Just Give Me Stamps...

Believe...

Woohoo!  It's Friday!!  Time for another one of Beate's Weekend Sketch Challenges!  :-)  I went the Christmas route again...it seems that's all I'm thinking about lately!  AND, we haven't even gotten through Halloween yet!  LOL! 

I combined the Sewing Box Christmas set (Waltzingmouse Stamps) and some rustic Graphic 45 paper to create this slightly non-traditional Christmas card!  For the vertical elements on Beate's sketch (you can see the sketch HERE) I used some Spring Moss ribbon.  A few rhinestones, a punched border, some stitching, a button, and a tag (sentiment is also from the Sewing Box Christmas) and my card was complete!

Did you see all the peeks Claire is sharing over at her blog?  She is getting ready to release three new sets!  SOOO fun!

There is more Weekend Sketch Challenge Inspiration for you!  Check out what Beate, Cambria, Charmaine, Jenn, Lori, Mary Jo, & Sharon have created!

Thanks for stopping by!  I hope you have a wonderful weekend!  ~Laurie

Stamps:  Sewing Box Christmas (Waltzingmouse Stamps)
Paper:  Spring Moss (PTI), Graphic 45 patterned paper
Ink:  Versamark
Accessories:  Black Detail e.p., Spring Moss grosgrain and Twill (PTI), Circel Nestabilities, Button, Twine, Rhinestones, Diamond Stickles, Apron Lace border punch, Sewing machine

Holly Jolly Christmas...

Note:  Typepad seems to be having technical difficulties...  If you see a red X where the photo of my card should be, try right clicking and then select "show picture".  If that doesn't work, you can try clicking on it...and it should show up in a new window.  Hopefully this will be resolved soon...

Good morning!  Today, I have a quick and easy Christmas card to share with you!  You know what...I just realized something!  My card today uses Kraft cardstock!!  OMGosh...I really need to mix it up a little!  LOL!!  Ok, I promise, the next project I share will not have any Kraft!  Yep, I'm living on the wild side... (teeheheee)

 

I stamped the holly leaves image (from Verve's new Holly Jolly set) onto the kraft c.s. then colored them in with my Copics.  I do love the look of copics on kraft, and I really wanted to draw some more attention to it.  So, I highlighted the leaves using my white gel pen.  I then added a few strips of patterned paper (from My Mind's Eye The Merry Days of Christmas collection), some rhinestones, and an bow.  The ornament (also from Verve's Holly Jolly set) is stamped, colored, cut out, and popped up using foam tape.  I added a little holly to the ornament (there is red Stickles on the holly berries) for a little sumpin' extra.  :-)

If you haven't checked out the Verve store lately, you might want to!  :-)  Julee is having a huge sale:  All Fall and Winter sets are 20% off!! 

Ok, that's all from me today!  I'll be back tomorrow to share what I created for Beate's weekend sketch challenge!  Hugs, Laurie

Stamps:  Holly Jolly Christmas (Verve Stamps)
Paper:  Kraft c.s. (PTI), Patterned paper (My Mind's Eye)
Ink:  Rich Cocoa Memento Ink
Accessories:  Copic markers, White gel pen, Rhinestones, Old Olive grosgrain (SU!), Diamond Glaze, Red Stickles, Corner rounder

Peace & Plenty...

Well, I'm at it again!!  I can't seem to put the Kraft cardstock away...  LOL!  It just looks so pretty with all of the Autumnal colors!  {{sigh}}

 

I am LOVING Claire's Peace & Plenty (Waltzingmouse Stamps) set!  I chose to use the apple basket this time.  First, I stamped the image onto watercolor paper, watercolored with Tombow markers, then cut just the apples out.  I then stamped the image onto a cork sheet (by Quickutz) and cut just the basket out.  I colored directly onto the cork using some Copics to add a bit of shading.

Here's a close up picture so you can see all of the texture the cork has!  Sooo fun!!  Just don't look too closely at the coloring...LOL!  It's my first time using the Tombow markers!  Even though I have a lot to learn (and could use a lot more practice), I have to say I LOVE them!  I'm not going to give up my Copic markers or anything, but I have to say that I'm hooked!!  While I was in Missoula, my friend Tosh brought her Tombows and gave me a mini lesson!  ((Thanks, friend!!))

The Very Vintage Labels set I used is currently out of stock, but I know Claire is expecting some more soon!  Speaking of expecting new sets...did you seeTHIS post over at her store?  OMGosh, I'm not going to say what she's been up to...but I am going to say that you will L*O*V*E it!!! 

