Mojo Monday #352

It's the last Monday of the month and that means it's time for a Tall and Skinny sketch over at the Mojo Monday blog.  Love making these!

I needed a 50th birthday card for this weekend so jumped at the chance to use this sketch as it had a nice big circle for the numbers.  I used some papers from Carta Bella's Ahoy There set and added a big "5-0" front and center (in black none-the-less wink, wink) so you can't miss it.  Tweaked the sketch a teensy bit by adding the kraft strip as I felt the 50 needed a bit of grounding.  Chevrons were embossed on the white background panel for some texture, and out came my go to embellishment for masculine cards - stars.  Just realized there is absolutely no stamping on this card too.  A rare occurrence!

All the challenge details are over on the Mojo Monday blog and you can also view all the wonderful Mojo Makers samples.  Should you wish more details on the Mojo Maker's cards, you can also visit their individual blogs noted below.  

Debbie Carriere

Julee Tilman (Owner)

Marisa Ritzen (you are here)

Mary Fish

Sarah Biglow

Teresa Kline

Wanda Cullen

I am soooo excited Costa Rica made it to the quarter finals in the World Cup!  What a game!!  They played a man short for over an hour and won in a shoot out against Greece.  To say I was just a tad stressed during the game is an understatement LOL!  Good to be able to breathe again!!  They have a tough draw in the next round - The Netherlands - but it is the furthest they have ever gone so I am thrilled for them.

Also, just wanted to let you know things are going to be a bit quieter here over the summer months (after the next two weeks that is), as I will be enjoying time with my kids.  They are growing up waaaay too quickly and I deeply treasure the time we can spend together.

It's going to be a busy week with our eighteenth anniversary on the 1st, a family day at the water slides on the 3rd (oh ya!!) and our friend's 50th on the 4th.  Fingers crossed the weather cooperates!

Have a fabulous week!

Challenges: The Pink Elephant

What's In It?
Paper:   Ahoy There  (Carta Bella). Night of Navy, Real Red, Bashful Blue, Kraft (Stampin' Up) 
Accessories:  Number Dies (PTI), Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Chevron Embossing Folder (Darice), Star Die (Stampin' Up), Buttons, Twine, Black Half Pearls, Glue Dots, Dimensionals  

Just Us Girls #247 - Inspiration Challenge

Welcome to this week's Just Us Girls Challenge.  I am the host and couldn't resist this fabulous photo as our inspiration picture to work with this week.

Had to use polka dots as per the sheets - such a hardship for me... not, LOL - and embossed chevrons on the white background panel as per the ones on the wall.  My Favorite Things Pretty Posies and Leaf Filled Flourish dies for the flower element on the bedspread, and this wonderful sentiment from Verve's Fabulous You.

I'm going to keep this card in my stash to give to my daughter when I feel she needs to be reminded of how truly beautiful she is, both inside and out.  High school can be brutal on a girl's self esteem, especially when you are swimming against the stream, and I'm always looking for ways to affirm her and encourage her to be who she is with a vengeance rather than feel she has to conform to what the world deems is beautiful, popular, trendy etc.

The rest of the  JUGS team along with our June Guest Designer, Shirley-Bee, have some wonderful samples to get your inspiration going, so head on over to the Just Us Girls blog and check out what they've created.  Simply create a card using the sketch and link it up to the JUGS blog for a chance to be chosen as the Chic of the Week.  Remember, if you are chosen as Chic of the Week, you could be invited to be a Guest Designer.

Look forward to seeing what you create! 

Challenges:  Simon Says



 
What's In It?
Stamps: Fabulous You (Verve Stamps)  
Paper:  Quilting Bee (My Mind's Eye), Going Grey, Tempting Turquoise, Black (Stampin' Up), Silver
Ink:  Black 
Accessories:  Pretty Posies and Leaf Filled Flourish Dies (My Favorite Things), Butterfly Punch (Martha Stewart), Chevron Embossing Folder (Darice), Black Half Pearls, Button, Silver Twine, Glue Dot, Dimensionals

Cassandra's Shower Card

I had a shower to go to and I was pressed for time, so I cased a card I made last March.  Just switched up the embossing folder and added lots of pearls this time.  She loved it :)

Challenges:  Simon Says


 
What's In It?
Stamps:    Love Story (Verve Stamps) 
Paper:   White   
Ink:  Silver 
Accessories:  Baby's Breath Embossing Folder (Provo Craft), Border Punch (Stampin' Up), Flower Punches (Marvy), Half Pearls (Michael's), Dimensionals

Mojo Monday #351

It's time for another fabulous Mojo Monday sketch by Julee.

