Tosh's Purple Marisa Eater

This week's Verve sketch by Diva Tosh with two tilted panels and three along the bottom just about did me in - thus the post title LOL!  However, loving my Verve stamps so much, paired with a chance of winning a whole release, is enough to get me to wrestle with any sketch the Divas toss out.  Mind you, some of them definitely involve more paper wrestling, anxiety, stress, frustration and exhilaration when completed than others - this one being a classic example!

I started out with another bit of my Costco DP which lent itself to purples.  Didn't want to use pink for the heart so I went with chocolate chip for a bit of pop :)   A butterfly (sorry, I just can't put this punch down!) filled in the one panel and I added a butterfly trail flourish with a bit of bling across the other one.

Phew, glad to have this one done with - big exhale!!  Would have been perfect for last week's CR84FN challenge of dark and light purple with vanilla - oh well.  Off to catch up on what was put off yesterday so I could get this card done LOL!




What's In It?
Stamps: (Verve) Love Notes, Love's Flower
Paper: Costco DP, Perfect Plum, Pale Plum Chocolate Chip, Cream
Ink: Black, VersaMark
Accessories:  (Verve) Jotted Heart Die, Martha Stewart Monarch Butterfly Punch, Paper Flower, 5/8" Brown Satin Ribbon, Bling, Half Pearls, Button, Twine, Glue Dot, Dimensionals

Pretty in Pink

Diva Charmaine was this week's sketch provider and I must admit when I first saw this sketch those corner tabs didn't sit well with me - sorry Charmaine!  However, once I started working with it, things came together quickly and the corners weren't even an issue.  That will teach me for getting my nickers in a knot before trying the sketch LOL!

I needed a baby girl card, and the oval shape made me immediately think of this cute little Denami baby as she was the perfect size.  Two types of Making Memories DP, a frilly fru-fru lacy Nestie, some pearls and a few touches of yellow and I was happy with the outcome.

Think I may just have to try making this in a baby boy version so I have one of each on hand.  That way when Keesh lets us know if she had a boy or girl,  I can pop one in the mail to her right away.




Challenge Entered:  Stamp Stamp Something Sentimental


What's In It?
Stamps: Denami Baby, (Stamping Up) Short and Sweet
Paper: Making Memories DP, So Saffron, Pretty in Pink. Rose Romance
Ink: Black
Accessories:  Lacy Oval and Oval Nesties, Stampin' Up Corner and Word Window Punches, Marvy Flower Punch, Half Pearls, Dimensionals

Mojo Monday 192

This week's Mojo Monday sketch was designed by Mojo Monday Diva Debbie.  My starting point was this piece of paper from my Costco DP pack -- yeah, it continues to dwindle :)  

For some reason, I was in the mood for a heart shape.  Easily fixed that by pulling out my Verve Jotted Heart die and stamping the lines in grey and crimping my Labels 8 panel for a bit of texture.

Pink became my accent colour with the butterfly, rose and ribbon.  The top left corner was horribly empty and threw the balance of the card off (IMHO anyway) so I added a leaf to fill in the space.  While posting the picture, I noticed my seriously tragic bow...so....I'm calling it a shabby bow LOL!

We are still under grey and/or rainy skies - ugh!  Spring only has three short weeks to make an appearance before it's officially summer on the calendar, otherwise we can say it never happened.  Upside....I got my planters done last weekend and haven't had to water them yet.  Hopefully summer will cooperate!!  Have a great day and thanks for stopping by :)





What's In It?
Stamps:  (Verve) Dream Big, Love Notes
Paper: Costco DP Pack, Bordering Blue, Pretty in Pink, Going Grey
Ink: Going Grey, Black
Accessories: (Verve) Jotted Heart Die, Martha Stewart Monarch Butterfly Punch ad Border Punch,, Labels 8 Nestie, SU Sizzex Leaf Die, 5/8" Pink Sheer Ribbon, Button, Paper Flower, Crimper, Half  Pearls, Dimensionals

Inkspirations Sketch Challenge # 71

This week's sketch gave me grief LOL!  All those panels scream DP and so I had to face my lack of DP prowess and delve in.  Won't tell you how long it took me to make this card as it is embarrassing, but the good news is I am happy with the final result :)

My starting point was a piece of My Mind's Eye Stella and Rose DP.   Couldn't get the rest of the DPs in the line to work for me (insert amateur DP user LOL!), so I created some of my own with background stamps.  Got to use my brand spanking new PTI Polka Dot Basics II set.  I have been drooling over this set for a long time, and I am so glad to have it crossed off my wish list and in my possession - happy sigh...!!  I used French Script on the Saffron panel and left the blue one alone as most of it was covered up anyway.  Phew! 