Ok, that's all from me today!  My munchkins are literally hanging on me asking what's for dinner every FIVE seconds!!  LOL!!  Do you remember the seagulls fromthe Finding Nemo movie?  You know, where they constantly say "Mine, mine, mine, mine, mine, mine"?  LOL!  Well, that's my kiddos today...except they are saying "I'm hungry...what's for lunch...can I have another snack...when are we going to eat dinner"!  Hmmm, I think my boys are getting ready to sprout up some more!  LOL! 

Stamps:  Peace & Plenty, Very Vintage Labels (Waltzingmouse Stamps)
Paper:  Watercolor paper, Choice Buttercream c.s. (TE), Kraft c.s.(PTI), Patterned paper (DCWV Red Woodland Ferns)
Ink:  Versafine Black Onyx, Memento Tuxedo Black, Antique Linen Distress Ink, Summer Sunrise (PTI)
Accessories:  Tomobow markers, Cork sheet (Quikutz), Nestabilities Labels Four, Cuttlebug embossing strip, Paper piercer, Beaded felt flower, Spica glitter pen, Summer Sunrise grosgrain ribbon (PTI)
 
 

Caffeine & Friends...

...are two of my favorite things!  :-)  How was your weekend?  Nothing earth shattering here...just trying to catch up from being gone (and being sick before that!)! 

I have a fun and quick card to share with you... 

I wanted to make a card that would be perfect for any occasion (birthday, thinking of you, just because, thank you, etc.), so I reached for my Justrite A Little Caffeine set.  I paired it with some of Cosmo Cricket's Early Bird patterned paper.  I just L-O-V-E these new Cosmo Cricket Mini Decks!!  They are the same patterns as the beloved 12 x 12...but in a mini size (they even shrunk the pattern so it would fit better on cards)!  The label shape is from the new Spellbinder's Labels eight Nestabilities.

For embellishments, I added a chipboard heart (which I first covered with Diamond Glaze then sprinkled on some Teal Gala Glitz Glitter Shards, a button, and some Pure Poppy Grosgrain ribbon.

Well, I'm off to make some dinner for the munchkins!  I hope you enjoy your evening!  ~Laurie

 
Stamps:  A Little Caffeine (JustRite Stampers)
Paper:  Kraft c.s., Choice Buttercream c.s., Early Bird Mini Deck (Cosmo Cricket)
Ink:  Versamagic Dew Drops, Antique Linen Distress Ink, Vintage Cream (PTI)
Accessories:  Chipboard Heart (Maya Road), Teal Gala Glitz Glimmer Shards (Art Institute Glitter), Button, Pure Poppy grosgrain ribbon (PTI), Quick Kutz polka dots embossing folder, Sewing Machine, Circle Nestabilities, Labels 8 Nestabilities, Clear detail e.p.
 
 

"Believe" Blog Hope with Verve...

Welcome to the Verve Believe Blog Hop. If you’ve just happened across my blog, you’ll want to start back at the beginning (Julee's Blog) and hop your way along. Today we’re hopping for the Cure, sharing projects from a new set Verve just released called Believe. This set was designed in honor of breast cancer awareness and Verve is donating $10 from the sale of every Believe set to the Susan G Komen For the Cure foundation. We believe that we can make a difference. We believe that each day should be celebrated, each moment cherished and that every little thing we can do in the fight to find a cure matters.

For my card, I strayed just a bit from the traditional pink colors usually used for Breast Cancer awareness.  I didn't stray totally...just enough to be able to be able to use this card for every day occasions!  I just love the message of hope that Julee has created in this set, one that is so needed! 

I used K & Co patterned paper for the background framed with Dark Chocolate c.s.  The paper is paper pieced from some coordinating patterned paper.  For embellishments, I added a punched border and corner, some rhinestones, a decorative brad, & a satin bow.

Here's a close-up of the flower.  I used three different sizes of the flower (all included in the Believe set) and popped them up for added dimension.
 
Thanks for hopping by! Next up on the hop is Amber's blog! Oh, and we’ve got a special gift hidden along our hop for one lucky commenter, so if you see something you really love, give a little shout out and you just might win a $30 gift certificate to Verve!

 

Stamps: Believe
Paper: Dark Chocolate (PTI), Patterned paper (K & Co Madeline Collection)
Ink: Chocolate Chip craft and classic inks (SU!)
Accessories: Sewing Machine, Rhinestones, Dark Chocolate satin ribbon (PTI), Decorative brad (Making Memories), Border and corner punches (EK Success), Clear detail e.p.

Weekend Sketch Challenge - Verve Style!