I adore this paper by Simple Stories which I recently picked up at my LSS.  Such a  fabulous colour combination, and the fact it has flowers makes it all the better!

This wonderful Hello Friend Plain Jane is such a great sentiment - love the large font!  I stamped it on one of the banners from the Banner Bundle die set, added a bit of trim using the heart die from the Scalloped Trim Trio set, and where there are flowers...yes, you know the drill....there has to be a Flutterby butterfly.

All the challenge details are over on the Mojo Monday blog and you can also view all the wonderful Mojo Makers samples.  Should you wish more details on the Mojo Maker's cards, you can also visit their individual blogs noted below.  

Debbie Carriere

Julee Tilman (Owner)

Marisa Ritzen (you are here)

Mary Fish

Sarah Biglow

Teresa Kline

Wanda Cullen

Into week two of summer break, and I am already staying up late reading as schedules are more relaxed and I have more time to do so.  Started off with the long awaited release of Diana Gabaldon's In My Own Heart's Blood, the next book in her Outlander series.  It's been a long four years waiting for this book, and so far it hasn't disappointed.  Can't wait for the TV show of the series scheduled to start in August!  Combine that with reading the Game of Thrones series and my summer reading time is basically spent as they are all 800 plus page books!  However, there is always room on my reading list so if you have a good book you would recommend, I'd love to hear about it.

Also playing along with the current NBUS challenge which is a friendship theme.

Have a fabulous day!

What's In It?
Stamps:   Hello Friend Plain Jane (Verve Stamps), French Script (Stampin' Up)
Paper:   The Story of Us (Simple Stories), More Mustard, Old Olive, Sahara Sand, Cream (Stampin' Up) 
Ink:  Black, VersaMark
Accessories:  Flutterby, Scalloped Trim Trio and Banner Bundle Die Set  (A Cut Above by Verve), Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Swiss Dots Embossing Folder (Provo Craft), Button, Twine, Glue Dot, Dimensionals 

 

Just Us Girls #246 - Colour Challenge

Maria has given us a cheery colour combination to work with this week. Personally, I love yellow and orange so this card was great fun to make.

I used an old Paper Players sketch along with new papers from Making
Memories and Simple Stories.  The sentiment is a Verve's Zephaniah 3:17 Plain Jane, a perfect fit for the friend I am sending this to. She has had a tough year, and I trust this fabulous verse will encourage her.  Entering it into the current NBUS theme of friendship.

The rest of the  JUGS team along with our June Guest Designer, Shirley-Bee, have some wonderful samples to get your inspiration going, so head on over to the Just Us Girls blog and check out what they've created.  Simply create a card using the sketch and link it up to the JUGS blog for a chance to be chosen as the Chic of the Week.  Remember, if you are chosen as Chic of the Week, you could be invited to be a Guest Designer.

Wishing you a fabulous weekend!  


 
What's In It?
Stamps: Zephaniah 3:17 Plain Jane, Text Objects (Verve Stamps) 
Paper:  I Heart Summer (Simple Stories), Brocade Dilly Dally (Making Memories),Mellow Moss, Kraft (Stampin' Up)   
Ink:  Black 
Accessories:  Flutterby Die (A Cut Above by Verve), Lacy Scalloped Circles and Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Button, Twine, Pastel Sequin Mix (Verve Stamps), Crimper (Fiskars), White Half Pearls, Glue Dot, Dimensionals

Mojo Monday #350

Well, summer is in full swing a bit early as the teachers are on strike out here.  Schools are closed, and I sincerely hope both sides are willing to negotiate so things get rectified sooner than later!  Kids have been caught in the middle and it has not been fun to live through, especially since  many of my friends are teachers... 

On a brighter note, I found this fabulous paper from My Little Shoebox at my
LSS, which was the springboard for my card.  Unfortunately, it ended up being pretty much covered up... I pulled the colours from it and added an embossed, chevron background with my new EF, and a pop of turquoise for some colour.  Something seemed to be a miss, so I added the "friend" tab.

