Simple Merry Christmas

Yesterday in the mail, I received some really cool Cuttlebug folders that I ordered from Stamper's Dream. I got the Frills set and the Just My Type set. I think I got the last Just My Type set, though. :( Sorry! What's so cool about these folders is that they are made up of 5 skinny border folders! So, imagine the normal A2 Cuttlebug embossing folder, but instead of the whole folder measuring 4.25x5.5, there are 5 skinny folders

that together make up that size. I hope that makes sense. I used one of the "strip" folders for the border on this card. After I embossed the edge, I cut around the embossing to give that nice finished edge.

The stamps are Poinsettia Christmas from Verve. I just love these poinsettias with white and gold. It's so clean and simple. I used a metallic marker to edge the focal piece in gold. I think cutting out the one poinsettia took the most time on this card. Thanks for stopping by and I hope your weekend is off to a great start! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Poinsettia Christmas (Verve Stamps); Paper- white (Georgia-Pacific); Ink- Onyx Black (Versafine), Red Riding Hood (SU), Ripe Avocado (PTI); Accessories- Frills Cuttlebug folder (Provocraft), gold metallic marker (Rose Art), gold ribbon (PTI), gold stickles; Finished card measures 5.5"x4.25"

Happy Mail!

Look at this ADORABLE card I received from my sweet friend Wendy Bond of Bond Girl Bliss!!! This is just TOO CUTE! I met Wendy on the Stamp and Cruise and she is such a sweetheart. . .I just LOVE her! Thank you so much for this gorgeous card, Wendy! The colors and papers are delicious and I just LOVE this Verve set, Hello Pumpkin! Thank you so much for thinking of me. I really appreciate it!

If you've never been to Wendy's blog, make sure you stop by and visit! She creates such BEAUTIFUL cards and is so very talented!

7 Swans a Swimming

Today's 7th Day of Christmas challenge on Paper Craft Planet is being sponsored by Verve. The challenge is to create a project that is elegantly black and white, and you can add a splash of color if you'd like. :) Upload to Paper Craft Planet using the keyword 12day7 by midnight tonight and you'll be entered in a drawing to receive the Snowflake Splendor, Snow Wonderful and Poinsettia Christmas sets! For all the details, check out the challenge thread HERE.

I decided to use my Poinsettia Christmas set for my challenge card. I used the Lace Tree Cuttlebug folder and used a poinsettia as the tree topper. I added some bling to the tree and used my labels Nestabilities for the sentiment. If you'd like a chance to win, head on over to Paper Craft Planet and upload your card! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Poinsettia Christmas (Verve Stamps); Ink- Onyx Black (Versafine); Paper- white (Georgia-Pacific), Pure Poppy (PTI), Basic Black (SU); Accessories- Nestabilities label die (Spellbinders), organdy ribbon (Darice), Lace Tree Cuttlebug folder (Provocraft); Finished card measures 5.5"x4.25"

Let It Snow

Here's a card using Jen's Sketch For You To Try. I used the Snow Wonderful set from Verve Stamps, which is now 15% off! Select sets at Verve are 10-20% off from now until December 31st. Head on over and check it out!

Don't forget that tonight is the Prettie Pajama Party at Paper Pretties! It starts at 7pm EST. We really hope to see you there! Thanks for stopping by today and have a wonderful day! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Snow Wonderful (Verve Stamps); Paper- Dark Chocolate, Pure Poppy (PTI), white (Georgia-Pacific); Ink- Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), Whisper White Craft (SU); Accessories- Copic markers, gingham ribbon (Darice), Snowflakes Cuttlebug folder (Provocraft), Stardust Stickles, Mega circle punch, Giga scallop circle punch (Marvy Uchida); Finished card measures 4.25"x5.5"

Be Inspired #33

I love the Inspiration picture for today. It's so calm and cozy. . .I'd love to hang out there! I used the colors and the bordering foliage to come up with my card. I used the Ornamental Christmas set from Verve Stamps. I love how you can "personalize" your ornament with this set.