The leaf and butterfly were cast offs from another card, and they worked perfectly -  love when that happens :)  I paired them with Verve's Plain Jane, Ecclesiastes 3:11 (love this verse) and added a few buttons and some "Maureen bling" in the corner.

The rest of the Design Team has some fabulous cards for your inspiration.

Cindy Kirsty Makeesha Renée Brandi Carrie Helen Ilina Lee-Anne Marisa

Each week Keesh will select a winner and an honorable mention and post their cards on the Inkspirations Challenge blog.  We'd love to see your card posted as a winner.

Thanks for stopping bye and have a fabulous weekend :)





What's In It?
Stamps: (Verve) Ecclesiastes 3:11 Plain Jane, (PTI) Polka Dot Basics II, (SU) French Script BG Stamp
Paper: My Mind's Eye Stella and Rose DP, Sahara Sand, More Mustard, So Saffron, Vanilla
Ink: Black
Accessories:   Martha Stewart Large Monarch Butterfly Punch, (Verve) Elegant Leaf Die, Buttons, Glue Dots, Half Pearls Dimensionals

A Purple Card For My Friend

I have a friend whose favorite colour is purple so I just had to participate in this week's CR84FN challenge and make a card to send to her.  I combined it with this week's Fall To Layout.

This wonderful DP was my starting point - found it at Joannes a few years back and fell in love with it because of the leaf pattern.

I also go to play with my new MFT Butterfly die - happy sigh!  I crimped it for some texture as I didn't have a Starbucks sleeve to use like Maureen did.  Note to self:  keep the coffee sleeve next time you go to Starbucks LOL!

The white panel was just too plain and after trying various options, I settled on some horizontal scoring.  A few half pearls and a button later and I was good to go.  Now just have to pop it in the mail and smile because she will squeal with delight at receiving a purple card :) 




What's In It?
Paper:  Perfect Plum, DP from Joanne's, Kraft
Accessories:  PTI Medium Scalloped Die, Lacy Circle and Circle Nesties, MFT Butterfly Die, Scor-Pal, Crimper, Half Pearls, 5/8" Purple Satin Ribbon, Button, Twine, Glue Dots Dimensionals

May Papertrey Blog Hop Challenge

This is my first ever Papertrey blog hop!  Since I just got some new PTI goodies including some flower dies, and since flowers were this month's theme, I decided to jump in and participate.

I combined this week's Monday Lunchtime sketch and Color Q challenges because last week I made card for the Color Q and for some dumb reason, forgot to add it to Mr. Linky!  Still kicking myself for that one as I loved my card.  Oh well, lesson learned!!

As you can tell from some of my recent posts, the Polka Dot Basics II set is quickly becoming a favorite of mine!  I used it along with Dawn's wonderful Signature Greetings and PTI flower die.  I added some white leaves with a bit of script on them to help balance things off.  My Daffodil Delight is very minimal, but it's in there with the twine LOL!

Thanks for joining me on my first ever PTI Blog Hop :)   As the card says, hope your day is fabulous!




What's In It?
Stamps: (PTI)  Polka Dot Basics II, Signature Greetings
Paper: So Saffron, Real Red, Early Espresso
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Accessories:  PTI Flower Blooms II Die, Button, Twine, 5/8" White Satin Ribbon, Martha Stewart Leaf Punch, Glue Dot, Twine, Bling, Dimensionals

We Will Miss You Florence...

 

Can't believe I actually got this month's SFYTT done with a week to spare - phew, feels good LOL!  I combined it with a Color Q challenge from a few weeks ago which I just loved, but as usual, didn't get to in time.   

Believe it or not, this is actually a sympathy card.  About a month ago, I posted a card I made for our Music Pastor's family as his wife was very ill with cancer.  Last week she lost her battle with cancer and is now in the glorious presence of her Lord. .