All the challenge details are over on the Mojo Monday blog and you can also view all the wonderful Mojo Makers samples.  Should you wish more details on the Mojo Maker's cards, you can also visit their individual blogs noted below.  

Debbie Carriere

Julee Tilman (Owner)

Marisa Ritzen (you are here)

Mary Fish

Sarah Biglow

Teresa Kline

Wanda Cullen

Let the summer begin :)

What's In It?
Stamps:   Be Blessed, Text Objects (Verve Stamps)
Paper:   Garden Party (My Little Shoebox), Old Olive, Rose Romance, Tempting Turquoise (Stampin' Up)
Ink:  Black
Accessories:  Flutterby and Flag It Die Set (A Cut Above by Verve), Lacy Circle and Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Chevron Embossing Folder (Darice), 5/8" Turquoise Satin Ribbon (Michael's), Button, Twine, Bling, Glue Dot, Dimensionals 

Curtain Call Inspiration Challenge - Sweet Peas

 

We have an awesome new sponsor,  Sugar Pea Designs!  The LEAD of this challenge will receive a gift certificate to the Sugar Pea Designs Store!

We have an awesome new sponsor,  Sugar Pea Designs!  The LEAD of this challenge will receive a gift certificate to the Sugar Pea Designs Store!

Though I don't have a sample for this challenge, you can head over to The Curtain Call Inspiration Challenge and check out the samples, or check out the links below. 

Sweet Pea Designers

Sugar Pea Designs Owner, Wendy Ramlakhan

Amber Kroening

Kim Singdahlsen

Lisa Henke

Sheri Gilson

Sarah Gough

Stacey Schafer

Tenia Nelson

Off to check on my own sweet peas to see how they are doing.  We grew them when the kids were small as object lessons, and I have carried on now that they are way past that stage.  Just love cutting the flowers and putting them in a vase as they smell sooo good and I just love their shape!
 

Happy Father's Day everyone!

Just Us Girls #245 - Technique Challenge

Watercolor stamping is our technique challenge for this week and it is a very simple technique - my favorite kind!  Simply ink your stamp with dye or distress ink, then mist the stamp with some water and stamp it onto card stock.  Works fabulously well with flower images, and you all know how much I love flowers!

I went on the CAS side, and pulled out one of my all time favorite Stampin' Up sets - Terrific Tulips.  Tulips are my favorite flower so this set will never be departing my possession LOL!  Spritzed each stamp with water before stamping it on my card stock for each of the two step stamps.  At first glance it may  not seem any different from a cleaning stamped image, but it definitely is a softer image.

Used PTI's Linen texture plate for a touch of contrast on the white panel (doesn't really show in the photo) and then added a vellum butterfly and sentiment panel.  A few pearls finished things off nicely.

The rest of the  JUGS team along with our June Guest Designer, Shirley-Bee, have some wonderful samples to get your inspiration going, so head on over to the Just Us Girls blog and check out what they've created.  Simply create a card using the sketch and link it up to the JUGS blog for a chance to be chosen as the Chic of the Week.  Remember, if you are chosen as Chic of the Week, you could be invited to be a Guest Designer.

Wishing you a fabulous weekend! 


 
What's In It?
Stamps: Terrific Tulips (Stampin' Up), Happy Birthday (Hero Arts) 
Paper:   White, Vellum   
Ink:  Black, Positively Pink, Certainly Celery Stampin' Up) 
Accessories:  Tag Die (My Favorite Things), Linen Texture Plate (PTI), 3/8" Green Grosgrain Ribbon (Michael's), Cream Half Pearls, Twine, Dimensionals   

Purple Grad Card

 

It has been forever since I've played along with Karen's Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge and glad I was able to change that.  She has such wonderful sketches.

This week's sketch was perfect for the commissioned grad card I had to make.  The grad's favorite colour is purple and she loves sparkle, so that was the theme as I worked on this card.  Thankfully, I managed to find some purple in my stash as it is not a colour I often use - phew!

Used Verve's Dream Big and the coordinating Dreamy Leaves and Scalloped Flowers dies, along with PTI's number border die for the 2014.  Hoping she likes it!

Thanks for popping in today, and hope you have a great day.

