Mojo Monday #291

It's round or square week over on the Mojo Monday blog and I have great fun working with the banners on this sketch.

Of course, a round card was my default for this week, but loving the square version as well so made one of each.  I'll show you the second one later this week.

I pulled out some gorgeous In Bloom MME papers for the banners and and used this wonderful sentiment from Dream Big.  The reality of the sentiment was brought to heart when one of my best friend's sister passed away this month and we attended her memorial service this weekend.  We never know when we will see someone for the  last time and thus need to make sure we tell them we love them, or ask for forgiveness, or compliment them on something they have done etc. so you have no regrets when that option is no longer available. 

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

My crazy schedule continues, though one big project is out of the way - phew!   Was thrilled my hubby got the coaching position for my son's soccer team and my son is beyond excited to have daddy coaching him :)

Thanks for popping by and have a fabulous week everyone!




What's In It?
Stamps: Dream Big (Verve) 
Paper:  In Bloom (My Mind's Eye), Going Grey and Cameo Coral (Stampin' Up) 
Ink: Black 
Accessories: Scalloped Circle, Circle, Scalloped Oval and Oval Nestabilities (Spellbinders), 5/8" Sheer Grey Ribbon,  Mini Rolled Rose Die (My Favorite Things), Liquid Pearls, Glue Dot, Dimensionals

Just Us Girls #186 - Inspiration Challenge

Welcome to this week's Just Us Girls challenge.  This week, our newest DT member Nancy has provided this fabulous inspiration picture to work from.

I love pink and black together! Such a wonderful colour combination that makes a great statement.

I pulled out two Stampin' Up sets I have not used for a long time, Vintage Vogue and Bliss, and went to work.

I created a Damask Background and added the flowers and ribbon for the pops of colour.

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!
 


What's In It? 
Stamps:  Dream Big (Verve), Vintage Vogue and Bliss (Stampin' Up) 
Paper:  Black and White 
Ink:  Black, Marvelous Magenta, Positively Pink (Stampin' Up)  
Accessories:  Crimper (Fiskars), Circlel Punch, 1" Pink Satin Ribbon, Dimensionals 

Quick and Easy Punch Art Mother's Day Card

I've been working for hubby again so time has been very short for crafting -- thus another CAS, quick and easy card.  I will get back to my "regularly scheduled programing" as soon as I can, promise.

This punch art Mother's Day card using go to colour combo of pink and green was a breeze to make.  I used one of my Martha Stewart leaf punches to create the stem and leaves and a Marvy punch for the flowers.  A quick and easy card in the midst of a very busy week.

Thanks for popping by today :)



What's In It?
Stamps:  Memory Box 
Paper: Certainly Celery, Wild Wasabi, Regal Rose, Pretty in Pink, So Saffron (Stampin' Up) 
Ink:  Black 
Accessories: Leaf and Butterfly Punches (Martha Stewart), Flower Punch (Marvy), White Half Pearls, Dimensionals

You Are An Amazing Mom

Still on a Mother's Day kick, so here is one more card.  Today's, card features a fabulous set of Verve's entitled Love Deepens.  So many great options of words you can use with this sentiment too!  I chose "mom" but there is also mum, mother-in-law, aunt, grandmother and many more.    

I thought of my own mother when making this card as she is such an amazing woman.  One I have learned so much from and continue to learn from regularly.  Her selflessness and willingness to help, as well as her sage advice and faithful prayers for our family are but a few of the things that make her the amazing woman that she is.  Love you mom!!