Make sure you stop by and see what Beate, Danielle Lounds, Dawn McVey, Jennifer Buck, Silke Ledlow and Susan Roberts have come up with for today. I can't wait to see! Thanks for stopping by and have a great day! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Ornamental Christmas (Verve Stamps); Paper- Dark Chocolate (PTI), white (Georgia-Pacific); Ink- Summer Sunrise, Ripe Avocado(PTI) Burnt Umber (Palette), Kiwi Kiss (SU); Accessories- scallop border punch, wide Chocolate Chip grosgrain, Dazzling Diamonds glitter (SU); Finished card measures 4.25" square

Hello Pumpkin!

If you haven't been visiting the Verve Blog, this month's Project Parade was to make Anything But a Card! If you need some ideas for Anything But a Card, you might want to check out the blog! My next favorite thing to make other than cards is little treat boxes. I love to fill them with either candy or little notecards. They're just so little and cute. . .how could they not make a person smile? I made this box using the Hello Pumpkin set from Verve Stamps. I added a panel using the Pumpkin Harvest Cuttlebug folder and finished with some Liquid Pearls as a border. I filled the box with my favorite. . .Caramel Kisses.

You can participate in all of the fun! Check out this post on the Verve Blog to find out how! Thanks for stopping by! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Hello Pumpkin (Verve Stamps); Paper- Really Rust (SU), Dark Chocolate (PTI), white (Georgia-Pacific); Ink- Rich Cocoa (Tsukineko); Accessories- Copic markers, Liquid Pearls in Platinum, cream organdy ribbon (Darice), Pumpkin Harvest Cuttlebug folder (Provocraft); Finished box measures 3" square

Be Inspired #31

I thought that today's inspiration piece from Beate was just ADORABLE! Who wouldn't LOVE a mobile like that in their baby's room? So, so cute! As soon as I saw the picture, the birds reminded me of the Anniversary Birds set from Verve. I stamped and paper pieced the bird on Tangerine Tango and Baja Breeze cardstock. The sentiment is from the Family Phrases set from Verve. The layout is a bit different, but I took it right from the inspiration piece.



Make sure you stop and see what Beate, Danielle Lounds, Dawn McVey, Jennifer Buck, Silke Ledlow and Susan Roberts have created. I know they will all be just fabulous! Thanks for stopping by! Hope you're having a great day! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Anniversary Birds, Family Phrases (Verve Stamps); Paper- Pink Pirouette, Soft Sky, Pacific Point, Baja Breeze, Tangerine Tango (SU); Ink- Onyx Black (Versafine), Baja Breeze (SU); Accessories- Scor-Pal, polka dot ribbon (May Arts); Finished card measures 5.5"x4.25"

Verve Release Day!

Today you can get Verve's newest releases! There are SIX new sets and THREE new Plain Janes! Here's a card I made using Poinsettia Christmas and a coordinating retired set from last year, Seasonal Circles. I used the Verve Holiday Sketch Blitz #4 for my layout. Don't forget to check out the Verve gallery for some great eye candy!

This is also Just Rite Week at Stamper's Dream. The Dream Team will be posting creations throughout the week and Michelle is giving away some awesome treats! Be sure and stop by her blog to see how you can win! Here's the schedule of who's posting this week so you can stop by and see their creations!

Monday - Denise and Michelle
Tuesday - Kimberly and Me
Wednesday - Tosha and Amy
Thursday - This was Laurie's day to post, but since she's been away taking care of Ali, the entire Dream Team decided to pitch in and post for her!
Friday - Carolyn and Cindy

SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Poinsettia Christmas, Seasonal Circles (Verve Stamps); Paper: Bella Rose, Red Riding Hood (SU); Ink- Kiwi Kiss, Red Riding Hood (SU), Rich Cocoa (Tsukineko); Accessories- satin ribbon (SU), branch punch (Martha Stewart), brads (Making Memories); Finished card measures 5.5"x4.25"

Be Still

Here is a little peek of one of the Plain Janes that Verve will be releasing tomorrow at the release party, Psalm 46:10. I don't have a lot of religious sentiments, so I just LOVE the Plain Janes that Verve carries. I used the Bird Call Cuttlebug folder. I thought it would be perfect with the sentiment. I used the Vintage Values technique to give it that vintage look. . .I think it's my new favorite technique. You can see sneak peeks of the other two Plain Janes today on the Verve blog!