What's In It? 
Stamps:   Dream Big (Verve Stamps) 
Paper:    Elegant Eggplant, Mint Medley, Almost Amethyst (Stampin' Up)
Ink:  Black, VersaMark
Accessories:  Dreamy Leaves and Scalloped Flowers Die Sets (A Cut Above by Verve), Lacy Scalloped Circle and Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Numbers Border Die (PTI), Swiss Dots Embossing Folder, Purple Half Pearls, Bling, Glue Dots, Dimensionals

Verve Diva Dare Take Two

 

This is my second card for this month's Verve Diva Dare challenge entitled "A Man's World".  Just create a card with a masculine theme and at least one Verve Stamp and then link it up for a chance to win some Verve.  

I just love this Jeremiah 17:7 Plain Jane!  So versatile as you can use it for a masculine birthday card, a Father's Day card, or card of encouragement for any male in your life.

The paper is from Down by the Shore by Fancy Pants and I used two of the images from Strong Anchor and their matching dies from the Nautical Die Set.  The background was stamped in VersaMark with the smallest wheel image and I decided to add a bit of burlap for texture and dimension.  Some twine with a sailor's knot grounded the card.

Thanks for popping in today!

Challenge:  The Pink Elephant

What's In It? 
Stamps:   Strong Anchor, Jeremiah 17:7 Plain Jane (Verve Stamps) 
Paper:    Down By The Shore (Fancy Pants), Kraft, Old Navy, Real Red (Stampin' Up)
Ink:  Black, VersaMark
Accessories:  Nautical Die Set (A Cut Above by Verve), Tag Die (PTI), Crimper (Fiskars), Burlap, 3/8" Red Grosgrain Ribbon, Twine, Button, Brad, Glue Dots, Dimensionals

Shine Brightly

 It's time for another Viva La Verve sketch and this week, Julee has a great sketch for us to work with.  It is also a colour challenge week, so you can combine the two, or just use one one of them - your call.

This colour combo had me thinking baby card, so that is what I went with.  Some old Stampin' Up DSP, this fabulous sentiment from Shining Star, the star die from the Scalloped Trim Trio die set, a scatter of stars using the Starry die and a  touch of twine for a little something extra.

It's the first Viva La Verve sketch of the month, and the more times you enter over the course of the month's sketches, the more chances you have of winning the $100 gift certificate to Verve Stamps. 

Thanks for popping by and if you want to see which cards I chose to highlight for this week's VLV sketch, head on over to the Viva La Verve blog and check it out.

Wishing you a fabulous day!

 
 
What's In It?
Stamps:   Shining Star (Verve Stamps)
Paper:   Designer Series Paper, Night of Navy, So Saffron, Brocade Blue (Stampin' Up)  
Ink:  Black   
Accessories:  Scalloped Trim Trio Die Set and, Starry Die (Cut Above by Verve), Stitched Rectangles (Lil' Inkers), Buttons, Twine, Glue Dots, Dimensionals 

Mojo Monday #349

Julee continues to wow me with her amazing sketches!  This one took a bit of thinking, but then things fell together nicely.

I picked up Teresa Collins' new You Are Happy paper pad this weekend and think I will be going back for a second one!  Coral and grey - oh ya! Love it!

The sentiment is from Verve's Lean On Me -- one of my all time favorite sets as I adore the large font!  The Banner Bundle Die Set was used for the triple layered side banner, the Flutterby die for the butterfly, and I embossed the background with hearts to go with the sentiment. 

All the challenge details are over on the Mojo Monday blog and you can also view all the wonderful Mojo Makers samples.  Should you wish more details on the Mojo Maker's cards, you can also visit their individual blogs noted below.  

Debbie Carriere

Julee Tilman (Owner)

Marisa Ritzen (you are here)

Mary Fish

Sarah Biglow

Teresa Kline

Wanda Cullen

Finally managed to get my planters done this weekend and it is so nice to have pops of colour everywhere :)   Love summer flowers!  Enjoy the sketch and have a great week.

What's In It?
Stamps:   Lean On Me (Verve Stamps)
Paper:   You Are Happy (Teresa Collins), Basic Grey, Real Red, Mint Medley (Stampin' Up)
Ink:  Black
Accessories:  Flutterby, Banner Bundle Die Set (A Cut Above by Verve), Circle Nestabilities, Cross My Heart Embossing Folder (Provo Craft), Black Half Pearls, Button, Twine, Glue Dot, Dimensionals 

The Book of Unknown Americas

 

Cristina of My Paper Secret, an amazing card maker known for her fabulous CAS cards and PTI Design Team work (she recently had to step down to promote her book etc.) recently had a book published!