Wishing you all a fabulous day :) 

What's In It?
Stamps:  Love Deepens (Verve) 
Paper:  The Sweetest Thing Paper Pack  (Recollections from Michael's), Night of Navy, So Saffron, Mellow Moss (Stampin' Up) 
Ink: Black, Brilliant Blue (Stampin' Up) 
Accessories:  5/8" Saffron Satin Ribbon, Flower and 1" Circle Punch (Stampin' Up), Flower Punch (Marvy), Leaf Punch (Martha Stewart), Dimensionals

Mojo Monday #290

This week's Mojo Monday sketch is brought to us by Carole.  A great sketch which you can go CAS with it you like or have fun with.  I realized after I posted this that I didn't use two different colours on the background panel and subbed the banner die for the ribbon - my bad!   Thankfully the birthday girl is not privy to the sketch and loved the card :)

I pulled out this cute little Verve bunny and created a bunny conga line that is shakin' what their mama gave them LOL!  Just "had" to add some tails and for some reason I'm now humming the song to the Macarena!

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

Another crazy busy weekend for me and this introvert is starting to twitch!  Out Friday night at a fundraiser for a ministry that feeds the homeless people and then Saturday to a soccer game and then a birthday party.  Plus, I'm doing overflow work for hubby's office so I'm one busy mama!  That being said, I may have fewer posts for a few weeks - we'll just have to see how my energy holds out.

Enough complaining as I have so much to be thankful for!!  Have a fabulous week :)



What's In It?
Stamps: Bunny Shake and Friendly Phrases (Verve) 
Paper: Costco DP Pack, Brocade Blue, Mint Medley (Stampin' Up) 
Ink: Black 
Accessories: Pennant Trim and Flag It Die Sets (A Cut Above by Verve), Green Half Pearls, Button, Twine, Glue Dot, Cotton Ball, Dimensionals

Just Us Girls 185 - Colour Challenge

First and foremost, I want to wish our fearless JUGS leader, Lisa, a very, very, Happy Birthday!!!   Thanks for all you do for JUGS, Lisa!  We love you lots :)

This week's Just Us Girls challenge is hosted by yours truly.  I have chosen to give one last tribute to some retiring colours - after all it is spring and these colours are perfect for spring flowers!

Kept things on the quick and easy side as life is crazy hectic right now!   Pulled out my favorite PTI flower die and paired it with Verve leaves and sentiment.  I have visions of similar colours in my garden over the next few months and that makes me happy :)  Yes, I love real flowers and stamped ones.

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!
 


What's In It?
Stamps:  Joyful Blooms (Verve)
 Paper:  Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose, So Saffron, Certainly Celery (Stampin' Up)
Ink:  Black, VersaMark
Accessories:  Beautiful Blooms II Flower Die (PTI), Dreamy Leaves (A Cut Above by Verve),  Butterfly Punches (Martha Stewart), Circle Punch (Stampin' Up), Swiss Dots Embossing Folder (Provocraft), White Half Pearls, Dimensionals 

Retro Sketch #59

This week's Retro Sketch was a fun one.  I decided to make a baby card with it and Verve's Shining Star and matching Starry Die set was the perfect fit.

I chose this adorable sentiment from the set and die cut and layered the stars.  The banner looked a little lonesome out there on it's own so I added some twine to give it some vertical grounding (there is an oxymoron LOL).

I really wanted to add a second sentiment in the bottom right corner, and it took a lot not to do so - these CAS cards kill me LOL!  Along that line, if I had been awake and thinking clearly, I would have embossed the white panel with PTI's Linen impression plate for a tiny bit of texture, but alas, that was not the case.  So, very CAS it is.

Thanks for poppy by today.  Hope you're having a great week.

 

What's In It?
Stamps:  Shining Star (Verve) 
Paper:  Night of Navy, So Saffron (Stampin' Up) 
Ink: Black 
Accessories: Starry Die (A Cut Above by Verve), Twine, Dimensionals

CAS Mother's Day Card

Had to switch things up a bit as I was getting tired of pink and yellow Mother's Day cards.  This card  uses Fall To Layout #235 and it is a CASE of a card I saw using it, but for the life of me I can't find out who it was!!  If you recognize your layout, please let me know so I can give you credit!

