Verve June 2015 Release Spotlight Hop ~ Day 2

Welcome back to Day 2 of Verve's June 2015 Spotlight Hops!  The Verve Divas and special guests are back for another day of spotlighting the new release! Everything previewed this week will be available in the Verve online store on Friday, 6/19. So come hop along with us and see what's new at Verve!

If you have come here from Laurie's blog you are right on track.  If  you just happened upon the Hop, today's hop list is a bit lower down or you can head over to Verve Blog for the full Hop List.

Today's spotlight is shining on the Deco Borders set illustrated by Chaitali Narla.

 

It was great fun creating this black and white background with one of the images from Deco Borders.  Love the dramatic and graphic print it created - perfect for a masculine card.  I added the sentiment and framed it with another image from the set and then added a pop of colour with the blue stars to keep the masculine theme going.  The sentiment was getting lost in the wash so I underlined it with black half pearls to draw your eye to it.



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 today for a little more about our new products and all the prize info and deadlines!

1. Julee	6. Marisa
2. Stacey	7. Charmaine
3. Teresa	8. Andrea
4. Amber	9. Shantaie
5. Laurie

Time to head on over to Charmaine's blog to see her wonderful creation for today's hop.






What's In It?
Stamps:   Deco Borders (Verve Stamps) 
Paper:  Black, Cool Caribbean, Night of Navy (Stampin' Up) 
Ink:  Black, Silver 

Accessories:   Starry Die (A Cut Above by Verve), White and Black Half Pearls, Dimensionals

Verve June 2015 Release Spotlight Hop ~ Day 1

** Third post of the day, so scroll down for my Curtain Call and Mojo Monday cards **

Welcome to Verve's June 2015 Spotlight Hops!  This week the Verve Divas and a few special guests will be spotlighting 5 new sets, 2 Plain Janes and 4 new die sets! Everything previewed this week will be available in the Verve online store on Friday, 6/19. So come hop along with us and see what's new at Verve!

If you have come here from Amber's blog you are right on track.  If  you just happened upon the Hop, today's hop list is a bit lower down or you can head over to Verve Blog for the full Hop List.

Today's spotlight is shining on the Get Together set illustrated by Julee Tilman and the new Psalm 19:14 Plain Jane.

I pulled out some old Stella and Rose MME papers for this card as I love them and wanted them to bring out the coffee theme on this card.  I love this cup image from Get Together and wanted it to take front and center so I kept the card on the simpler side.  I fussy cut it out for a bit of dimension, sponged the edges and took a lesson from the master (aka: Julee, Mrs Verve herself) and did a bit of white gel pen outlining of the butterflies on the cup to give them a bit more dimension.



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 today for a little more about our new products, an introduction of our fabulous special guests, and all the prize info and deadlines!

1. Julee	7. Andrea
2. Stacey	8. Christyne
3. Teresa	9. Janelle
4. Amber	10. Amy
5. Marisa	11. Shantaie
6. Charmaine

Time to head on over to Charmaine's blog to see her wonderful creation for today's hop.

What's In It?
Stamps:  Get Together (Verve Stamps)
Paper:  Stella and Rose (My Mind's Eye), Tempting Turquoise, Mint Medley, (Stampin' Up)
Ink:  Black
Accessories:  Flag It Die Set (A Cut Above by Verve), Crimper (Fiskars), White Gel Pen, Brown Half Pearls, Button, Twine, Glue Dot, Dimensionals

Curtain Call Inspiration Challenge - Flip Flops

** Second post of the day so scroll down for my Mojo Monday card ** 

This week the Crew over at the Curtain Call Inspiration Challenge is diving into summer with our Flip Flop challenge.  The LEAD for this challenge will be invited to be a guest designer in a future challenge.

This photo screams tropical beach and oh how I would love to be in that beautiful, warm, turquoise blue, water...sigh...  Definitely took me back to our time in Hawaii last year and I can almost feel the sand between my toes, warm ocean breeze and sun on my face.  Soooo want to go back!!

Coming back to reality meant I pulled out this gorgeous Garden Party paper by Pebbles and paired it with a darker turquoise and light tan as per the colours in the photo.   Added a doily as my tribute to  "airy summer clothes" followed by a few layers and add ons for the sentiment panel.

