahara sand (SU), tea dye duo (PTI)

accessories: Cross Set, Rounded Rectangle die (A Cut Above Dies by Verve), apron lace punch (Fiskars), seam binding ribbon and linen thread (SU), button (PTI), stitching

Happy Birthday, Lynn!!

2011-11-07T04:00:00.000-08:00

Good morning!! Today’s card helps me shout out some BIG birthday wishes to my dear friend, Lynn!! I’m not even going to refer to her as a “blog buddy” as we have met IRL and are definitely kindred spirits :) This is not Lynn’s real birthday card…that is in the mail to her…although now that I’ve made this, I wish I would have sent this one!! LOL I have not used this PTI set much and thought that it was the perfect time to ink it up for this week’s CASE Study challenge. They have a new Muse, Kryssi Ng, my fellow Skipping Stones Guest Designer in August!! Hi Kryssi!! Just look at this amazing card!

I was inspired by the shape of the die, but flipped mine and used it on a square card. I used a floral image and added 2 sweet little butterflies :) Before I leave you, I want to share a few rerun pictures of Lynn and I this summer :) I hope you have the most amazing day, Lynn!! Hugs!!

what’s in it?

stamps: pti botanical silhouettes

ink: versafine onyx, su sahara sand, rose romance

paper: pti soft stone, rustic cream, my mind’s eye blush

accessories: labels 9 nestabilities, pti love lives here die, mft butterfly, gems

Friends ‘Til the End

2011-11-05T05:00:00.000-07:00

Good morning!! Today’s card is my take on Diva Jen’s Sketch for You to Try! It’s the beginning of a new month and that means Jen has a new sketch and a new monthly sponsor, VERVE!! Woohoo!! In honour of being asked to join in the fun over on Jen’s Blog, I thought I would use the Verve set she inspired, Making a Statement. This set is VERY BROWN since it’s August release…it’s still in my go-to basket :) I also used the coordinating Loopy Blooms dies to cut out my felt flower and leaves and the Rounded Scallop Frame to cut out a chipboard frame. I used the Rounded Rectangle Die on top of the frame this time, instead of underneath it. Please check out Jen’s post and learn all about the new sketch as well as to see the links to some more wonderful samples with this sketch. Have a wonderful weekend…YIKES, I just remembered it’s FALL BACK with the clocks!! Oh, how I’ve missed that hour!! LOL

what’s in it?

stamps: making a statement (Verve)

paper: cream, kraft (PTI), mellow moss (SU!), Sidewalks (October Afternoon)

ink: onyx (Versafine), real red, sahara sand (SU)

accessories: Loopy Blooms, Rounded Rectangle, Rounded Scallop Frame (A Cut Above by Verve), tag die, buttons, felt, twine (PTI), twill (May Arts), gems (Kaisercraft), stitching