Love this Verve flower from Petals and Stems!  Such a great little flower and the polka dotted leaves have always stolen my heart.  It was my very first Verve flower set and I still love it :)

Short and sweet today as it's a busy week!   Thanks for dropping by!

 

What's In It?
Stamps:  Petals and Stems (Verve), Memory Box (Sentiment) 
Paper: Wild Wasabi, So Saffron, Kraft
Ink: Real Red, Garden Green, Black, So Saffron (Stampin' Up) 
Accessories: Scalloped Border Punch (Stampin' Up), Dimensionals

Mojo Monday #289

Welcome back to another Mojo Monday sketch.  This week's sketch is brought to us by Julee, and there is a fun diagonal panel to work with.

Pulled two papers from The Sweetest Thing Recollections pack from Michael's and went to work.  I added just a touch of colour to the cream leaves by using third generation stamping with Sahara Sand and added a button to the ribbon banner for a little something.

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

We had a busy, but very good weekend.  On Friday I go to actually meet my cyber friend, Sue Kohler, from Australia!  We did a bit of shopping at Michael's and then enjoyed a fabulous lunch together.  I am now fully versed in speaking Australian LOL!  Saturday was my son's first spring soccer game, and Saturday night was spent celebrating a friend's birthday.  Sunday, I taught my Sunday School Class, and Sunday afternoon I took a nap to recover from all the weekend activities -- I'm getting old!  Hope your weekend was a good one too.

Thanks for popping by today!



What's In It?
Stamps:  Treasured Words (Verve), French Script (Stampin' Up) 
Paper:   Recollections (Michael's), Always Artichoke, Sahara Sand, Real Red, Tempting Turquoise (Stampin' Up) 
Ink:  Black, VersaMark 
Accessories:  Scalloped Circle, Circle and Square Nesties, Flutterby Die (A Cut Above by Verve), Crimper (Fiskars), 5/8" Grey Grosgrain Ribbon, Buttons, Twine, Glue Dots, Dimensionals

Just Us Girls #184 - Technique Challenge

This week's challenge is brought to us by Vicki and the technique she has selected is the Ombre Technique.   As you can tell from the challenge image, it is a variegation of colours from lightest to darkest in the same colour family.  Or you could even do it with different colours if you like.  It's up to you - just have fun with it :)

I used my PTI heart die on various shades of pink and then got a little cocky and did a two shade "U".  What can I say, I was on a roll {grin}.   Quick and easy card, but love the effect!

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.  

As a SPECIAL SURPRISE, Cindy from over at Dare 2B Artzy is sponsoring this challenge!
Yep, that's right - the winner of this week's challenge will get to choose the stamp set they want! Thanks so much Cindy -- so generous of you!

Dare 2B Artzy is an unique, inspiring, and contemporary line of clear stamps for the use of card making and scrapbooking. Along with the many stamp designs already created, customizable stamps are also available upon request.

  
Have a fabulous weekend everyone!  Back on Monday with my Mojo Monday card.
 


What's In It?
Stamps:  Stronger Love (Verve) 
Paper: Blush Blossom, Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose, Rose Red, Bravo Burgundy, Basic Grey, Black (Stampin' Up) 
Ink:  Black
Accessories: Heart Die (PTI), I Heart U Die Set (A Cut Above by Verve), Dimensionals

Verve Diva Dare ~ April 2013

Today is the start of Verve's April Diva Dare!  The Diva's have cooked up a dare entitled "Bright Blooms and Butterflies" and it is a perfect theme for Spring.  Here is a little sneak peek of my take on the dare.

Best part is there are two ways you can win come Verve prizes.  One prize will be awareded to a random commenter, and another prize will be awarded to a random participant in this month's dare.  So head on over to the Verve Blog to check out all the challenge details -- I "dare" you!!

Quick and Easy Mother's Day Card

Another quick and easy Mother's Day card for you today using this wonderful MFT sketch.