TGIF!!  Or should I say TGIFIM!!  (Translation - thank goodness it's Friday in Missoula)  Yep, that's right!  As this post goes live, I will be in Missoula, Montana visiting my very sweet friend Tosh!  No, Tosh didn't move to Montana (I wish!!), but is here visiting her son so I couldn't possibly not drive a few hours to see her!! 

When I saw Beate's sketch for this week (Weekend Sketch Challenge 103), I thought this gorgeous sentiment from Verve's new Blessed Christmas set would be perfect in the center! 

I used some K & Co. Christmas patterned paper, added a couple flourishes, embellishments, and of course some stitching!  The sentiment (from the Blessed Christmas set) is embossed on Choice Buttercream c.s., and then I used my Copics to add some color.  The Blessed Christmas set will be released tonight (along with 6 other brand new sets)!  Verve is having a release party (complete with lots of giveaways) in the Verve Forum over at Splitcoast at 9 p.m. Eastern Time!

There is always amazing Weekend Sketch inspiration to be seen over at Beate, Cambria, Charmaine, Jenn, Lori, Mary Jo, & Sharon's blogs!

Thanks for stopping by!  ~Laurie

Stamps:  Blessed Christmas (Verve Stamps)
Paper:  Choice Buttercream c.s. (TE), Old Olive (Stampin' Up!), Patterned paper (K & Co)
Ink:  Ocean Depths Versamagic Dew Drop, Old Paper Distress Ink,
Accessories:  Copic markers, Nestabilities, Flourish die (Quickutz), Ribbon, Decorative button (Making Memories), Brads, Sewing Machine, Border punch (Martha Stewart)
 

Peace on Earth...

Happy Wednesday to you!  Sneak Peeks started yesterday over at the Verve Stamps Blog!  Yep, it's release time again, and Julee has cooked up 7 Vervealicious new stamps for you!  :-)  Today, the highlight is on the new Blessed Christmas and Star of Wonder sets.

Here is the card I created using the new Star of Wonder set (I looooove this set!!)...

The thing that struck me the most about this set (aside from the gorgeous images and beautifully scripted sentiments) was the simplicity of the the gorgeous stars!  Isn't it amazing that one image can speak so much?  And honestly, the simpler I kept my card, the more impact the star image had.  So that's what I did...kept it simple!  Elegant simplicity that has enough impact to stand alone, and still speaks of the true meaning of Christmas.  Well, I LOVE it!

I embossed the star using Copper e.p. directly onto patterned paper from the Winter's Wings collection by Webster's Pages), and then added a rhinestone in the center.  I roughed up the edges a bit, did some stitching, added a tag, some ribbon, a charm, and a punched border.  That's it!  Very simple and limited layers - perfect for the busy Christmas season!  :-)

Julee is giving away one of the Blessed Christmas and Star of Wonder sets!  For all the details, check out the Verve Blog!

I hope you enjoy your day!  ~Laurie

Stamps:  Star of Wonder (Verve Stamps)
Paper:  Choice Buttercream c.s. (Taylored Expressions), Winter's Wings patterned paper (Webster's Pages)
Ink:  Versamark, Antique Linen Distress ink
Accessories:  Copper e.p., Border punch, Sewing machine, Ivory Silk Ribbon, Copper heart charm, Copper cord, Rhinestone 
 

October Key Ingredients Subscription...

Good morning!  Today, part of the Baker's Dozen DT is sharing projects made with October's Key Ingredients Subscription kit!

I am a huge Cosmo Cricket fan, so I was tickled to see that this month's kit includes Cosmo's Earth Love patterned paper!  Woohoo!!  As always, Taylor has included matching Prism cardstock, embellishments (this month it is some waaaaay fun bird chipboard pieces (Maya Road), and ribbon.  Well, this month Taylor also included some Avocado Metallic Maya Mist! 

My first project is a little card I made (I signed up to make a 3-D project, but I couldn't help myself - I had to make a card as well :-) measuring 4" x 4".  The little bird was first painted with Ivory acrylic paint then spritzed with Maya Mist Avocado Metallic spray!  Everything (with the exception of the little rhinestone) is from this month's KI subscription kit.