My heart aches for the family as she was only in her late forties.  Her husband is an amazing man and her children are just 16 and 17 .  In addition, her mom who has been out caring for her for the past year year, is an orphan of sorts as she has no immediate family left alive.  Her husband and two kids have both predeceased her.  Life just isn't fair sometimes....

You are probably thinking "this doesn't look like a sympathy card" or "what was she thinking", but she was such an amazing woman that the sentiment just fits.  She had an amazing attitude throughout her treatments and continued to home schooled her kids.  It breaks my heart that she died two short weeks before they were both due to graduate.

I will remember her most for her introduction of the God Rods to the pre-teen Youth Group, of which my son is a part.  As you know from prior posts, the God Rods have been an integral part of their group this year as they were able to perform an amazing routine to O Holy Night at Christmas and Arise My Love at Easter.  In addition, through conversations and viewing the CD performances with friends, I know of two other youth groups who will be introducing them and using them for performances in their churches.  Her spirit lives on :)  






What's In It?
Stamps: (Verve) Proverbs 31:28 Plain Jane , (PTI) Polka Dot Basics II, (SU) French Script
Paper: Not Quite Navy, Daffodil Delight, Old Olive
Ink: Black
Accessories: Scalloped Circle and Circle Nesties, PTI Flower Die, (SU) Sizzex Leaf Die, Button, Baker's Twine, Glue Dot, Half Pearls, Dimensionals

Masculine Birthday Card

Loved the fall colour combo of this week's Color Q (at least that is what I thought of) so I had to play along. Also qualifies for the If The Shoe Fits challenge and There's Magic In The Air challenge.

I combined it with a Flourishes sketch from a week ago (yup, late again!) because I wanted to use my new PTI leaf dies (happy sigh...) to make a masculine card and this sketch was perfect.  Since our spring  has never really arrived, it was an easy transition back to Fall colours - isn't that a sad statement to make!    

I used the maple leaf die and this fabulous sentiment from Verve's Love Deepens set as it fit the empty space on the sentiment panel wonderfully.  Best part is I have decided this will be my hubby's birthday card, so it is made well in advance as his birthday isn't until September :) 

We have a long weekend up here in Canada and that means some fun family time :)  Plus, if all goes well, and IF the weather cooperates by bringing some sunshine, I'm hoping to plant some annuals in my garden.  Thanks for visiting and enjoy your weekend!  






What's In It?
Stamps: (Verve) Love Deepens, (PTI) Leaf Prints
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Basic Grey, Peach Parfait, Sahara Sand
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Distressed Stripes Embossing Folder, PTI Medium Scallop Die and Leaf Die, Labels 3 and Circle Nesties, Button, Twine, Glue Dot, Half Pearls, Dimensionals

Inkspirations Color Challenge #70

Keesh has come up with another wonderful colour palette for us to play with this week.  Lovely soft colours with a pop of plum :)

I combined this week's colours with last week's Monday Lunchtime Sketch.  Playing catch up once again -- or more like there is never enough time in a week to get to all the challenges I'd like to participate in before their cut off dates.  So....I just do them late :)  I loved the simplicity of this sketch and how you can dress it up or dress it down depending on your mood at the time.

I jumped at the chance to use this lovely Martha Stewart butterfly punch and my lacy nesties for the circle element.  I sure wish I had had Verve's Charming Banner die as I wanted to add a sentiment under the butterfly and ovals just didn't cut it.  I improvised by making my own using the Label 14 nestie and trimming it down and adding the word window punch over top.  Like the final result but sure wouldn't want to do it that way every time.  Note to self:  get that Verve die lol!

The rest of the Design Team has some fabulous cards for your inspiration.

Cindy Kirsty Makeesha Renée Brandi Carrie Helen Ilina Lee-Anne Marisa

Each week Keesh will select a winner and an honorable mention and post their cards on the Inkspirations Challenge blog.  We'd love to see your card posted as a winner.

