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Viva la Verve...week 3 Sketch!

 
You know, I've actually had this card done for Verve's Week 3 challenge for a couple of weeks now, but finding the time to get a blog post done has proven a challenge.  Somedays I just can't seem to get my stuff together.  Today, I was able to finish the last two cards...and complete the challenge, so I figured it's about time I got at least this one posted!

The sketch was fairly simple, and I knew immediately (being the flower girl I am!), that the circle would have to be a flower.  I have no shortage of Verve flowers, and for this card I pulled out Great Friend, along with Miracles Blossom and Beautiful Kindness.  Keeping with the plan to do all five challenges using the same papers, I worked with my Green at Heart papers by Basic Grey.  Honestly, I have made at least 10 cards (including these 5) with these papers, and I can't see an endin sight.  The little 6x6 paper packs, pack a lot of paper!

 

Stamps:  Great Friend, Miracles Blossom, Beautiful Kindness (Verve)
Ink: Versafine Onyx Black
Paper: Pear Pizzazz, Melon Mambo, white, Green at Heart DP (Basic Grey)
Accessories:  Lattice Punch (MS), Zig Zag punch (EK), Cantelope Liquid Pearls (Ranger), pink organza ribbon ?, Square Lattice embossing folder (SU)

I stayed true to the sketch, although moving the sentiment to the middle panel and using a flower for the circle.  I paper pieced the flower, stamping it three times on the designer paper, and layering it back with pop dots between the layers.  I can't seem to get enough of Liquid Pearls these days, and I don't think I had used my Cantelope colour yet, so this was a perfect opportunity!  I used Martha Stewart's lattice punch along the bottom and some bright pink organdy ribbon across the middle.  As simple as the sketch!  Here's a close up of the flower!

 
I am working on some classes this weekend, but I'll post the last two Verve challenge cards so I have something going on here while I work.  Have a fabulous weekend and I hope to see you soon!

 

Sepia Rose

I have a sympathy card to share today using a stamp from one of Scrapbooker's Paradise's newest arrivals!  La Blanche stamps arrived this week, and we've been so unique.  They are silicone, and the fabulous detail of their images stamps perfectly with so little pressure.  This was my first try and I'm sold.  Every line and detail stamped perfect the first time! 

 

La Blanche stamp:  Single Rose

Bo Bunny:  Chocolate Flourish Double Dot designs

Kaiser: Cream Lace

Tsukineko: Memento Tuxedo Black ink

Ranger:  Vintage Photo Distress Ink

Fiskars:  Upper Crest edger punch

American Crafts:  Caramel String

Copic Markers:  E00, E11, E31, E33, E37

I was really intrigued by the Sepia colouring I've seen around blog land, so I just had to try it myself!  This beautifully detailed stamp and my trusty Copic markers made it so easy!

Here's a quick look at the actual stamp, just so you can see the difference:

They clean up beautifully and stamp like a dream.  There are several must haves on my list, so I know you'll be seeing more of them. Be sure to check out all the La Blanche stamps at Scrapbooker's Paradise, and see how long your list ends up!

Just Because...More Viva la Verve!

 Surprisingly, I found time before leaving for camping/rodeo to schedule a post!  Here is my Week 2 card for May's Viva la Verve challenge.  It's my favorite so far, but there are two more to go...I see they just posted this week's sketch and it's so awesome I think I'll be designing it at the rodeo.  I would love to take my stamps with me, but dh & the girls would protest.  They think I need to take a vacation from stamping...really they just don't get it!

Revisiting the sketch I realize I only changed the colours LOL!  But really, when it looks this good from the start...why mess with it?

I used two of my favorite Verve sets this time.  Blue Skies and Sweet Treats along with the coordinating tag die.  Incidentally for those of you not as familiar with Verve, the tag image in the sketch is from Sweet Treats and the butterfly is from Blue Skies.  See what I mean?

 

 
Stamps:  Blue Skies and Sweet Treats (Verve)
Ink: Melon Mambo, Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper:  Pirouette Pink, Always Artichoke, Vanilla, Green at Heart Dp (Basic Grey)
Accessories:  Scallop Tag die (Verve), Flamingo Liquid Pearls (Ranger), pearls (Kaiser), Deco Shells border punch (MS), Circle & Jumbo scalloped circle dies (Spellbinders), Melon Mambo polka dot grosgrain & pink gingham ribbon (SU), Copic Markers, Spica Glitter pens

 

I love Verve's butterflies, there are so many gorgeous varieties, it's sometimes hard to pick.  These beauties are at the top of my list though.  I coloured them with Copic markers and cut them out.  The tag was stamped in Melon Mambo and I used a Spica glitter pen to colour in the "vines?".  I just thought it needed some green!  The sentiment was punched out of a second image and I added Flamingo Liquid pearls along the bottom.  Then I went plain crazy...adding a row of liquid pearls along the top and bottom and then at each scallop on the circle.  I just love the new colours and how easy they are to use!  The border is done using Martha Stewart's Deco Shells punch...my latest fave, and that's about all there is to it!