  Flip Flops Designers

Stephanie Lanzalotto, Guest Designer
Amy Kolling
Amy Tsuruta
Kim Singdahlsen
Laurie Willison
Lisa Henke
Marisa Ritzen
Maureen Plut
Melody Rupple
Monika Davis
Sarah Gough
Sheri Gilson
Stacey Schafer
Tenia Nelson
Tracey McNeely

Have a fabulous day and I look forward to seeing your creations. 

 




What's In It?
Stamps:   Let It Be, Bloom and Grow, Die Sidekicks (Verve Stamps), Wood Mats (PTI)
Paper: Garden Party (Pebbles), Turquoise, Tan

Ink:   Black, Close to Cocoa, Certainly Celery, Creamy Caramel (Stampin' Up)
Accessories:  Hearts and Swirls, Elegant Leaf and Heart Quartet Dies (A Cut Above by Verve), Doily Die (Top Dog Dies), Labels Die (PTI), Stitched Rectangle Die (Lil' Inkers), Martha Stewart Border Punch, Crimper (Fiskars), Button, Twine, Glue Dot, Dimensionals

Mojo Monday #402

Back with another Mojo Monday sketch and the wonderful addition of two new Mojo Makers!  Please join me in giving Lori Tecler and Justin Krieger a warm welcome :)   You can see their individual blog posts via the list below or their card thumbnails on the Mojo Monday blog.  They are both wonderful crafters and I know you will love seeing their weekly samples.

Since today is the first day of the new Verve release (eeek!!) I used a few of the stamps from Get Together.  It is a wonderful coffee/tea set to fit just about any card related need :)

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.

Carole Burrage

Julee Tilman (Owner)

Marisa Ritzen (that's me)

Mary Fish

Sarah Biglow

Teresa Kline

Justin Krieger

Lori Tecler

Wanda Cullen

Another glorious weekend weather wise and perfect for watching my son ref some soccer games.  We have been so spoiled with the fabulous weather all spring and now into the summer.  Farmer's Almanac says it is going to be a dry, hot one this summer so we will have to see if that plays out!

Trusting you had a great weekend and wishing you a fabulous day!

What's In It?
Stamps:  Get Together (Verve Stamps)   
Paper:  Gnome Sweet Gnome (My Mind's Eye), Pretty in Pink, Certainly Celery, DSP (Stampin' Up)
Ink:  Black (Momento)
Accessories:  Cup of Cheer (A Cut Above by Verve), Doily Die (Top Dog Dies), Crimper (Fiskars), Button, Twine, Glue Dot, Dimensionals

Viva La Verve June 2015 Week 1 Sketch

It's recap time for the first Viva La Verve June sketch and this is the lovely sketch Julee is providing for us to work with.

The big circle reminded me of a doily so that is what I went with and the rest fell into place.  However, it needed a little zip so I added the red butterfly.

The sentiment is the Psalm 119:105 Plain Jane and the butterfly is my favorite Flutterby die.

After I had completed and photographed the card I realized I did a bit of a goof in that I didn't use two different papers for my background - my bad!  No time to make a new card so I improvised by adding a tiny strip of dark brown to at least split the panels.  Note to self: double check the sketch when you are in a hurry to get one done to make sure you are following it {bashful grin}.

Head on over to the Viva La Verve blog to get a ton of inspiration and to find out whose cards I have spotlighted this week.

Thanks for popping in today!



What's In It?
Stamps:   Psalm 119:105 Plain Jane (Verve Stamps)
Paper:   Capella (Basic Grey), Early Espresso, Real Red, So Saffron, Blush Blossom, DSP (Stampin' Up)
Ink:  Black     
Accessories:  Flutteryby Die (A Cut Above by Verve), Doily Die (Top Dog Dies), Crimper (Fiskars), Button, Twine, Glue Dot, Dimensionals 

Mojo Monday #401

The best way to start a Monday is with a fabulous Mojo Monday sketch by Julee :)

This week's sketch provides various options for the panels. You can use the rectangle one for an image and the circle for a sentiment or the other way around as I chose to do.