Thanks for stopping in today and keeping me company.  Have a fabulous weekend :)





What's In It?
Stamps: (Verve) Big Wish

Paper: Sahara Sand DSP, Blushing Bride, Perfect Plum
Ink: Black
Accessories:  Lacy Circle and Circle Nesties. Distressed Stripes Embossing Folder, SU Word Window Punch, Labels 10 Nesties, 5/8" Plum Satin Ribbon, Button, Twine, Glue Dots, Half Pearls Dimensionals

Birthday Butterflies

Saw this Card Patterns sketch and decided to give it a go, after all it is a round card and I love making them.  Don't own any banner dies and wasn't up to making one - insert too lazy to try - so I went with Option B.

I combined the sketch with this week's CR84FN challenge because I loved the colour combo and had the perfect October Afternoon Thrift Shop DP to use. 

Since I don't have any banner dies and was too lazy to make one, I opted to use butterflies instead - surprise, surprise LOL!

I had to add a tiny bit of Mellow Moss on the sentiment panel so hopefully the challenge police will let it slide.  Needed a little something more so added a couple of Recollection roses from Mike's and I was good to go.  Can't believe Mike's was putting them on clearance!!  Asked the cashier about it and she thinks they are just clearing out the old colours - sure hope so!

Back tomorrow with my Inkspirations challenge card.


Challenges Entered:
Crafty Creations - May Flowers
4 Crafty Chicks - Spring Has Sprung
Your Next Step - Pop It Up
Stamping B - Spring







What's In It?
Stamps:  My Sentiments Exactly
Paper: Real Red, So Saffron, Mellow Moss, October Afternoon Thrift Shop DP
Ink: Black
Accessories: Lacy Circle and Circle Nesties, Labels 14 Nestie, Stampin' Up Word Window Punch, Martha Stewart Butterfly Punch, Ribbon, Recollections Yellow Roses, Half Pearls, Dimensionals

Mojo Monday 191

This week's Mojo Monday sketch lead me to my Coctco DP pack and I came across this striped DP which made me walk on the bold and bright side for a change LOL!

I just love this Mother Theresa quote as well as the flower image in this set, so jumped at the chance to use them.  Turquoise became my accent colour (love it against the red) and I just "had" to use my newest addiction again...sorry....!! Going to have to hide this Martha Stewart butterfly punch!  

We actually have sunshine today and it is simply beautiful out!!  The only downside....having to mow and trim the lawn - drat!!  Wishing you a fabulous day with no lawn mowing and some stamping time instead :)






What's In It?
Stamps: (Verve) Kind Words
Paper: Costco DP, Real Red, Tempting Turquoise, Black
Ink: Tempting Turquoise, Black
Accessories:  Crimper, Martha Stewart Monarch Butterfly Punch, Distressing Tool, Half Pearls, Dimensionals

Back To Verve Flowers

This week's sketch was brought to us by Diva, Amy Scheffer.  It screamed DP with all the panels so I managed to squeeze one piece in LOL :)

I wanted to use this left over flower I had made a few weeks back so that was my starting point.  Lots of dots/polka dots on this card and, yes, I'm back to Verve flowers again - but different ones this time! 

I added the blue for a pop of colour and gleefully used my Martha Stewart butterfly punch - happy sigh....!

Spring is still eluding us here on the West Coast.  Still lots of rain, but at least the temperatures have gone up a bit.  Can't wait for summer!!  They say we are supposed to have a warm :)

Have a fabulous day!




What's In It?
Stamps: (Verve) Great Friend, Bloom and Grow and Big Wish 
Paper:  Early Espresso, Kraft, Pretty in Pink, Stampin' Up DSP
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Accessories:  Swiss Dots and Seeing Spots Embossing Folders, (Verve) Elegant Leaf Die, 5/8" White Satin Ribbon, Martha Stewart Monarch Butterfly Punch, Half Pearls, Glue Dot, Dimensionals

Hakuna Matata ( Don't Worry Be Happy)

I decided to make a baby card using this sketch as I know a few mom's who are preggers and it was a good way to get a jump on baby cards,  especially not knowing if they will be boys or girls. 

I wasn't awake enough to flip the sketch so I could use the cute raffie from this delightful Wild About You set, so I ended up using the lion instead.  Now a lion is not exactly the first image that comes to you mind when you think of a baby card, but it was the right size so I went with it.  To add insult to injury, when I was cutting his head out so I could pop it up, it became obvious it was not a baby lion due to the mane...then to to top it off, I realized I messed up the sketch a bit.....thing were going from bad to worse until I remembered baby Simba and the Hakuna Mahtata (sp?!)  "Don't Worry Be Happy" song from the Lion King- and that's what I decided to do LOL!    