It's raining as I type this, so I'm glad I loaded a couple new books on my e-Reader.  I hope your weekend is warm and dry and fun!  See you soon!

Viva la Verve May...week 1

 
OK, I'm up to the same game as last month...oh it's so addicting!  I'm playing along with Verve's "Viva la Verve" May challenge.  Or should I say Challenges...there are five in total.  I am really hoping to win me some Verve...'cus you can never have enough Verve!  So I actually have three challenges done so far, and I'm going to share Week 1 today, and I'll spread out the rest so I have a little "blog activity" for you!

Stamps: Anniversary Birds, Love Notes (Verve)
Paper:  Really Rust, Ivory, Green at Heart DP (Basic Grey)
Ink:  Versafine Onyx Black
Accessories:  Classy Label Die (Verve), flowers (Prima), flourish (Kaiser), bling (Recollections ), Polka dot grosgrain ribbon (SU), Photo corner chomper (WRM), Oval/Scalloped oval die (Spellbinders)

All the challenges are sketch challenges which are perfect for me, since that's where I like to start anyway.  I wanted to make a little set again, so I pulled out some older paper; Basic Grey's "Green at Heart" pack.  I loved this paper so much, the beautiful greens, oranges and pinks went together so well, but alas, a new pack came into the house and this one was shuffled to the back never to be seen again.  Until now!

I can never make a decision on which set to use, so I closed my eyes and said I would use the set I pulled out without peeking...Anniversary Birds!  I liked this set...it was so cute and unique.  I am in love with the classic label die, and since the stamp from "Love Notes" was made for it, I pulled that set out too.

 
I paper pieced the birds and popped them up on the label.  I added some bling to the sentiment and also on the lower right.  These flowers were a perfect match for the paper, so I had to put them on as well.  I used my Photo Corner Chomper to add a little corner detail (and more bling)...and I think I got it fairly close to the sketch!  Before I put it all together, I thought the background paper seemed a little funky for an anniversary card, so I softened the look a bit by using my square lattice embossing folder from SU!.  Fabulous don't you think?

There is  more on the way...not sure when I'll get to the blog posts, but the cards are done.  It's rodeo weekend here, so we'll be heading out just as the next Viva la Verve sketch gets posted.  So sad, but I'll make time for it next week.  Hope you have some fun plans for the weekend!  Make it a great one!

Mixin' it Up for Father's Day

It's Monday again and I am sharing my project focusing on the Men in our life.  Each Monday on Scrapbooker's Paradise's blog, you can be inspired as the design team shares there creation for our Monday challenge.  I have to say that masculine cards really throw me, since I can't justify adding bling, pearls or flowers.  My dh doesn't really "get" all the "stuff" I add to most of my cards, so I definitely look to keeping his fairly simple as embellishments go...but there are few things out there that work pretty well!

I started with Splitcoast Stamper's sketch challenge 332, and from there I was off and running.  I flipped it since I had coloured my image with the light coming from the left...so it seemed to look better with my image on the right.  Does that make any sense to you?

 

Stamps:  Mix 'n Mugs, A Man's View (Flourishes)

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black , Antique Linen Distress Ink (Ranger)

Paper:  Blue, Flourishes Classic White cardstock, "Hattie" DP Stella Rose (MME)

Accessories:  Copic Markers, (B91, B93, B95, B97, R35, R39, Y11, Y19, YR23, E33, C00, C1, C3,C5, C7) Caramel String (American Craft), Ink Sweeper (Tsukineko) button (MME), studs (Hero Arts), Argyle embossing folder (Cuttlebug)

 

 
If you know me, you know that versatility is one of the top reasons I like a stamp set...or anything else for that matter.  I mean really, we all want the biggest bang for our buck.  That's why I just love the Mix 'n Mugs stamp set by Flourishes.  The fabulous little mugs can hold flowers for a thank you, pencils for teacher or cooking utensils for Mother's Day and of course Father's Day!  This little set could get you through the year very nicely without ever using the same image twice!  I chose to put the tools in the mug, and although you can't see it well in the photograph, the mug also has "#1 Dad" embossed in silver!

