Just Give Me Stamps...

Groovy New Stamps!

Today is the release date of four brand new Verve stamp sets!  Julee has also launched a whole new line of stamps that she is calling "Plain Janes"!  There is just so much going on over on the Verve site (including a fresh new look)!

Here are some of the samples I've made:

You're Still the One

Stamps: Feeling Groovy
Paper: Pearlized Cream, Spring Moss, Aqua Mist (Papertrey)
Ink: Cool Caribbean, Soft Sky, Spring Moss
Accessories: Swiss Dots embossing folder, Aqua Mist grosgrain ribbon (Papertrey), Dew Drop, Corner rounder

Groovy Notebook

Stamps: Feeling Groovy (Verve), Polka Dots background (CC Designs)
Paper: Whisper White, Pink Passion, Basic Black (Stampin' Up!)
Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black, Versamark
Accessories: Copic markers, Paper piercer, White gel pen, Black detail e.p., Ribbon, Corner Rounder, Notebook

Smile  (I'm not sure what's up with me and bright colors lately...but I'm lovin' em!)

Stamps: All About You (Verve)
Paper: Whisper White, Certainly Celery (Stampin' Up!), Berry Sweet Patterned paper (K & Co.)
Ink: Pink Passion (Stampin' Up!)
Accessories: Lg. Prima flower, Oval punches, Corner Rounder punch (Stampin' Up!), Ribbons, White gel pen, Rhinestones

Delight  (This uses the new "Plain Jane" stamp)

Stamps: Delight {Psalm 37:4} (Verve)
Paper: Very Vanilla, Creamy Caramel (Stampin' Up!, Patterned paper (K & Co.)
Ink: Creamy Caramel craft ink, Creamy Caramel Classic (Stampin' Up!)
Accessories: Clear e.p., Coaster, Sewing Machine, Ivory taffeta ribbon, Dew Drops, Nestabilities

 

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  I hope you have a wonderful day!

 

 

Asian Flair...

Happy Sunday!  Today, I've got a little "sneak peek" of a brand new Verve set to show you!  The June release is only three days away (Wednesday June, 25th) and there will be four brand new sets!  The set that is being showcased today on the Verve blog is the new Asian Flair set.

I started with a 3 1/8" x 6 1/2" Night of Navy card base.  (I know, this is the third tall and skinny card I've done lately... I will try to mix it up a little next time. :-)  I chose to use these Blue Awning patterned papers (K & Co)...I am really loving these!  The subtle map print seemed perfect for this quote by Thoreau.  Speaking of that quote, I really wanted it to be the focal point of my card...so I used the other elements just as accents.

The striped piece of paper that is under the tag may look like another layer, but it isn't!  I knew if I cut another piece to layer on top, it would be a time consuming task to try and get the patterns to line up exactly with the bottom striped layer.  Instead, I cut some "slits" in the striped layer and wove the top Cream layer through them.  It's not as bulky as extra layers, the patterns match up perfectly :-), and I am saving paper (gorgeous paper, I might add LOL!).

I used one of the tags die (from the  Spellbinder's Tags 5 set) to cut/emboss around the quote to create my focal image.  I added some Hemp and a decorative brad and placed it over the Olive taffeta ribbon.  I don't actually have any Olive colored taffeta ribbon :-)...so I dyed some Ivory ribbon with my YG95 (Pale Olive) Copic marker to create the perfect color!  I've tried dying different kinds of ribbon (grosgrain, satin, taffeta, twill etc.) and have found that the two best kinds (i.e. doesn't streak very much and accepts the color well) are the taffeta and organdy ribbons.  The others will either streak badly or mutate the color.  :-)

If you haven't already, make sure you stop by the Verve blog...you can enter to win this new set for FREE!  Woohoo!  Also, the sneak peeks will continue through Wednesday...with chances to win each of the new sets!

Also, I will be drawing the winners of the "Just Give Me Goodies" later this evening!  Thanks so much for all of your tips!  There is a wealth of information there!!

Have a wonderful Sunday,

 

Recipe   Stamps: Asian Flair   Paper:Pearlized Ivory c.s., Night of Navy c.s. (Stampin' Up!), Blue Awning patterned paper (K & Co)   Ink:Night of Navy craft ink, Old Olive (Stampin' Up!), Antique Linen Distress Ink   Accessories:Clear detail e.p., Tag dies (Spellbinders), Ivory taffeta ribbon, Olive Copic marker, Hemp, Decorative brad, Paper piercer

Inspired Simplicity...