We hope to see you at the release party tomorrow night at 8pm EST! Don't forget that you have until midnight tonight to submit all of your entries for the Holiday Release Sketch Blitz! Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Psalm 46:10 (Verve Stamps); Paper- Kraft (PTI), Basic Black (SU); Ink- Onyx Black (Versafine), Creamy Caramel, Chocolate Chip (SU); Accessories- Bird Call Cuttlebug folder (Provocraft), black organdy ribbon (Darice); Finished card measures 5.5"x4.25"

Snow Wonderful and Snowflake Splendor

Have you been checking out the Verve blog for sneak peeks of the upcoming release? Today you can see sneak peeks of the two snow sets, Snow Wonderful and Snowflake Splendor. I used Snowflake Splendor for my candle wrap and card here. I LOVE the mix of dainty snowflakes and elegant sentiments in this set. I'm not sure if you can see in the picture, but I layered the big snowflake on the card. I stamped the next smallest snowflake in Soft Sky over the big snowflake. I LOVE that you can easily layer the snowflakes to get a "fuller" snowflake.

There's a Holiday Release Sketch Blitz going on in the Verve Forum at SCS. If you LOVE sketches, then you'll love this challenge! Check out this post for all of the details and prize description! Finally, don't forget about the actual release on Sunday night, November 9th at 8pm EST. We hope to see you there! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Snowflake Splendor (Verve Stamps); Paper- Night Shimmer cardstock (PTI), white (Georgia-Pacific), Soft Sky (SU); Ink- Whisper White Craft, Night of Navy, Soft Sky, Pacific Point (SU); Accessories- gemstones, large oval punch (SU), paper piercer, white organdy ribbon (Darice); Finished card measures 5.5"x4.25"

Prettie Wednesday

Two weeks ago, Jackie Pedro challenged us to score! I always LOVE the look of scoring, but it's not something I always think about doing on my cards. I decided to create a diamond pattern on the cardstock. After I did that, I sprayed the piece with Gold Shimmer and then added gold glitter glue in the center of the diamonds. This card is on its way to Julie. (Sorry, Julie, I went a little overboard with the gold glitter glue. . .I guess I was just in that kind of mood! LOL Make sure you put on your sunglasses before you open the card!) I couldn't resist all of the gold with Angel Wings Sophia.

Today is my turn to issue a challenge to the Prettie Girls. My challenge is to make an interactive card. . .something on the card has to move. It can be a whole image, a piece of an image. . . just as long as something moves! Have fun!

On another note, the sneak peeks have started on the Verve blog! If you're interested in seeing what new sets are being released this Sunday, hop on over and check out the Verve blog! Thanks for stopping by and have a great day! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Angel Wings Sophia (Paper Pretties); Paper- white (Georgia-Pacific), gold (DCWV); Ink- Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko); Accessories- Copic markers, gold glitter glue, white organdy ribbon (Darice), Scor-Pal; Finished card measures 5.5"x4.25"

Short and Sweet

Here's a quick and simple little card I made with some supplies I just had sitting on my desk top. Instead of putting them away, I thought I'd make something with them! Simple, but happy and colorful, I think.

As you're reading this post, I'm on my way to the Stamp & Cruise. I still can't believe I'm going! I have my wonderful husband to thank for that as he STRONGLY encouraged me to go. :) I'm sure many of you moms know what I'm talking about when I say I'm REALLY struggling with leaving my kids. At the same time, I'm very excited for the cruise and to meet some new, wonderful people! I know the kids will be very well taken care of, but I've never really been away from them for an extended amount of time. Yikes! I just wanted to let you know that if you try to contact me, I won't be able to get back to you until I return. I have posts scheduled for you all week, so you won't really miss me! :) As always, I really appreciate your visits and your comments! You always brighten my day! Have a great week! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Floral Whimsy, Fluttering By (Verve Stamps); Paper- DCWV, vellum, Basic Black, Wild Wasabi (SU); Ink- Onyx Black (Versafine), Wild Wasabi, Red Riding Hood(SU); Accessories- Martha Stewart border punch, paper piercer, Black polka dot organdy ribbon (May Arts), Dazzling Diamonds glitter (SU), Finished card measures 4.25"x5.5"

Embossed Verve

This month's Project Parade Challenge over on the Verve blog is to use Embossing on your creation. . .either wet or dry! It's no secret that I'm a BIG fan of embossing. . .especially dry embossing with all of those Cuttlebug folders that make it so easy. For my card I used the Forever Friends Cuttlebug folder and added some Dazzling Diamonds to the flowers for some sparkle. The sentiment is from the Floral Whimsy set.

