Verve March 2016 Release Spotlight Hop ~ Day 2 and Mojo Monday

Welcome back to Day 2 of Verve's March Spotlight Hops!  The Verve Divas and special guests are back for another day of spotlighting our new release! Everything previewed this week is available to order in the Verve online store. So come hop along and take a closer look at the Coffee Helps and Cup for All Seasons die set.

Another great coffee set by Julee, perfect for any coffee lover!!  For my card today, I used this week's Mojo Monday Sketch and this wonderful sentiment as I love lattes :)  Matched some Kaiser Kraft papers with a chocolate brown doily as I always think of these colours when I think of coffee.  A few pops of red for colour, twine to keep with the natural theme and some distressing to finish things off.

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 the full hop list, a little more about our new products and all the prize info and deadlines!

1. Julee	8. Mackie
2. Amber	9. Marisa
3. Betty	10. Maureen
4. Charmaine	11. Stacey
5. Christyne	12. Teresa
6. Laurie	13. Vicki
7. Lee-Anne

Time to head on over to Maureen's blog to see what kind of Verve eye candy she has created for your viewing pleasure today.  Happy hopping!

 

What's In It?
Stamps:   Coffee Helps (Verve Stamps) 
Paper:   Kaiser Kraft, Sahara Sand, Chocolate Chip (Stampin' Up), Cream Linen 
Ink:   Black, Antique Linen (Tim Holtz Distress Inks)
Accessories:  Cup 4 All Seasons Die Set (A Cut Above by Verve), Doily Die (Top Dog Dies), Twinkling H2Os, Distressing Tool, Stickles, Twine, Button, Glue Dots, Dimensionals

Verve March 2016 Release Spotlight Hop ~ Day 1

Welcome to Verve's March 2016 Spotlight Hops!  It's an exciting day as there's a whole bunch of new Verve in the store this morning!  5 beautiful new sets, 6 die sets and a Plain Jane just released and they're all available to order right now.  Throughout the next week, we'll be spotlighting each of the new sets with a hop to show you just how versatile these sets are.

Today the Divas and special guests are showing you their first projects with the new release. And it's designer's choice, so you might just sneak a peek at a whole bunch of must-haves!

If you have come here from Guest Designer Mackie'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 card uses Simply Amazing and the matching Simple Daisies Die Set, along with the Sprightly Sprigs Die Set for the leaves.  Was in a fall theme when I made it due to the rain outside and no sign of spring so the colours went that way {grin}.  Another set of fabulous sentiments in this set!

Want to win some shiny new Verve? Today's prize is a BIG one. We'll be picking a random commenter on one of the hop spots below to win our ENTIRE new release! So be sure to leave a little comment on all the blogs below to increase your chances! Check out the Verve Blog today for the full hop list and all the prize info and deadlines!

1. Julee	8. Mackie
2. Amber	9. Marisa
3. Betty	10. Maureen
4. Charmaine	11. Stacey
5. Christyne	12. Teresa
6. Laurie	13. Vicki
7. Lee-Anne

Time to head on over to Maureen's blog to see what kind of Verve eye candy she has created for your viewing pleasure today.  Happy hopping!




 

What's In It?
Stamps:   Simply Amazing (Verve Stamps) 
Paper:   Springtime (Echo Park), Kraft, Only Orange, Old Olive (Stampin' Up) 
Ink:   Black  
Accessories:  Simple Daisies and Sprightly Sprigs Die Sets (A Cut Above By Verve), Lacy Circle and Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Buttons, Twine, Glue Dots, Dimensionals 

Curtain Call Inspiration Challenge - Key Lime

We are back with our first Curtain Call Inspiration Challenge for March!  This time round, our challenge is Key Lime.  Made me think of Key Lime pie of course lol, not to mention makes me happy as green is my favorite colour :) 

 The LEAD for this challenge will be invited to be a Guest Designer in an upcoming challenge.  Today we have TWO guest designers:  Amy Rohl & Michelle Bala.  Welcome ladies!!! 

Had great time making this card as I just LOVE the colour green, and what better paper pad to get lime coloured paper from than MME's Lime Twist {grin}.  Added bonus, it came in polka dotted form - swoon LOL!!!  The cupcake is from Verve's Small Packages and was coloured with Twinkling H2Os and topped off with a touch of Stickles for some sparkle and a little flag for added fun :) 

KEY LIME

Guest Designers -  Amy Rohl and Michelle Bala

Amy Kolling

Amy Tsuruta

Betty Wright

 Kim Singdahlsen

Laurie Willison

Leigh Penner

Lisa Henke
Lori Tecler 
Lynn Magnan

Marisa Ritzen

Maureen Plut

Melody Rupple

Monika Davis

Sheri Gilson

Stacey Schafer
Tara Godfrey

Tracey McNeely

Have fun with the challenge and I look forward to seeing your creations in the Curtain Call gallery.