 
I love the Hattie designer paper for it's versatility too!  Many of the colours and designs in this paper pack lend themselves perfectly to masculine cards, but there are plenty of flowers to appeal to my feminine desires.  To embellish I used my favorite "Caramel String" by American Crafts, (another versatile pick!), and a silver button over Argyle embossed card stock.  Voila!

Scrapbooker's Paradise blog is showcasing Masculine projects every Monday in May! If you're in need of inspiration, be sure and pop over and see what the design team has created!  I have so many ideas I want to explore...inspired by the design team!  And it's a great time to stock up on those "masculine" picks while you can enjoy Free Shipping on orders over $50!  And don't forget all those amazing Sizzix products designed by Tim Holtz...discounted by 20% at Scrapbooker's Paradise until May 18th (quote SIZZIXSALE).  Tim definitely has cornered the market on masculine...;)

Flowery Letters

 

I hope this finds you enjoying your weekend.  We're finally getting warmer temperatures and sun...glorious sun!  It makes yard work something to look forward to.  That's my plan for the weekend, along with sharing another card!

 

Stamps:  Letters and Flowers (Penny Black)
Paper:  Kraft, blue, brown, Madeline DP by Prima

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black 

Accessories:  Copic Markers:  BG10, BG13, YG 95, YG 17, E25, Chocolate Pearls (Kaiser), Caramel Twill ribbon  & Caramel string (American Crafts), button (Basic Grey)

I really love this stamp...I used it in my Mica Gloss tutorial and this time I thought I would use my Copics and colour it.  It's pretty simple to colour and took about 5 mins!  The designer paper is from Prima's "Madeline" 6x6 paper pack, and I added Caramel twill and tied on a clear button with Caramel string.  I finished it with some little flower punches with Chocolate pearl centres.  Sweet and simple.

Scrapbooker's Paradise has a sale on Sizzix products running through to May 18th.  Save 20% on all Sizzix products (quote SIZZIXSALE) and enjoy Free Shipping on orders over $50!  That's all for me...have a great weekend!    

I got an i-Pod...and a card to share!

 
Well, I hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day!  I did...I got an i-Pod!  Not a fancy one...not even a "touch"...just a little pink shuffle.  But I'm thrilled with it.  I can't believe I waited so long to ask for one...or get one for myself.  You know, back in 2007, I was taking some classes at the university and I can remember asking one of the younger students was an Mp3 was LOL!  I still didn't get it.  When I had kids, I found that music played a smaller and smaller role in my life.  We all remember the days when we had the equivalent of the Wiggles playing in our car, because happy kids made happy Mommies.  So to just enjoy listening to my music, by myself while I walk our dog, is bliss.  Pure, heaven sent, bliss.  I walk longer, farther and harder much to puppy's delight and with a big smile on my face.  Instead of dreading the walk, I look forward to some time alone with my music!  Oh joy.  I can't believe I waited so long!

Oh...and here's my card!  A quickie using Clean and Simple's Fall to Layout#138. 

 
I'm about a week behind for the sketch, but I really liked it and decided to try it with my new Stampin' UP! toys.  I finally joined a club, I got so jealous seeing all the colour challenges that I didn't have the colours for.  Now I do.  I used two of the new colours on my card today...Peach Parfait and Pear Pizzaz along with Baja Breeze.  The stamp set is called "Punch Potpourri" and when I saw the sketch, I knew it would be perfect.  It's pretty straight forward.  The stamp works with the punch, and I punched it out about 6 times to get all the different flowers and colours.  I used lots of pearls...because I have way too many, it's about time I splurged instead of hoarding.

That's all for today.  I'm tempted to put my earphones in right now and listen away now that the kids are in bed.  I could play it real loud and not wake up the kids.   Hmmm....maybe I will! 

Bring Back Beautiful; The Beauty of a Flower

The beauty of a flower.  They say April Showers bring May flowers, so lets show off those beautiful blossoms.  This month's Bring Back Beautiful Challenge is to be inspired by those gorgeous botanicals every stamper loves.  Link up your Bring Back Beautiful challenge creation here to enter.  If you upload to SCS, use the code BBB10.  You have until May 31st to enter.  As we unveil our challenge next month, we'll share our true beauties - those cardmakers who wowed us with this challenge.  Winners will be featured on Flourishes blog and will receive a True Beauty blog button to display proudly on their blog.

 Stamps:  From the Desk of (Flourishes)
Paper:  Flourishes Classic Ivory cardstock, Websters pages, Websters Pages Vellum and Die Cuts
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories:  Copic Markers, buttons, burgundy grosgrain ribbon

I had the most wonderful weekend.  I spent it in Calgary with my family, did a little shopping, visited my BFF and drove home in the sun.  Oh and I did a little stamping...this is the result of my first evening there!