Happy Tuesday!  Over at the Verve blog, they are having a Project Parade Challenge.  The design team members are posting their takes on the Inspiration Challenge (click here to see it)...and also answers to the questions Julee asks her guest designers!  So, if you are wondering what makes the Verve Design Team "tick"...make sure to check out the Verve blog!  Also, there is a chance for YOU to win $15 in Verve Bucks!!  More details can be found HERE!

 It took me a while to pinpoint exactly what I loved so much about this photo.  I love red (my favorite color) and I love monochromatic patterns...but there was more about this room that I was taken with that just those things.  I finally discovered that it was the "laid back simplicity" that really captured my attention.  So, for my cards, I was inspired to go in a direction that I rarely go to....the simple side!!  LOL!

  I chose three of the colors that really stood out to me, and created simple monochromatic cards that can be used anytime (or bundled in a gift).  I achieved the bold white images on the colored cardstock by embossing the leaf (from the Serenityset) in white.  The white "ribbon" is actually a strip of cardstock that I trimmed on one end to look like ribbon!  :-)

Here is a close up of one of the cards...this one with a Wild Wasabi base color.  I used one of the sentiments from the Floral Whimsy set as the focal piece.

Make sure to stop back by later...because it's Just Give Me GOODIES Time!!! 

Enjoy your day! 

Recipe
Stamps: Serenity, Floral Whimsy
Paper:Whisper White, Real Red, Wild Wasabi, So Saffron (Stampin' Up!)
Ink:Real Red, Wild Wasabi, So Saffron (Stampin' Up!), Versamark
Accessories:Clear e.p., White e.p., Oval Nestabilities, White brads

OCC Sketch Challenge...

Happy Saturday!  Today is the first "Our Creative Corner" challenge!  This week, Cindy Haffner created a sketch for us to create with (thanks, Cindy :-).

I kept my color combination pretty simple.  I just felt that there shouldn't be any "competition" for this gorgeous patterned paper (from My Mind's Eye).  :-)  I chose to use my Floral Whimsy set by Verve.  As many times as I've used this set, I don't think I've actually stamped the flowers ina vase!!  LOL!  I've stamped the flowers...and I've even stamped the vases...but never combined them.  It's what they were made for...so, I have no idea why it's taken me this long to pair them up! 

You can see the sketch all of the challenge cards on the Our Creative Corner blog, or you can check them out here:  Amy, Cindy, Dawn, Denise, Jennifer, &Lynda. 

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! 

Recipe   Stamps: Floral Whimsy, Fluttering By (Verve), Big Ol' Stripes (CC Designs)   Paper: Shimmery White c.s., Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, My Mind's Eye patterned paper   Ink: Chocolate Chip craft ink, Close to Cocoa, Creamy Caramel   Other: Clear e.p., Tag Triodies from Spellbinders, Ivory taffeta ribbon (dyed with Copic marker B000), Ivory Organdy ribbon, Decorative brad, Diamond Stickles, Brads, Paper piercer

Sophisticated Filigrees...

I want to thank you all for the kind comments and emails!  My DH is doing much better...and it looks like we will be able to bring him home tomorrow!  Yay!  So far, he's agreed to do exactly what the Dr. has told him...and hopefully his resolve will last!!  LOL!  I fully plan on helping him keep his word...even if it means hiding the truck and 4-wheeler keys!!  LOL!

I finished this card last week, but just didn't get a chance to take a picture of it until today.  I will be sending this to a friend that is really going through a tough time right now...and I hope that she will feel encouraged.

I used Verve's new Filigree Fantasy set.  I love that I can make a sophisticated and elegant card in no time at all!  For the background, I used my Stamp-a-ma-jig to create a tone on tone pattern.  To create the focal image, I embossed the large filigree (I used the smaller version for the background) with Black detail e.p. onto Groovy Guava cardstock.  I used the "I'm praying for you" sentiment from Verve's Serenity set.  For embellishments, I added some Basic Gray taffeta ribbon and a decorative brad in the center of the large filigree.  Overall a simple card...but I think the simplicity of the design and the sophisticated  stamp images really go together nicely.

Thanks so much for visiting!

Recipe   Stamps: Filigree Fantasy, Serenity (Verve Visual)   Paper: Groovy Guava, Basic Gray, Basic Black   Ink:Groovy Guava, Versamark   Other: Black detail e.p., Basic Gray taffeta ribbon, Paper piercer, Ticket corner punch, Decorative brad (JoAnn's)

Orange Challenged...