If you'd like to be the winner of $15 in Verve Bucks, post a link to your creation on THIS POST by October 24th at noon! A random winner will be drawn on October 25th. Can't wait to see your creations! The Verve Divas will be posting their embossed creations on the Verve Blog until the 24th, so be sure to stop by and see them! Have a great day! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Floral Whimsy (Verve Stamps); Paper- Kiwi Kiss, Basic Black (SU); Ink- Onyx Black (Versafine); Accessories- black embossing powder, Dazzling Diamonds glitter (SU), Forever Friends Cuttlebug folder (Provocraft), circle punch, black satin ribbon (May Arts); Finished card measures 5.5"x4.25"

All Purple

This was for Jen's Meet the Verve Diva Challenge, to use purple as your main color! I LOVE purple, so this was an easy challenge for me. I know there are those of you who strongly dislike purple (LOL), and for today's post, I apologize! :) I used the Some Bunny and Beautiful You sets from Verve Stamps. I thought this sentiment would go well with the little bunny.

I can't believe it's Monday already. This weekend just flew by and I found it very hard to drag myself out of bed this morning. Maybe it's because it's colder now and staying under the covers is a lot more appealing than stepping out onto the cold floor! :) Can you tell I LOVE summer? I am not a fan of cold weather. . .at all. I'm just hoping to get myself moving soon this morning. . .I've got lots of laundry that's waiting to be put away. It's easier to do that BEFORE the kids are all up. I'm sure you all know what I mean! Thanks for stopping by today and have a wonderful day! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Some Bunny, Beautiful You (Verve Stamps); Ink- Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko); Paper- Pocket Full of Posies Stack (DCWV), Plum Pudding (PTI), Summer Sunrise (PTI); Accessories- Swiss Dots ribbon in Plum Pudding (PTI), paper piercer, Elegant Eggplant marker (SU); Finished card measures 5.5"x4.25"

Gettin' Krafty

Have you been checking out the Verve Blog? The Divas have been posting their creations for the September Project Parade Challenge, Gettin' Krafty. . .to use natural fibers. Today is my turn. I LOVE Kraft cardstock! I usually use it in a very "clean" way, but for my card, I decided to "dirty" it up a bit. I sponged the edges of the cardstock with white craft ink and distressed the edges of the focal piece. I added hemp twine tied through the buttons. I think the overall look of this card is very earthy, which is very different from my usual style (at least I think so) :)

Wanna get Krafty, too? Just upload your creation to THIS POST no later than noon on September 30th. If you upload to SCS, please use keyword VVPP06, so we can all drool over your Krafty loveliness! A random participant will be drawn on October 1st to receive $15 in Verve Bucks to spend at the Verve Stamps store! Good luck and go get Krafty! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Birthday Surprise (Verve Stamps); Ink- Whisper White Craft (SU), Onyx Black (Versafine); Paper- Kraft (Papertrey Ink), Certainly Celery (SU); Accessories- clear buttons (Foofala), white gel pen, paper piercer, hemp twine; Finished card measures 4.25" square

Be Inspired #24

I just LOVED today's Inspiration Challenge. Aren't those glasses cool? I used the colors from the images for my inspiration. I even "snuck" in a little blue with the duo satin ribbon. I used the Bugs and Blooms set from Memory Box for the flowers. You can find this set at Stamper's Dream. The sentiment is from the Thoughtful Florals set from Verve Stamps. I'm sending this card (and a few others) to caregivers, and it is also my entry into Carolyn's Heart To Heart Blog Candy Giveaway. If you haven't read about it or entered, follow the link and find out about it! Wouldn't you like to make someone's day with your card AND be eligible to win over $1000 in stamping prizes?