This Penny Black flower is one of my favorites and I haven't used it forever, so out it came.   Plus I am continuing my tribute to retiring Stampin' Up colours by using Mellow Moss and Regal Rose.   What is a flower girl to do when they keep retiring fabulous greens (Mellow Moss and Certainly Celery) and now two of my most used pinks (Regal Rose and Pretty in Pink)!!  I'm in deep, mourning and also very miffed!

Okay temper tantrum is over - at least for now LOL.  I'm giddy about tomorrow as I get to hook up with Sue Kohler from Australia tomorrow!!  Can't believe we live half way around the world from each other and get to actually meet face to face!  Eeeek!!   We served on a DT together a fwe years back and have kept in touch once our terms were done.  I'm taking her to Michael's as it is on her bucket list and will enable her with an extra coupon wink, wink.  Can't wait!

Tomorrow is also the start of April's Diva Dare so come back to see what the Diva's are daring you to do this month. 

Thanks for popping by today!



What's In It?
Stamps:  Penny Black (flower), Because of You (Verve)
Paper:  Garden Florals Recollections DP Pack (Michael's), Kraft, Pretty in Pink (Stampin' Up)
Ink: Mellow Moss, So Saffron, Sahara Sand, Black (Stampin' Up)
Accessories: Butterfly Punch (Martha Stewart), Dimensionals

Mom

Made my first Mother's Day card of the year and it's a very CAS one as I have to duplicate it quite a few times. 

In an ode to one of my favorite colour combos of pink and green, and a tribute to three of my favorite colors that are being retired by Stampin' Up, Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose and Sage Shadow (a few years back but I have a stockpile LOL).  The other heart breaker they are retiring is Certainly Celery, one of my favorite greens ever!!

Enough howling by the moon on my part and on to the card!  Love Verve's Mother's Day sets - fabulous fonts and great sentiments.  I paired Because of You with Joyful Blooms (the flowers have matching dies) and added a touch of ribbon.  Easy peasy :)

Short and quick today as there is a ton on the agenda today.



What's In It?
Stamps: Joyful Blooms and Because of You (Verve) 
Paper: Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose, Sage Shadow (Stampin' Up), Cream Linen 
Ink:  Black 
Accessories: Joyful Blooms Die Set (A Cut Above by Verve), Leaf Punch (Martha Stewart), Threading Water Punch (Fiskars), 3/8" Sage Grosgrain Ribbon, Black Half Pearls, Dimensionals 

You Are Never Too Old

This week is CAS week over at the Verve Forum and Diva Laurie has provided the sketch.  CAS is not an easy go for me, but I enjoy the challenge of making it look somewhat acceptable - yes, I'm a glutton for punishment :)

I just "had" to use this fabulous sentiment from Words of Wisdom.  It is so, so true and a great way to stay young, keep learning, not get lazy, and to make sure you get the most out of life.  As the saying goes, if you aim at nothing you are sure to hit it.

Interestingly enough,  I recently spoke to a friend of my mother's who said the last 20 years of her life have been the most rewarding and she was 80 years old!  Love it!  I definitely want to be counted among those types of people :)   In the meantime, I've been asking myself what dream or goal I have been putting on the shelf or been too scared to strive for.  Great food for thought!  How about you!  Do you have any dream or goal you have or want to reach for or have laid aside?

Wishign you a great day and may your dreams and goals become realities! 



What's In It?
Stamps:  Words of Wisdom (Verve) 
Paper: Kraft, Certainly Celery
 Ink: Black 
Accessories:  Button Die (PTI), Twine (Twinery), Dimensionals

Mojo Monday #288

Good Monday morning everyone :)   Today's Mojo sketch is brought to us by Sarah and offers you a wonderful opportunity to stretch those creative juices - at least it did me ;)

I went bold in the background paper for this card (think subliminally I was showing this sketch who was boss LOL!) and pulled the rest of the colours from there. In addition, I was also able to use up a plethora of small white half pearls that have been multiplying exponentially in my box so life is good {grin}! 

