Just Give Me Stamps...

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