Diva Dare ~ May 2013

** If you are looking for my Mojo Monday post, it is in the post below **

Welcome to another segment of Verve's Diva Dares!  This month's Dare is called "Stars and Stripes".  It combines a tribute to Diva Amber's military service and Diva Laurie Wilson's fabulous use of stripes on her cards.   Here is my take on the Dare.

Since I had a starry  night in mind when I thought of this challenge, I immediately reached for Verve's new Let It Be set as it has some great "shine" sentiments.  I used the Rounded Scalloped Frame die twice,  once on black card stock and once on white, and then swapped out the middles to have opposing frames and centers.  The sentiment was embossed in white and the Starry Die was perfect for creating my scatter of stars.  I also used the star die from the Scalloped Trim Trio set to emphasise the star aspect just a little more ;)   Oh, and I just "had" to use some more of that yummy Polka Dot Basic ribbon collection to finish things off!  The striped portion of the Dare got a bit overshadowed by the stars, but it is there and does provide grounding for the card.

Where there is a Verve Dare, there are prizes, and this month's Dare provides you with FOUR ways to win!!  Three lucky commenters, randomly selected over the course of the Dare, will win a Verve set of their choice.  One lucky person participating in this month's Dare, will be randomly selected to win the entire May release!!  Well worth playing for in my books!!  

For all the Diva Dare challenge details, head on over to the Verve Blog - I dare you!



What's In It?
Stamps: Let It Be (Verve Stamps) 
Paper:  Stampin' Up DSP, So Saffron, Black 
Ink: VersaMark 
Accessories: Starry Die, Rounded Rectangle Die, Scalloped Trim Border Die (A Cut Above by Verve), Polka Dot Basics Ribbon Collection (Verve), Dimensionals

Mojo Monday #293

Another fabulous Mojo Monday sketch by Julee this week.  Loved the mix of elements on this sketch.

I found a wonderful Teresa Collins 6 x 6 pack at my LSS a few weeks ago and had great fun using it on this card.  Love the mix of patterns and opted to use red as my highlight colour.  Still swooning over Verve's Let It Be set from last week's release!  So many fabulous sentiments and mixes of fonts!  I doubled up on the sentiments by using "life is beautiful" from the Sunny Days set and turned it into one of my life's motto :)  So much of life comes from the little things, and the culmination of them is what makes life beautiful.

I crimped the yellow circle for a bit of texture, but you can't really see it in the picture.  I always enjoy using the Pennant Trim Die and still swoon whenever I use the Flutterby die.  Boy, I'm doing a lot of swooning today!  See what Verve Stamps and dies do to me LOL!

You can check out all the challenge details over on the Mojo Monday blog and also get a chance to view all the wonderful Mojo Makers samples!  Should you wish more details on their cards, you can also visit their individual blogs noted below.

Carole Burrage

Debbie Carriere

Julee Tilman (Owner)

Marisa Ritzen (you are here)

Mary Fish

Sarah Biglow

Teresa Kline

Stephanie Kraft

Wanda Cullen

Thanks for popping by today!  I'm taking a deep breath and exhaling as things are finally slowing down a bit.  Mom is home and feeling much better and the crunch job for hubby's office is almost done.  Phew! That was a crazy couple of weeks!   



What's In It?
Stamps: Let It Be and Sunny Days ( Verve Stamps) 
Paper:  He Said She Said (Teresa Collins), Real Red, So Saffron, Kraft (Stampin' Up), Starbucks Coffee Sleeve 
Ink: Black 
Accessories: Pennant Trim Die and Flutterby Die (A Cut Above by Verve),  Circle Nestabilities, Crimper (Fiskars), Button, Black Half Pearls, Bling, Twine, Glue Dot, Dimensionals 

Just Us Girls # 188 - Technique Challenge

Welcome to this week's Just Us Girls challenge hosted by Tangii.  She has chosen a fabulous technique for this week's challenge:  Use white ink (or white pastel, chalk or pencil) on your project.

Since last week was an insanely busy week for me, I was unable to get a card done for the Verve Spotlight Hop showcasing this fabulous teacher set called Teachers Count, which was inspired by Diva Maureen (who is a teacher).  Thankfully today I had a bit of time and was able to make a card using it and what fun I had!!  Can't wait to ink it up again!   