LOVE this Luke 1:45 Plain Jane verse!  Such an amazing promise God gave Mary when she found she was pregnant with Jesus and one we can cling to today in whatever circumstance life is bringing us.  The flower is die cut using Scalloped Flowers and Sprightly Sprigs die sets.

Sorry about the springs and butterflies looking black.  I just can't seem to get Early Espresso to photograph dark brown and it is driving me nuts!!!

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.

Julee Tilman (Owner)

Marisa Ritzen (you are here)

Mary Fish

Sarah Biglow

Teresa Kline

Wanda Cullen

Phew!  It was a hot one here this past weekend reaching close to 29C (90F) with the humidex!  Where is a friend with a pool when you need one LOL!  Thankfully, our house stays relatively cool in comparison to many others, but it is still a bit tough to sleep.  Upside:  my newly planted baskets and garden flowers are thriving {grin}!

Wishing you a fabulous day!

What's In It?
Stamps:  Luke 1:45 Plain Jane (Verve Stamps)   
Paper:  These Days Collection (Kaiser Kraft), Early Espresso, Burgundy (Stampin' Up) 
Ink:  Black (Momento)
Accessories:  Scalloped Circle and Sprightly Springs Dies (A Cut Above by Verve), Butterfly and Daisy Border Punch (Martha Stewart), White Half Pearls, Button, Twine, Glue Dot, Dimensionals

Curtain Call Inspiration Challenge - Beach Ball Reminder

We are half way through the current Beach Ball Curtain Call Inspiration Challenge  and today's card is my second take on the inspiration photo.

Since the beach balls are round, I decided to make a round card - something I haven't done for some time.   

I used a FTL sketch and had great fun using these wonderful primary colours again.  I added pops of black for accents and a bit of depth and a twine bow to finish things off.

If you haven't played along yet, we would love to have you join us!  We have no sponsor for this challenge, but The LEAD gets to join us as a Guest Designer in a future challenge.

Off to try to stay cool as we have a bit of a heat wave here this weekend! 

 

What's In It?
Stamps:  Best Yet (Stampin' Up)   
Paper:  Brocade Blue, Real Red, Black, DSP (Stampin' Up) 
Ink:  Black
Accessories:  Lacy Circle Nestabilties (Spellbinders), Upsy Daisy Dies (My Favorite Things), Butterfly Punch (Martha Stewart), Twine, Button, Glue Dot, Dimensionals

June Verve Diva Inspirations Hop

It's the 5th of the month and time for the Verve Divas to bring you our monthly Diva Inspirations Challenge and Blog Hop! There are two ways to win Verve prizes: comment on the design team's blog hop posts (linked below) to see their take on the inspiration, then go get inky and link up your take on the challenge to be eligible in our prize drawings!

Our June challenge is Eat Me, Drink Me

Are you fueled by coffee or tea or cocoa? Find cupcakes irresistible? Create a card featuring an edible treat or favored beverage!  Use the inspiration graphic as a starting point, or head off in your own direction - just leave us needing a fix of your favorite indulgence!

If you have arrived from Maureen's blog, you are right on track. If you just happened upon the hop, you can check the hop list below.

I couldn't find any aqua, striped paper in my stash so I went with my go to pattern - polka dots!  Matched them up with some dark brown to match Verve's signature colours and added a few pops of red for colour.  The stamp set I used is called Coffee along with the co-ordinating Cuppa Joe die set and Coffee Word die. 

Click here to link up your challenge entries
Challenge deadline: Saturday, June 20.
Prize: $30 gift voucher to the Verve online store!

Need a little inspiration? Check out the blogs linked below to see what the other Divas did with the challenge! It's sure to be a treat, and speaking of treats, we've got a prize for one lucky commenter along the hop! Check out the Verve Blog today for all the prize info and deadlines!

1. Julee  8. Marisa 2. Amy 9. Chaitali 3. Anya 10. Stacey 4. Betty 11. Amber 5. Sankari 12. Karen 6. Sarah 13. Jen 7. Maureen

Time to head on over to Chaitali's blog to see her wonderful creation using this month's theme and  inspiration photo.

Enjoy the hop, and I look forward to seeing your creations!