 

What's In It?

Stamps: Small Packages (Verve Stamps)

Paper: Lime Twist (My Mind's Eye), Kraft and Old Olive (Stampin' Up)

Ink: Black

Accessories: Tag and Word Die (PTI), Twine, Dimensionals

Mojo Monday #437

Yeah!  We get to play with a square card sketch!  Looooove making square cards :)  I keep mine to 4 1/4 x 4 1/4 and love working with that smaller space.

For today's sketch I decided to make a baby card as it has been a long time since I have made one and just had to use Emery, or I should say Emerietta {grin}.  Went with a monochromatic pink theme, dots and stripes, a sentiment from Too The Moon, and a few accents to dress things up a bit.  Quick and easy card :)

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)

Justin Krieger 

Lori Tecler  

Marisa Ritzen (that's me)

Mary Fish

Sarah Biglow

Teresa Kline

Wanda Cullen

Not sure where January and February went...oh my!!!  This year is going by waaaaay too quickly!!   My son had his last soccer game of the season on Saturday and they ended the season with a win and a great game being played by everyone :)   He will not be playing Spring soccer this year, but no rest for the weary as he will no doubt get more games to ref (soccer that is).   He loves it.  Is making good money and Spring weather is always much more enjoyable to stand in -- read warmer and less wind and rain, says one happy mama LOL!




 

What Is In It?
Stamps:  To The Moon (Verve Stamps)  
Paper: Small Dots and Stripes (Michale's), Rose Romance and Going Grey (Stampin' Up)
Ink: Black
Accessories:  Border Punch (Stampin' Up), Twine, Button, Sequins, Glue Dots, Dimensionals 

Viva La Verve February Week 3 Recap

It's recap time for the second Viva La Verve sketch of the month created by Maureen.

If you know Maureen you know she loves using doilies on her cards, so I die cut one out to use on my card.  Used the Rounded Scalloped Frame Die for my sentiment panel, choosing to have the frame in white and sentiment panel with the Happy Birthday Plain Jane in kraft.  My beloved Flutterby butterfly die, Sprightly Sprigs die and some additional punched butterflies to keep my rule of three going.  A touch of twine finished things off.

If you need added inspiration for the sketch, head on over to the Viva La Verve gallery.  In addition, you will see who I have spotlighted for this sketch.

Have a fabulous Friday and weekend ahead and thanks for popping by :)






What's In It?
Stamps: Happy Birthday Plain Jane (Verve Stamps)
Paper: Stella and Rose (My Mind's Eye), Kraft, Elegant Eggplant (Stampin' Up)
Ink:  Black
Accessories:  Scalloped Framed Rectangle, Flutterby, Sprightly Springs (A Cut Above by Verve), Doily Die (Top Dog Dies), Butterfly Punches (Martha Stewart), Twine, Button, Black Half Pearls, Glue Dots, Dimensionals

Mojo Monday #436

It's Mojo Monday time and this week's sketch brought shamrocks to mind :)   Love the Lucky You set and matching Shamrock Die Set - perfect for making cards for my Irish friends!

I kept things on the simple side, and added some interest with the stitching, dimension with the popped up shamrocks, and some visual interest by layering my banner 3 times.  A few black buttons finished things off. 

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)

Justin Krieger 

Lori Tecler  

Marisa Ritzen (that's me)

Mary Fish

Sarah Biglow

Teresa Kline

Wanda Cullen

Getting ready for another busy week - not sure where February has gone!!  Good news is we are beginning to see signs of Spring :)  My crocuses in the front flower bed are up and blooming and the tulip and daffodils are starting to sprout.  Can't wait to get some colour back in the yard!




 

What Is In It?
Stamps:  Lucky You (Verve Stamps) 
Paper: Kraft, Old Olive, Going Grey (Stampin' Up) 
Ink: Garden Green, Black
Accessories:  Shamrock Die Set (A Cut Above by Verve), Stitched Rectanglel Dies (Lil' Inker), Buttons Twine, Glue Dots, Dimensionals 

Mojo Monday #435 Meets The Curtain Call's All Boy Inspriation Challenge

Today I am combining this week's Mojo Monday sketch with the next Curtain Call Inspiration Challenge as the two go together like peanut butter and jelly lol!