I stamped the number image form the set in white ink to create the background on the kraft panel.  The Apple Die Set has two matching apple dies and apple stamps for those of you, who like me, are not into colouring.  I was once again giddy with glee using this fabulous polka dotted ribbon from the new Polka  Dot Basics ribbon pack - excuse me while I swoon LOL.  A bit of bling and a turned corner finished things off.
  
The rest of the  JUGS team has some wonderful samples to get your inspiration going, so just hop on over to the Just Us Girls blog, and check out what the Design Team has created.  Then put your creative genes to work and add your card/project to the challenge post on the JUGS blog for the chance to be selected as Chic of the Week.  
 
Have a fabulous weekend everyone!  We have another busy one to work our way through but at least I'll get a teensy bit of a sleep in on Saturday -- gotta take what I can get right now :) 
 


 What's In It?  Stamps:  Teachers Count (Verve Stamps)
Paper: Early Espresso, Kraft, Real Red, Designer Series Paper (Stampin' Up) 
Ink:  Black, White Craft Ink (Stampin' Up)  
Accessories:  Apple Die Set (A Cut Above by Verve), Scalloped Circle and Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Crimper (Fiskars), Polka Dotted Ribbon (Polka Dot Basics Ribbon from Verve), Bling, Dimesionals 

Verve May 2013 Spotlight Hop ~ Day 4

Welcome to Day 4 of Verve's Sneak Peek Spotlight Hop.   If you have come here from Christyne's blog you are right on track. If you just happened up on the Hop, you can follow the list below to get caught up.

Today's featured sets (and available prize to one randomly selected commenter along the Hop), includes:  Teachers Count, Apple Die Set, All Occasion, Occasion Frame Die, and Promoted Plain Jane.   I  was hoping to make two cards today, but life got in the way so was only able to spotlight On Occasion.

After last week's experience/scare, this Mother's Day will be all the more special.  Therefore, I decided to make another card for my mom to compliment my Mojo Monday card, which was about her being a grandmother to my kids.   You can see the card here if you like.  I used Diva Christyne's Verve Sketch as the doily was perfect for a Mother's Day card.  Paired it with some K & Company papers from their Brenda Walton Madeline series and the All Occasion Frame and die worked wonderfully to form my focal panel.  Love the sentiment too!  Yes, my mom is truly a blessing and I want her to be blessed!  

Want to win some shiny new Verve? We'll be picking a random commenter on one of the hop spots below to win today's featured products! So be sure to leave a little comment on all the blogs below to increase your chances! Check out the Verve Blog for all the prize details and deadlines.

Friday, 5/10/13
Today's Prize: Teachers Count, Apple Die Set, All Occasion, Occasion Frame Die, Promoted Plain Jane

1. Julee	8. Andrea
2. Charmaine	9. Jen M.
3. Teresa	10. Laurie W.
4. Stacey	11. Laurie S.
5. Amber	12. Janelle
6. Christyne	13. Maureen
7. Marisa	14. Jen S.

That wraps up our May Spotlight Hop.  But, the best part is right at your fingertips:  every set previewed this week is now available at Verve's On-Line Store!  Happy shopping and I look forward to seeing your creations in blog land!















What's In It?
Stamps: On Occasion (Verve Stamps) 
Paper: Brenda Walter Madeline Series (K & Company), So Saffron, Blush Blossom (Stampin' Up), Cream Linen 
Ink: Creamy Caramel, Black (Stampin' Up) 
Accessories:  All Occasion Frame Die and Banner Bundle Die Set (A Cut Above by Verve), Scalloped Circle and Oval Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Lace, 5/8" Cream Satin Ribbon, Button, Twine, Glue Dot, Brown and Pink Half Pearls, Dimensionals

Verve May 2013 Spotlight Hop ~ Day 3

Welcome to Day 3 of Verve's Sneak Peek Spotlight Hop.   If you have come here from Christyne's blog you are right on track. If you just happened up on the Hop, you can follow the list below to get caught up.

Today's spotlights are Strong Anchor and matching Nautical Die set, as well as a Plain Jane called Adjusted Sails.  I chose to showcase Strong Anchor since June is a crazy busy month with year end activities at schools etc., and it was a perfect opportunity to get my Father's Day card for hubby done early!