Be sure and visit Beate, Danielle Lounds, Dawn McVey, Jennifer Buck, Silke Ledlow and Susan Roberts to see what they've come up with for the Inspiration Challenge. . .I'm sure they're all fabulous! Thanks for stopping by today! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Bugs and Blooms (Memory Box), Thoughtful Florals (Verve Stamps); Paper- white (Georgia-Pacific), Dark Chocolate (Papertrey Ink), Tangerine Tango (SU); Ink- Tangerine Tango, Kiwi Kiss (SU), Burnt Umber (Palette), Onyx Black (Versafine); Accessories- paper piercer, Hodgepodge Hardware, duo satin ribbon (May Arts); Finished card measures 4.25" square

Abundant Silhouettes

This was for last week's Ways To Use It Challenge on SCS, Silhouettes. I used the Abundant Blessings set from Verve Stamps for the flower and foliage silhouettes. I decided to use a sentiment from Beautiful You, which happened to have a silhouette of a butterfly included. I added the black punched butterfly to go with the stamped silhouette of the butterfly.

If you haven't been checking out the Verve Blog, the Divas have been posting their Getting Krafty creations! You can play along and win $15 in Verve Bucks! Just post your creation to this post by noon on September 30th! Hope you'll play along! Thanks for stopping by! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Abundant Blessings, Beautiful You (Verve Stamps) ; Paper- Kiwi Kiss, Basic Black, Chocolate Chip (SU); Ink- Old Olive, Kiwi Kiss, Tangerine Tango (SU), Burnt Umber (Palette), Onyx Black (Versafine); Accessories- brads (Making Memories), paper piercer, scallop punch (SU), butterfly punch (Martha Stewart); Finished card measures 4.25" square

Beate Weekend Sketch #57

I can't believe it's Friday again already, can you? This week just flew by! Ready for another Weekend Sketch Challenge? I used one of the new Verve sets for this card, Abundant Blessings. The colors were inspired from some new confetti flowers I picked up at Michael's yesterday (I LOVE THEM). . .the orange flowers are exactly a Tangerine Tango and the green flowers are a little darker than the Kiwi Kiss, but they would work together nicely. I couldn't fit the flowers on this card, though, because they just didn't look right with these round flowers from the set. I'm sure you'll see them soon, though! :)



Be sure and see what gorgeous cards Beate, Cambria, Jenn, Laurie, Lori, MaryJo and Sharon have created for today's sketch. I can't wait to see! Thanks for stopping by today and have a great weekend! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Abundant Blessings (Verve Stamps); Paper- Tangerine Tango, Kiwi Kiss, Basic Black(SU), white (Georgia-Pacific); Ink- Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), Tangerine Tango, Old Olive, Kiwi Kiss (SU); Accessories- Stardust Stickles, paper piercer, black marker, black organdy ribbon (Darice), Copic markers; Finished card measures 5.5"x4.25"

New Verve Stamps!

FIVE new sets have been released from Verve Stamps! Here are two One Sheet Wonder sets I made for the One Sheet Wonder Challenge. I've never made one of these 6x6 One Sheet Wonders before, so it was a lot of fun! I was able to create 8 cards in no time! I used the Abundant Blessings, So Happy and Birthday Surprise sets. Thanks for stopping by!

Verve Release Tonight!

I just wanted to pop on and remind you about the Verve Stamps release tonight at 10pm EST in the Verve Forums at SCS! We hope to see you there! In case you haven't been visiting the Verve Blog, there have been some sneak peeks of the sets that are being released tonight and a chance to win them! What about a chance to win the ENTIRE release?! Follow the link and find out how! This is a bridal shower invitation I made using the Black Tie Birdies set. You open it up to find all of the information embossed in gold. Thanks for dropping by and I hope to see you tonight! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Black Tie Birdies (Verve Stamps), Studio G clear set; Ink- Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), Versamark; Paper- white (Georgia-Pacific), gold (DCWV), Basic Black (SU); Accessories- gold embossing powder, Mega circle punch, Giga scallop circle punch (Marvy Uchida), Copic markers, gold metallic marker (Rose Art), organdy ribbon (Darice); Finished card measures 4.24" square