With an insanely busy week last week due to my MIL having colon cancer surgery and hubby being over on the Island with her most of the week leaving me to be a single parent.  I had to use my time wisely and double up where ever I could as I spent many hours at various soccer fields while my son reffed or played.  I jammed out for a few games as it was getting to wet and cold for this mama standing on the sidelines.  A warm car and my Kindle with a view of the field was a good compromise I think wink, wink {grin}.

I am glad to say my MIL's surgery went well.  She did end up with an ileostomy bag after all, however, the surgeon said she can have surgery to reverse it 2 - 6 months from now which is great news!!  Now we await the pathology reports on the surrounding tissue samples.  Otherwise, she is doing really well, good colour, energy and fight to get back home so she can sleep in her own bed as soon as she can - heaven help anyone who tries to slow her down too LOL!!  She is a fighter and I love that about  her!

I made this card to give to hubby as he has been such a great support to his mom over the past few months.  It is never easy to see your parents suffer and I am just glad we are just a ferry ride away so he can be there to support them as needed.







What's In It?
Stamps: Birthday Bots (Verve Stamps)
Paper: Ahoy There (Carta Bellal), Going Grey, Night of Navy (Stampin' Up)
Ink:  Black
Accessories:  Swiss Dots Embossing Folder, White Embossing Powder, Spiral Clip, Button, 3/8" Navy Grosgrain Ribbon, Glue Dot, Dimensionals

Verve Diva Inspiration Hop - February 2016

It's 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! You have until March 5 to link up, so feel free to play as often as you like.

The pop of color in this industrial style loft speaks of the hope of spring in the midst of winter. Kind of like February… it’s still cold and wintry, but new life is on the horizon. Feel free to take your inspiration from the photo or the color combo, whatever suits your fancy!

Click here to link up your challenge entries
Challenge deadline: Saturday, March 5.
Prize: $30 gift voucher to the Verve online store!

If you have come here from Laurie's blog you are right on track.  If you just happened upon the hop, you can check out the hop list below to get caught up.

For my card I pulled out some my favorite sets.  First I embossed a brick background as per the wall, then used the bed cover as inspiration and added rose coloured flowers using Joyful Blooms and the coordinating Joyful Blooms Die Set , accented with the leaves from Dream Big and the matching Dreamy Leaves Die Set.  The sentiment is from Great Friend and I tossed in some grey butterflies and some black half pearls for added dimension and fullness.

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're giving away a $30 gift voucher to Verve to one random commenter along the hop! 

	1. Julee	8. Marisa
	2. Amber	9. Maureen
	3. Amy	10. Sankari
	4. Betty	11. Stacey
	5. Charmaine	12. Susan
	6. Christyne	13. Teresa
	7. Laurie

Time to head on over to Maureen's blog to see her wonderful creation!  Enjoy the hop!






What's In It?
Stamps: Joyful Blooms, Great Friend, Dream Big (Verve Stamps)
Paper: Rose Red, Certainly Celery, Going Grey (Stampin' Up)
Ink:  Black, Certainly Celery (Stampin' Up)
Accessories: Joyful Blooms and Dreamy Leaves Die Sets (A Cut Above by Verve), Stitched Rectangles (Lil' Inkers), Butterfly Punches (Martha Stewart), Black Half Pearls, Dimensionals

Mojo Monday #434

Had fun making this Valentine's Day card for my daughter.  She is a pink loving girl and also loves a bit of sparkle so this is what I came up with.  Most likely not quite girly enough for her, but unless I get a chance to make another this will be her card.

Adore this shimmer paper I found at my local dollar store!  This heart absolutely glistens in the sunlight.  Paired it with some pink polka dotted paper, a few buttons, some twine and a few sequins for added dimension and sparkle.  The sentiment is from Stronger Love.

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)

Justin Krieger 

Lori Tecler  

Marisa Ritzen (that's me)

Mary Fish

Sarah Biglow

Teresa Kline

Wanda Cullen

Going to be a tough week as my MIL is going in for bowel cancer surgery on Wednesday.  From what the surgeon says, she has lots of tissue to work with so they should be able to go in, remove the cancer and then reconnect her right then and there with no need for a colostomy bag - phew!!  That would be amazing and we continue to pray for that outcome.  On second thoughts, I think I will send this card with hubby to give to her to encourage her and remind her of how much we love her and are praying for her.

Have a fabulous week and enjoy the sketch!!

Challenges:  Simon Says




 

What Is In It?
Stamps:  Stronger Love (Verve Stamps) 
Paper: Bee Mine (3 Bugs in a Rug), Rose Romance (Stampin' Up), Silver Shimmer paper (Dollar Store) 
Ink: Black
Accessories:  Scalloped Heart, Heart and Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Paper Distresser (Stampin' Up), Sequins, Buttons, Twine, Glue Dots, Dimensionals