When I first saw these adorable chipboard pieces, I thought they would make wonderful magnets!  I started by painting the bird and birdcage with Ivory acrylic paint.  I then covered the main part of the bird with some of the included patterned paper as well as adhering a cut out piece on the back (I chose a pattern that reminded me of the sky and clouds).  A little ribbon (also from the kit) and y magnet was done (I adhered magnet strips to the back)!  This was SO easy and so fun to make!  I love these chipboard pieces!!  :-)

If you are not familiar with Taylor's Key Ingredients subscription kits, then you can check out Taylor's blog for all of the details!!  Basically, she includes a TON of all coordinating papers/ribbons/embellishments and it arrives on your doorstep every month!  :-)  Also, don't forget about the new monthly charge option!  You can still sign up for a 3 month or 6 month subscription (best value) but will be charged monthly instead of paying all up front! 

There is more KI subscription inspiration for you to see!!  Check out what Dawn, Denise, Jackie, Karen M. Sankari, & Taylor have created!

Thanks for stopping by!  ~Laurie

 
Stamps:  Branching Out (Whimsical Wishes)
Paper:  Earth Love patterned paper (Cosmo Cricket), Prism c.s., Choice Buttercream c.s.
Ink:  Groovy Guava (SU!)
Accessories:  Ivory acrylic paint, Maya Mist Avocado metallic mist, Button, Rhinestone, Ribbon, Maya Road chipboard pieces, Paper piercer
 
 

A Western Christmas...

Happy Monday!!  I can officially say that we're {{50 %}} better now!  LOL!  I'll take it though!!  :-)  This flu has been rough, so it feels SO good to be heading back to normal!  Besides a lingering cough, both of my little ones are back to their fun loving, mischief seeking, VERY rambunctious and cute selves!!  My older two will get there soon as they are headed in the right direction!  :-) 

I have a Christmas card to share with you today!  Actually, it's one that I made several weeks ago but am just now getting a chance to share it!

As soon as I saw this Santa Horses stamp (by Impression Obsession) I fell in love!  These horses remind me SOOO much of some of our own, right down to the markings!!  In fact, I have a picture of our blue roan and red roan snuggling up together...except for the Santa hats *giggle*...it looks exactly the same as this stamp!  That picture (of our blue roan and red roan horses) was the inspiration for how I colored this image.  I stamped the image directly onto Kraft cardstock then used my Copics to add some color. 

After I tore and inked up the edges, I layered it on some distressed patterned paper strips.  I then machine stitched the top and bottom as well as hand stitched a little using some Burlap String.  I used that same Burlap String to create a rope tied up with a bow (doesn't every cowboy's rope need a bow??  LOL!) and a charm for embellishment!  The sentiment is from Penny Black's Cyrstalline set.  Lastly, I added some Frosted Lace Stickles to the Santa hats...I just love how it makes them pop!

Well, that's all from me today!  I'm off to bake some cookies!  It's pouring down rain here (I LOVE it), and I think some freshly baked Snickerdoodles would help everyone feel better!  :-)  Hugs, Laurie

 
Stamps:  Santa Horses cling stamp (Impression Obsession), Crystalline (Penny Black)
Paper:  Kraft cardstock, Patterned paper (The Merry Days of Christmas by My Mind's Eye)
Ink:  Rich Cocoa Memento Ink, Chamomile and Chai Tea Vintage Ink (PTI)
Accessories:  Copics, Sewing Machine, Burlap String (May Arts), Paper piercer, Snowflake charm, Frosted Lace Stickles
 

Halloween Sweet Treats...

Happy Sunday!  I've got another quick and easy Halloween gift to share with you!  With our family as sick as we've been, my big idea of making homemade Halloween goodies has officially been abandoned!  My oldest two have missed almost two weeks of school (along with half of the Montana population apparently) so anything we make will have to be super fast as we all have a ton of catching up to do!  :-) 

  
 
  
I used the spider web and a couple of sentiments from the Spooky Expressions set (Taylored Expressions) to create this speedy gift set!

When I say "fast"...I really mean it!!  All I did was emboss the spider web directly onto some Making Memories glitter stripe paper.  I then added a tag, some ribbon, & a spider brad!

 For the matching bag, I stamped the spider web directly onto the bag using Black Stazon ink.  I topped it off with some ribbon, a tag, & another spider brad!  The black on black embossing really does show up better in real life...not sure why I couldn't get a good picture. 

Well, that's all I've got today!  :-)  Check back in tomorrow, because I've got lots of new stuff to share!  :-)

~Laurie

 
Stamps:  Spooky Expressions (Taylored Expressions)
Paper:  True Black (PTI), Making Memories Glittery Striped paper
Ink:  Stazon Black, Versamark
Accessories:  Black Detail e.p., Spellbinder's Tag Trio die, True Black Twill ribbon (PTI), True Black grosgrain ribbon (PTI), Spider brads, Mini pinking decorative scissors