Also entering this in the Coffee Lover's Blog Hop.  A great hop with lots of prizes and wonderful sponsors, Verve Stamps being one of them :) 

What's In It?
Stamps:  Coffee (Verve Stamps)   
Paper:  The Sweetest Thing (My Mind's Eye), Early Espresso, Real Red  (Stampin' Up), Cream Linen, Tan

Ink:  Chocolate Chip, Black  (Stampin' Up)
Accessories:  Coffee Word Die and Cuppa Joe Die Set (A Cut Above by Verve), Large Scalloped Die (PTI), Twine, Button, Brown Half Pearls, Glue Dots, Dimensionals 

Curtain Call Inspiration Challenge - Beach Ball

** My second post of the day. Scroll down for my Mojo Monday post ** 

Time for a new Curtain Call Inspiration Challenge, and this time we are heading to the beach!  We have no sponsor this time round, but the LEAD will be invited as a Guest Designer in a future challenge! 

Love the primary colours in this picture and thus my flowers were born.  I pulled a round theme from the balls (flower petals and scalloped border) as well as the swoop from the string the balls were on.  A added a touch of twine to balance the card off.  A CAS card that just fell into place - a true rarity for me!

Listed below is a list of all designers' blogs to provide you with more inspiration!

  Beach Ball Designers

Michele Ferguson, I Card Everyone
Amy Kolling
Amy Sheffer
Amy Tsuruta
Gayatri Murali
Kim Singdahlsen
Laurie Willison
Lisa Henke
Marisa Ritzen
Maureen Plut
Monika Davis
Sarah Gough
Sheri Gilson
Stacey Schafer
Tenia Nelson
Tracey McNeely

Have a fabulous day and I look forward to seeing your creations. 

Challenges:  The Pink Elephant 

 




What's In It?
Stamps:   Warmest Regards (Stampin' Up) 
Paper:  Real Red, Cool Caribbean, So Saffron (Stampin' Up) 

Ink:   Black
Accessories:  Pretty Posies (My Favorite Things), Scalloped Edger Die and Twine (PTI), Glue Dots 

Mojo Monday 400!!

We are celebrating Mojo Monday's 400th sketch today!!  Julee has been providing us with her amazing sketches for eight years, and that is something to celebrate indeed!!

The team had some fun doing a little research, and I discovered my very first Mojo Monday sketch was #39 all the way back in 2008!  My first Mojo Monday win was sketch #170 and I had the honor of being asked to be a Mojo Maker starting with sketch #253, a huge bucket list item checked off my list!  I simply ADORE Julee's sketches and many of my favorite cards are made with one of her sketches.  A huge congrats to you, Julee, and thank you for so many amazing sketches over the years ((hugs))!!

Today's sketch is Julee's very first Mojo Sketch, and since it is the first Monday of the month, it is also contest week!  Lots of things to celebrate today :)

Out came my hoarded In Bloom MME papers as the lovely flower in the corner was the perfect filler for the top of the sketch.  Of course, where there is a flower there has to be a butterfly wink, wink.  My butterfly of choice was from Die Sidekicks and the sentiment is from Hope Blooms.

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.

Julee Tilman (Owner)

Marisa Ritzen (you are here)

Mary Fish

Sarah Biglow

Teresa Kline

Wanda Cullen

It's back to work this week, and unfortunately my To Do List got blown out of the water.  What was supposed to be a quiet week for me to get lots done around the house, ended up being an extremely busy one with lots coming up unexpectedly and kids needing to go in every direction and then some.  Will have to slowly chip away at my list as time permits rather than do my planned blitzkrieg.  Flexibility is definitely the name of the game when you have kids LOL!

Enjoy the sketch, thanks for popping by and have a fabulous day! 

Challenges:  The Pink Elephant 

 

What's In It?
Stamps:   Die Side Kicks, Hope Blooms (Verve Stamps)
Paper:   In Bloom (My Mind's Eye), Kraft, Real Red (Stampin' Up)
Ink:  Black, VersaMark
Accessories:  Lacy Circle and Circle Nestabilties (Spellbinders) Button, Twine, Black Half Pearls, Glue Dots, Dimensioanls