I used the square version of last week's Mojo Monday sketch as I just loved the banners.  I created my own pattern on the banners using the anchor image on one panel and the wheel on the other.  The Curvy Bookplate die was a perfect frame for this fabulous sentiment.    Some embossing and a few buttons added some extra "oomph" and as hard as I tired not to , a bow somehow managed to make it's way on to the card.  Good thing hubby is man enough to deal with it LOL!

For my second card, I just had to use this fabulous verse Julee brought to life :)   The Banner Bundle Die Set cut out the flags/banners down the side, and I stamped the wheel image on each one of them for a little something.  The frame around the sentiment panel was created with the rope image in the set.   I omitted the anchor image on the sentiment so I could add a larger one off to the side, which I die cut with the matching Nautical die set.  Couldn't resist adding a twine sailor's knot up the side and a bit of burlap for the anchor to rest in.

Next in line is Andrea, and she always has some drool worthy creation to ogle, so head on over to see what she has created for you today.    
 
Thursday, 5/9/13
Today's Prize: Strong Anchor, Adjusted Sails Plain Jane, Nautical Die Set

1. Julee	8. Andrea
2. Charmaine	9. Jen M.
3. Teresa	10. Laurie W.
4. Stacey	11. Laurie S.
5. Amber	12. Janelle
6. Christyne	13. Maureen
7. Marisa	14. Jen S.

Tomorrow is our fourth and final day of our Spotlight Hops for this release.  The Verve Store goes live tomorrow, just in time for some Mother's Day shopping -- be it by your family or you on behalf of your family {grin}...  













Strong and Courageous
Stamps: Strong Anchor, Tag Time (Verve Stamps) 
Paper:  Early Espresso, Night of Navy, Bordering Blue, Brocade Blue (Stampin' Up) 
Ink: Black, VersaMark 
Accessories: Curvy Bookplate Die (A Cut Above by Verve), Button Die (PTI), Distressed Striped Embossing Folder (Provo Craft), 5/8" Brown Satin Ribbon, Black Half Pearls, Twine, Dimensionals


This Hope
Stamps:  Strong Anchor (Verve Stamps) 
Paper:  Night of Navy and Real Red (Stampin' Up), Costco DP, Cream Linen 
Ink:  Black, Real Red 
Accessories:  Nautical Die Set and Banner Bundle Die Set (A Cut Above From Verve), Twine (PTI), Dimenstionals
 

Verve May 2013 Spotlight Hop ~ Day 2

Welcome to Day 2 of Verve's Sneak Peek Spotlight Hop.  If you have arrived from Christyne's blog you are right on track. If you happened up on the Hop, you can catch up using the list below.

Today's featured stamp sets are Let it Be and Deepest Sympathy Plain Jane.  I chose to spotlight one of the fabulous sentiments from the Let It Be set.  Julee continues to create the most amazing sentiment sets!!  I had a hard time choosing which one to use!

I finally settled on this great statement - one I have to remind myself of often because I tend to be an independent, take life by the tail type of person.  Not easy to let go of control at times, and oh how I have had to learn to let go and let God over and over again LOL!

I used Diva Sarah's amazing Verve sketch for this card and some yummy Park Bench paper from Fancy Pants.  In addition, I am swooning over the fact that Verve now carries this drool-worthy, polka dotted ribbon!!  I have coveted it for at least two years every time I saw Julee use it on one of her fabulous creations and now I have some in my very own craft room as well as a ready supplier - yeah!!

Wednesday, 5/8/13
Today's Prize: Let it Be, Deepest Sympathy Plain Jane

1. Julee	7. Andrea
2. Charmaine	8. Jen M.
3. Teresa	9. Laurie W.
4. Stacey	10. Laurie S.
5. Christyne	11. Janelle
6. Marisa	12. Maureen

Next in line is Andrea, and she will be sure to have an amazing creation for you to ogle!  Make sure to come back tomorrow for Day 3 of our Spotlight Hop!
