It's true.  I've very orange challenged!  I mean, I really like what others do with it...but I can never get it to look right!!  So, when I saw what the colors were for Verve's May Project Parade Challenge, I knew I was in trouble!  The Project Parade Challenge this month is a "Summertime" Color Challenge:  So Saffron, Pumpkin Pie, Soft Sky (or Bashful Blue), Regal Rose (or Cameo Coral), & Old Olive (optional).

I did try to incorporate Pumpkin Pie into my card....I really did!!  Once again, I just couldn't get it to look right.  Now, before you go telling on me to Julee (owner of Verve), I did actually use just a tiny bit of Pumpkin Pie!  I colored the butterfly with a Pumpkin Pie colored Copic marker!!  LOL!

I embossed one of the small flowers from Floral Whimsyin white on all three background panels.  I then layered a few circles (cut/embossed with my Circle Nestabilties).  The butterfly (from Fluttering By) and the two larger flowers are embossed, colroed with Copics, & cut out.

If you haven't already joined in the Project Parade fun this month, there is still time to play!!  Check out THIS post for all the details!  The winner is going to receive $15 of FREE Verve Bucks!! 

Recipe   Stamps: Floral Whimsy, Fluttering By  Paper: Shimmery White c.s., Vellum c.s., Chocolate Chip, Soft Sky, So Saffron, Cameo Coral   Ink:Versamark, Chocolate Chip craft  Other: Clear e.p., White e.p., Circle and Rectangle Nestabilities, Decoarative brad, Aged copper brad, Copic markers, 5/8" Chocolate grosgrain ribbon

Shabby Chic Florals...

Today, I will share with you another card I made with Verve Visual's newly released stamps.  I really like the way this one turned out...and I think it is the soft colors!  I don't know why, but I always forget about using only pastel colors!  I seem to always sneak some brown in there somewhere!  LOL!  Another "style" that I'm continually drawn to, but seem to somehow forget to incorporate that into stamping is "Shabby Chic". 

I wasn't sure exactly what constitued an item to be considered Shabby Chic...so I looked it up in the dictionary.  Shabby means "Showing signs of wear and tear" old and worn in appearance".  Chic means "stylish or elegant".  Well, I thought it was high time I brought this to my stamping...I mean I LOVE to add signs of "wear and tear" to my cards!!  LOL! 

I found some of this pink striped patterned paper (by Making Memories) waaaaay in the back of my stash.  It was so crisp and clean when I started...I almost didn't want to "dirty" it up!  LOL!  I used some Versamagic Dew Drops to ink up the stems and flowers...and then embossed them with Clear e.p.  You all know how I love dimension...so I just had to pop up a couple of the blooms!  LOL!  The card base is a standard 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 card...I just cut off an inch or so from my top flap to give the "illusion" of a unique fold...without all the work!  LOL!  I also wanted to make sure these gorgeous buttons were visible on both the front and the inside.  The Celery grosgrain ribbon was a little too bright for my "dirtied" up card, so I sponged the ribbon with Sahara Sand ink (the same ink I used to sponge all of the layers on the card).  The pink gingham "loop" addition was actually an accident...but I like it much better than what I was originally going to do, so I kept it as is.  :-)

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I hope you all have a wonderful day!  ~Laurie

Stamps: Floral Whimsy (Verve Visual)
Paper: Certainly Celery, Pretty in Pink (Stampin' Up!), Pearlized White, Patterned paper (Making Memories)
Ink: Versamagic Dew Drops (Aloe Vera, Pixie Dust, Pink Petunia), Creamy Caramel (Stampin' Up!)
Accessories: Clear e.p., Nestabilities, Buttons, 5/8" Celery grosgrain ribbon, Pink gingham ribbon, Corner Rounder (Stampin' Up!), Thread

Just Because...

Happy Tuesday!  Today and tomorrow I'm going to be sharing with you some of the samples I made with this month's new Verve stamps!