 

It's had some great reviews, and is on wait lists at libraries!  Sure to be a wonderful for Book Clubs too.  You can read more about it here. 

Cristina generously gave 5 signed, first edition books away on her blog and I was one of the lucky winners!!  Can't wait to read it as I was born and lived in Costa Rica during my childhood so I'm sure I'll have an instant connection with the characters.  Not to mention, the timing is ever so perfect with summer quickly approaching.  

 

Cristina is such a sweet, humble, talented person.  I wish her nothing but great success in her writing career!  

 

 

Curtain Call Inspiration Challenge - Something Simple Reminder

There are still time to join the Pajama Party over at The Curtain Call Inspiration Challenge.  Unity Stamps is our sponsor and the LEAD will receive a goodie bag from their store!

I used the sentiment from Countryside Blooms for my card.  The hearts on my card came from the rocks on the plate and I tossed in a few vellum hearts as a tribute to the clear plate. A touch of bling for a bit of "oomph" and a twine bow to pull the sentiment panel and hearts together.   

You can check out all the challenge details over on the Curtain Call Inspiration Challenge. You have until June 12th at 8:00 a.m. CST to complete a new card/project using the inspiration picture and linking it up accordingly. The Lead and Show Stoppers will be announced on June 14th.

Thanks for popping by and hope you can find some time to play along with us if you haven't done so already.






What's In It? 
Stamps:   Countryside Blooms (Unity Stamps) 
Paper:    White, Going Grey, Vellum (Stampin' Up)
Ink:  Going Grey (Stampin' Up)
Accessories:  Heart Quartet Die (A Cut Above by Verve), Heart Punch (Marvy), Stitched Rectangle Dies (Lil' Inkers), Twine, Shine Bright Sequin Mix (Verve Stamps), Dimensionals

Just Us Girls #244

This week's sketch is provided by Nancy and when I saw the four square panels, I thought of PTI's Autumn Acorns set, which I haven't used for way too long since it usually only comes out in the Fall.

Simple card using the set and matching dies and oh how I love working with these colours...happy sigh....{grin}.

The rest of the  JUGS team along with our new, June Guest Designer Shirley-Bee, have some wonderful samples to get your inspiration going, so head on over to the Just Us Girls blog and check out what they've created.  Simply create a card using the sketch and link it up to the JUGS blog for a chance to be chosen as the Chic of the Week.  Remember, if you are chosen as Chic of the Week, you could be invited to be a Guest Designer.

Wishing you a fabulous weekend! 


 
What's In It?
Stamps: Autumn Acorns (PTI) 
Paper:   Kraft, Early Espresso (Stampin' Up)   
Ink:  Black, Really Rust, Old Olive, Close to Cocoa (Stampin' Up) 
Accessories:  Autumn Acorns Die Set (PTI), Wood Grain Embossing Folder (Tim Holtz), Black Half Pearls, Twine, Dimensionals

Verve Diva Dare June 2014

This month's Diva Dare is entitled "A Man’s World".  With Father's Day falling on the 15th of this month, and BBQ season beginning, we are daring you to create a card with a masculine theme.  It doesn't have to be a Father's Day card, just one with a masculine feel to it.

I used Verve's newly released, Wonderful Marvelous for my card.  Love the variety of sentiments for both moms and dads in this set!  The Starry Die provided most of the scattered stars, and both the banner and flags were paper pieced.  A touch of silver cording and I was good to go.  Probably a bit over the top for a masculine card now that I look at it, so may have to go round two lol!

Of course, where there is a Verve Diva Dare, there are prizes, and this month's dare provides two prizes: one for a randomly selected participant and one for a randomly selected commenter! 

Want to get all the details on how you can win some Verve Stamps?  Simply head on over to the Verve Blog to get all the challenge details - I dare you!


Challenge:  Simon Says
  

What's In It?
Stamps:   Wonderful Marvelous (Verve Stamps) 
Paper:  Say Cheese (Simple Stories), Night of Navy, Kraft, So Saffron (Stampin' Up) 
Ink: Black
Accessories:   Starry Die (A Cut Above Verve), Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Button, Twine, Glue Dots, Dimensionals