What's In It?
Stamps:  Let It Be (Verve Stamps) 
Paper : Park Bench (Fancy Pants Designs),  So Saffron, Black (Stampin' Up) 
Ink: Black 
Accessories:   Pennant Trim Die (A Cut Above by Verve), Scalloped Circle and Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Polka Dotted Ribbon (Verve Stamps), Crimper, Black Half Pearls, Dimensionals

Verve May 2013 Spotlight Hop ~ Day 1

Welcome to our May 2013 Spotlight Hops!  Today we're shining our Verve spotlights on the new stamps Take Note and Happy Graduation Plain Jane. Each of the release team Divas and Guest Divas below has posted her first look at these new stamps today.

As you hop through the list below, you just might see some super sneaky peeks of new coordinating dies and ribbons, so keep your eyes peeled! Everything you see previewed along today's hop will be available in Verve's online store on Friday, May 10.

If you have come here from Christyne's blog you are right on track. If you just happened up on the Hop, you can follow the list below to get caught up.  For my card today, I combined both of today's featured sets on one card by adding the "I'm proud of you" tag under the Plain Jane sentiment.  I used MME's In Bloom papers as I am hopelessly addicted to them.  Love the colours and patterns in this pack - perfect for a totally girly graduation card :)

The card seemed to  need a little something so I distressed the edges.  At the end of it all, I couldn't decide if I liked the straight edged card or the distressed card better so I've posted the both!  Which one do you like better?  We had a split vote at my house so the decision rests in your hands LOL! 

Want to win some shiny new Verve? We'll be picking a random commenter on one of the hop spots below to win today's featured products! So be sure to leave a little comment on all the blogs below to increase your chances! Check out the Verve Blog for all the prize details and deadlines. Woohoo! Let's get started...

1. Julee	8. Andrea
2. Charmaine	9. Jen M.
3. Teresa	10. Laurie W.
4. Stacey	11. Laurie S.
5. Amber	12. Janelle
6. Christyne	13. Maureen
7. Marisa

Next in line is Andrea, and she will be sure to have an amazing creation for you to oggle!  Make sure to come back tomorrow for Day 2 of our Spotlight Hop!   One of my favorite sets from this release will be showcased!

















What's In It?
Stamps: Take Note and Happy Graduation Plain Jane (Verve) 
Paper: In Bloom (My Mind's Eye), Kraft, So Saffron (Stampin' Up), Cream Linen 
Ink:  Black 
Accessories: Curvy Bookplate Die, Oval Nestabilities (Spellbinders), 5/8" Pink Satin Ribbon, Pink Liquid Pearls, Button, Twine, Glue Dot, Dew Drops, Dimensionals

Some Fun News!

** See my first post of the day for this week's Mojo Monday card ** 

Welcome to a busy Monday on my blog!!  I have the wonderful honor of being asked by Lesley to be Merry Monday's Guest Designer for the month of May!

I was thrilled when Lesley asked me to join this wonderful team of ladies.  In addition, what a fabulous idea to make a Christmas card per week so your Christmas card stash is pretty well set by the end of the year, leaving you one less thing to worry about come that busy time of year.

I squealed when I saw this sketch!  You see, I finally broke down and got PTI's snowflake die a few months ago and when I saw this sketch, I was so excited not have to wait until November to use it :)  Added bonus:  I got to use my favorite Christmas word die too!

The rest of the Merry Monday Crew have fabulous samples of this week's sketch.  Below is a link to each of their blogs.

Allisa Chilton
Bonnie Klass

LeAnne Pugliese

Nina Forsyth

Wendy Aungst

Narelle Farrugia

Sue Joyce
Sherry Eckblad
Margaret Moody 
Vicki Burdick

Have a fabulous day and I'll be back next week with my next Merry Monday card.