The polka dots on the butterfly's wings reminded me of this patterned paper (Overton House Designs by EK Success) that I had picked up a while ago.  As part of my "I'm going to use all the stuff I buy" self-imposed rule...I only bought ONE of each of these designs.  I know, I know...what was I thinking??  (On a complete side note:  I've discovered some interesting things about myself...if I only have oneof something I will hoard it and not use it, but if I have more than one of the same item...I'm much more likely to use it all.  I'm not sure what that says about me pshycoloically...but stamping wise, that tells me I need to get lots of stuff!!  ROFLOL!!)  Anyway, when I saw how perfect this paper was for the new Fluttering By set...I just had to use it!!  :-)

I wanted to keep the design fairly simple, because the patterned paper is pretty "busy".  I did know that I wanted three butterflies on my card, so I decided on a tall skinny card (3 1/8 x 6 1/2).  I also wanted both patterns visible from the front but there wasn't much room to break up the front...so that's how I decided to cut part of the front flap off.  I used a very high-tech tool to make the rounded flap (one of my kids' plastic plates) LOL!!!  I used my circle Nestabilities to make the circles that the butterflies are mounted on.  embossed the butterfly (I first stamped the butterfly in Versamark then in Close to Cocoa Classic ink) with Clear e.p., and then colored them in lightly with my Copic markers.  I didn't have the right color of ribbon...so I used the same Copic marker that I colored the butterflies with and dyed my own (I used White taffeta ribbon).

For the inside, I adhered a sentiment that I made by stamping "Just Because" onto Soft Sky c.s. and punching it out with my Large Oval punch.

Thanks so much for visiting!!  I hope you have a wonderful day!

Recipe   Stamps: Fluttering By (Verve Visual)
Paper: Soft Sky (Stampin Up!), Patterned paper (Overton House Designs by EK Success)
Ink: Close to Cocoa (Stampin' Up!), Versamark
Accessories: Clear e.p., Circle Nestabilities, Lg. Oval punch, White taffeta ribbon, Copic markers, Dew Drops

Life's Simple Pleasures...

Happy Friday!  Today is supposed to get up into the 70's!!  That may not seem very warm to some of you...but we had snow again less than a week ago, so I am thrilled about the warmer temperatures!  I am going to spend as much time outside as I can!  LOL!  I wish I could say that I will be spending time in my garden...but alas, my thumbs are nowhere near green (believe me, my mom would definitely agree with that statement!!  LOL!!)!

   

This is the card I made for Beate's Weekend Sketch Challenge # 48. 

I found this paper in the back of my stash and knew immediately that I wanted to pair it with Verve Visual's newly released Floral Whimsy set (I have no idea why it was in the back...it is so pretty!) 

I kept the stamping pretty simple...it didn't seem fitting to do a complicated card with a sentiment about "simple pleasures"!  LOL!

Make sure to check out what Beate, Cambria, Charmaine, Jenn, Lori, Mary Jo, & Sharon have created...they always blow me away with their creativity!!

Thanks for stopping by!  I hope you enjoy your day!

Recipe   Stamps: Floral Whimsy (Verve Visual)   Paper: Bazzil, My Mind's Eye patterned paper, Naturals Ivory   Ink: Chocolate Chip craft in, Close to Cocoa, Soft Sky, Versamark   Other:   Clear e.p., Frame by K & Co., Close to Cocoa velvet ribbon, Rhinestones, Basic Brown Journaling marker, Corner rounder

Copper Elegance...

Happy Wednesday!  I have a "Sneak Peek" of one of Verve Visual's new stamp sets to show you!  Filigree Fantasy will be released this Friday, along with three other all new sets!

I absolutely love the elegance and versatility of this set!  This can be a stand alone set, or would be perfect paired with other Verve stamps! 

I chose to showcase this beautiful set with a Joy Fold card.  I love embossed copper, and decided to pair it with this S.E.I. patterned paper...but my copper embossing powder was a little too "pink" to match it well.  I decided it needed just a little more yellow undertones, so I mixed in a little bit of gold embossing powder (2/3 copper and 1/3 gold) to achieve the color that I wanted. 

To hold the top flap closed, I used a Basic Grey magnetic snap (I hid both parts under the patterned paper layers).

Here is a close-up (at a different angle), so you can see the different folds.

This photo of the card open was a bit harder to get a good picture of.  No matter how many different angles I tried, my camera only "saw" the copper!  LOL!

To see more samples from this set, make sure to check out the Verve Visual Blog!

I hope you all have a wonderful day!

Recipe   Stamps:  Filigree Fantasy   Paper:  Old Olive, Brushed Copper, S.E.I. patterned paper   Ink:  Versamark  Other: Copper e.p., Gold e.p., Copper cord, Decorative brad, 1/4" circle punch, Paper piercer, Basic Grey magnetic snaps