Hope you are enjoying your day and thanks for sharing a bit of yours with  me :)





What's In It?
Stamps: (Stampin' Up) Wild About You

Paper:  Bashful Blue, Mint Medley, Costco DP
Ink: More Mustard
Accessories:  Labels 14 Nesties, Scalloped Oval and Oval Neseties, Crimper, Twine, Buttons, Glue Dots, Dimensionals

Mojo Monday 190

 

I'm squeezing in under the wire once again this week!  This has got to stop as it is hard on the nerves LOL!

Being true to my promise not to use my Verve flowers for the next few cards, I used this week's Mojo Monday sketch and  Paper and Such Design's challenge to make a birthday card for my brother.  It also qualifies for Whoopsi Daisy's Challenge to Punch it out and One Stitch At A Time anything goes.  I dug into my slowly dwindling Costco DP pack and pulled out this fun, striped DP - perfect for a masculine card.  I also took the opportunity to use my spiral punch which I've had for a long time and have never used - go figure!!  Even better, my star Sizzex die got to come out and play too. 

Since I didn't have any ledger or lined paper for the sentiment panel, I created my own by stamping the line image from Verve's Text Notes.  I stamped it in VersaMark so it is hard to see in the picture, but it does show up in real life.  Sahara Sand may  have been a better choice for more visible lines - note to self for next time.  I'm pretty happy with the result and I think my brother will like it  :) 

Enjoy what is left of your weekend :)   We'll be wrapping ours up by watching the Vancouver Canucks play their first game of the next series against the San Jose Sharks.  Vancouver fans are soooo ready for them to win the Stanley Cup...car flags are all over the place.  Reminds me of when the Olympics were here and everyone had Canada flags on their cars.  Hopefully they can make it all the way this year, but it's one series at a time and they have a few left to go.  Go Canucks Go!  Then it's on to the Survivor finale, so we will be spending a good part of our evening in front of the TV as a family, and I'm sure the cat will end up in someone's lap somewhere along the way too :)




What's In It?
Stamps: (Verve) Happy Birthday Plain Jane, Text Notes
Paper: Costco DPs, Brocade Blue 
Ink: Chocolate Chip, VersaMark
Accessories:  Crimper, Spiral Punch, Sizzex Star Die, Buttons, Twine, Glue Dots, Half Pearls, Dimensionals

Great Mom and Grandma

 

I  loved Maureen's Verve sketch - tilted panel and all LOL!  Lots of options with this sketch and I think I just may have to use it again - thanks, Maureen :)

My starting point was this yummy Melissa Frances DP.  Such a soft feel to it and I love the script and flowers on it.  I paired it with some Sage Shadow and go to use my new Martha Stewart butterfly punch which I was finally able to track down - happy sigh :)   The flower comes from the clearance isle at Mike's (got three for 69 cents - score!).  It almost feels a bit large for the card, but the pink bow on its lonesome wasn't enough and yellow button just didn't cut it.

Made this card for my mom and can't wait to give it to her. She is such an amazing woman and selflessly gives of herself to so many.  Love watching my  kids interact with her and I know they will build some wonderful memories of their times together.

One Verve sketch down, two to go - that is if I get the other two done before Friday.  This also qualifies for the following challenges:

4 Crafty Chicks - Spring Has Sprung 
Your Next Stamp Challenge - Pop It Up
Moving Along With the Times - 2Bs challenge
Fab n Funky - Buttons and Bows
Delightful Sketches - add flowers (now that's an easy one for me LOL!)
Make it Monday - anything goes
Sew Many Cards - anything goes
Penny's - challenge #53
My Grafico Crafts - anything goes
Scrappyfrogs - anything goes.






What's In It?
Stamps:  (Verve) Love Deepens, Sweet Scallop Tag Stamp
Paper: Sage Shadow, Pretty in Pink, Melissa Frances DP
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Accessories:  Lacy Circle Nestie, Martha Stewart Heart Border and Large Monarch Butterfly Punch,  (Verve) Sweet Scalloped Die, 5/8" Pink Satin Ribbon, Flower, Button, Twine, Glue Dots, Half Pearls, Dimensionals