What's In It?
Stamps:  Background Basics (Stampin' Up) 
Paper:  Kraft, Real Red, Wild Wasabi (Stampin' Up) 
Ink: VersaMark 
Accessories: Snowflake and Holly Dies (PTI), Joy Die (WPlus9), Button, Twine, Black Half Pearl, Glue Dot, Dimensionals

Mojo Monday #292

Today is contest week over on the Mojo Monday blog, and Julee has come up with another wonderful sketch for us to use!  I can't believe I'm actually saying that because there is a skewed panel on  the sketch LOL!  Yes, any skewed panel phobia was beaten right out of me after having to deal with so many of them on the Mojo Monday blog and the weekly Verve Sketches on SCS.  I am happy to report, I'm glad they did as I am quite enjoying them now.  That's what I love about this wonderful hobby - always room for growth as a stamper :)  

The papers  were pulled from Michael's Sweetest Thing paper pack and I used Basic Grey as my accent colour.  Love this fabulous sentiment from Love Deepens as it is perfect for my mom :)

You can check out all the challenge details over on the Mojo Monday blog and also get a chance to view all the wonderful Mojo Makers samples!  Should you wish more details on their cards, you can also visit their individual blogs noted below.

Carole Burrage

Debbie Carriere

Julee Tilman (Owner)

Marisa Ritzen (you are here)

Mary Fish

Sarah Biglow

Teresa Kline

Stephanie Kraft

Wanda Cullen

I'm glad last week is over as it was a doozy.  In addition to my crazy, busy schedule right now, my mom ended up in Emergency not once, but twice on Wednesday!  She has atrial fibrillation which caused her heart rate to drop to 36 and her blood pressure to 77/36 -- both NOT good things!  After the first bout, she stabilized and they considered it a "one off" and discharged her.  However, at 2:00 a.m. that same evening, she went through the exact same symptoms and back to Emergency we went.

The good news is we already knew the nurses in ER from our earlier visit that evening, and they were simply amazing, as was the ER doctor.  I could not have asked for her to be in better hands!!  They shipped her off to ICU once she was stabilized and the Internist immediately booked surgery for her to get a pace maker -- which was done at 8:15 a.m. this morning.  She will spend most of today in OR Recovery and then one added day back on the ward so they can ensure all systems are firing properly.  A huge answer to prayer as the pace maker was an inevitability in her future.  Now that she has one, we don't have to deal with the fear of potential repeats of this past Wednesday.  God is good :)

Thanks for popping by today!  Make sure you come back tomorrow for Day 1 Sneak Peeks of Verve's new release this Friday, May 10th! 



What's In It?
Stamps: Love Deepens, Joyful Blooms and Dream Big (Verve) 
Paper:  The Sweetest Thing (Recollections at Michael's), Mellow Moss, Rich Razzleberry and Going Grey (Stampin' Up)
Ink: Black, VersaMark
Accessories: Scalloped Trio Trim Dies, Dreamy Leaves Dies, Joyful Blooms Dies, Rounded Rectangle Die (A Cut Above by Verve), XO Die (PTI), Corner Rounder (Marvy), Black Seam Binding (Verve Seam Binding), Double Sided Tape, Cream Half Pearls, Dimensionals

Mother's Day Card - Two Versions

I made two cards with the same layout and just switched up the colours and images on them.  The first card uses The Art of Life set by Stampin' Up.  It is a set I have always loved and haven't used in ages so it was good to give it some ink.  Just love this flower image! 

The second card uses Easy Elegance, another wonderful flower set by Stampin' Up.  This time I used my favorite pink and yellow colour combo - much like the colours of the tulips and cherry blossoms  in our neighbourhood right now.   Two quick and easy cards, and I just love that little PTI tag - so perfect for a Mother's Day card!

Back to work - still crazy busy here.  Thanks for popping by and have a great day.



First card:
What's In It?
Stamps:  Easy Elegance (Stampin' Up)
Paper:   Almost Amethyst, Mellow Moss (Stampin' Up)
Ink:   Almost Amethyst, Lovely Lilac, Mellow Moss (Stampin' Up)
Accessories: Scalloped Square Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Butterfly Punch (Martha Stewart), Tiny Tags Die (PTI), Crimper, White Half Pearls, Raffia, Dimensionals 

Second Card:
What's In It?
Stamps:  The Art of Life (Stampin' Up)
Paper:  Pretty in Pink, Almost Amethyst Mellow Moss (Stampin' Up)
Ink:  Regal Rose, So Saffron, Mellow Moss, Lovely Lilac, Almost Amethyst, Black (Stampin' Up)
Accessories: Scalloped Square Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Butterfly Punch (Martha Stewart), Tiny Tags Die (PTI), Crimper, White Half Pearls, Raffia, Dimensionals