I knew that it would be a toss up deciding which fabulous Flourishes flower to be inspired by, so I took the easy road, and picked my newest set...which of course has flowers in it!  From the Desk of has such beautiful and provoking images, and of course, beautiful flowers.  I stamped the large image on Flourishes Classic Ivory cardstock in Memento Tuxedo Black and proceeded to colour it with Copic markers.  BTW...did you see that Flourishes has new Copic collections?  Great time to "top up" your collection!  The designer paper is from Webster's Pages, and I also used a quarter of a circle die cut from Webster's Pages Vellum and Die cut set.  I just love die cut papers....they call me by name!!

 
I didn't have at my disposal all the tools I have at home, so I made a designer button using a clear button and a circle of DP.  I added a couple of buttons to balance the lower corner and some grosgrain ribbon to finish.  I think it turned out bright and happy...and that's a good thing!

The Bring Back Beautiful team has even more floral inspired creations to get you going this fabulous Monday!  Take a walk through their gardens with me!

• Beate Johns
• Cindy Coutts
• Heather Jensen 
• Kathy Jones
• Yvonne Hagane
• Julie Koerber

Now we turn it over to you to be inspired by the May flowers.  I hope the sun is shining where you are...it always makes me feel happy when it does!

Featured Product...Tim Holtz tools and a Giveaway!

 We're announcing a new Featured Product at Scrapbooker's Paradise!  From May 1st to May 15, Tim Holtz tools regularily priced at $6.99 are Featured at $5.50!  Just quote the code FITT in the comments section of your order!  You can choose from:

                                                              

Edge Distresser      Retractable Craft Knife     Retractable Craft Pick    Retractable Craft Scratcher 

The retractable feature ensures your tools are safe to transport and store, and keeps them clean and ready to use.  Replacement blades are available for the craft knife and each tool will give your projects the edge they deserve! 

I love them all and decided to work with the Retractable Craft Scratcher and I chose to do a technique called Faux Linen.  I have always done this technique with a sanding tool, the Retractable Craft Scratcher definitely has an edge over any sander out there  (pun intended)!

Stamps:  Butterfly Garden (Pink Paislee),  Sweet Somethings (Technique Tuesday)
Ink:  Broken China Distress Ink, Antique Linen Distress Ink, Versafine Onyx Black  
Paper:  Kraft, Brown, Madeline DP (Prima), White Gloss Paper (Ranger),
Accessories:  Retractable Craft Knife (Tonic), Flowers (Prima & Kaiser), Buttons (?), Caramel twill ribbon (American Crafts), Decorative Flourish Die (Sizzix), Pearl brad (American Crafts), Labels 12 die (Spellbinders), Ink Blending tool (Ranger), Crocheted lace (Kaiser), Tattered Leather Glimmer Mist

I started with white glossy paper and the Retractable Craft Scratcher.  The scratcher is like a little wire brush and it is fabulous for creating a distressed look. Click on the picture to see it full size) Starting on the left side of the glossy paper and ran the scratcher from top to botton and continued across the paper until I had scratched the entire sheet vertically.  Then I turned the paper once and ran the scratcher from top to bottom again....creating a "faux linen" look.  I took a Swiffer cloth and wiped off the "dust".

 
Next, I inked up several of the stamps from Butterfly Garden in Broken China Distress Ink and stamped the image on the scratched glossy paper. (you can stamp first, but I liked it better stamped after the linen effect)  Distress Ink does need a minute to dry on glossy...and you want it dry before moving on to the next step.  With the Ink Blending tool I inked the entire piece in Antique Linen Distress ink, running the tool in the direction of the "linen" threads!  I used the Edge Distresser to give a frayed look to the paper and added a border of Kaiser lace trim along the edge.

I finished by piecing a background with Madeline DP by Prima and tying a bow in Caramel Twill ribbon.  The flourish was cut from Kraft and spritzed with Tattered Leather Glimmer Mist and a flower and pearl were positioned on top.  The sentiment tab is 1/2 of a Labels 12 die cut and I finished with some buttons and a rosette flower by Kaiser.

Hannah has another take on Tim Holtz tools, so have a peek at her blog for more ideas with these fabulous tools! 

And now it's time for a giveaway!!  Pop on over to Scrapbooker's Paradise Blog and leave a comment on this post!  One lucky winner will be drawn to win their choice of a Tim Holtz Tool!  But don't wait until you win...add one of these little gems to your order while they're the Featured Product...you won't regret it!