The sentiment is from Lean On Me, a set in which I absolutely adore the mix of fonts!  They make a nice bold statement which catches your eye so it was a perfect fit for the background paper.

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

The beginning of another busy week is at hand but softened by all the amazing cherry trees that are in full bloom!  Soon it will be snowing pink :)   A word to the wise, do not park your card under one of them because you'll have pink petals blowing out of your vents for weeks - dont' ask me how I know LOL!

BTW, the Verve Store is having a big sale right now - up to 30% off on 100 wonderful sets!!  A great way to stock up or get yourself some Mother's Day goodies from your family wink, wink!  





What's In It?
Stamps:  Lean On Me (Verve),  Itty Bitty Backgrounds (Stampin' Up)
Paper: Mosaic Memories (Recollections at Michaels), So Saffron, Old Olive, Early Espresso (Stampin' Up)
Ink: Black, VersaMark
Accessories:  Scalloped Circle and Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders) Button, Twine, White Half Pearls, Glue Dot, Dimensioanls

Just Us Girls #183 - Sketch Challenge

First off, I want to give a warm welcome our newest Just Us Girls member, Nancy Leppek.   Welcome Nancy :)   

This week's sketch challenge is brought to us by Tangii and she has a wonderful sketch for us to work with.

With wishes of spring in the forefront of my mind, as well as my not so patiently waiting for tulips and daffodils to bloom in my garden, I decided to create spring on a card.

Out came some of my flower and butterfly dies and the sentiment is an ode to spring as it definitely does makes me smile year after year :)  I just love how colour begins to pop out of the ground and on the magnolia and cherry trees and in what seems an overnight venture, all of a sudden the trees have leaves on them again.  New life is everywhere and I just love it!! 

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!
 


What's In It?
Stamps:  Dream Big and Fabulous You (Verve) 
Paper: Almost Amethyst, Night of Navy, Old Olive, So Saffron, Kraft (Stampin' Up), Recollections DP (Michael's) 
Ink:  Black, VersaMark 
Accessories: Flutterby and Dreamy Leaves Dies (A Cut Above by Verve), Flower Die and Medium Scalloped Border Dies (PTI), Border Punch (Sttampin' Up), Tag Die (My Favorite Things), 5/8" Saffron Satin Ribbon, Buttons, Black and White Half Pearls, Glue Dots, Twine, Dimensionals 

Some Housekeeping and Pictures from Seattle

No stamping post today, just some housework to take care of and pictures of our trip to Seattle over Spring Break.

First off, as many of you know Google Reader will be no more as of July 1, 2013.  So sad, as I loved and used Reader all the time.  There are various replacement options out there.  Here is a link to an article noting a few of the options.  I have played around with Feedly but am  having a hard time with it, so decided to go with Bloglovin' (for now anyway).  You can transfer all your Reader info to them very easily and I like their format.  For those of you who wish to follow me via that route can do so via the widget on my sidebar (believe you have to sign up for the service to do so - but it's free).  Otherwise, you can follow me via e-mail by signing up via the Feedburner icon on my sidebar.  Clear as mud?!  Will be an interesting ride via this transition I'm sure!

Now on  to the pictures of our trip!  I need to get some of my daughter's pictures up here too as she took some amazing ones with her new camera.  She has such an eye for photography - wish I could say I had the same!

Think the highlight of our sightseeing was our trip to the Seattle Aquarium.  I was curious to see it as we have a great aquarium in Vancouver, and it did not disappoint.  Their Coastal Water exhibits were amazing!   What you see here is what is found off the Pacific Northwest Coast!  Can't believe vibrant colours of the starfish (the sunburst ones are amazing with all their legs - see the orange one in the bottom right hand corner) and I was loving that fabulous green colour of the sea anemones!!

This is a picture of my kids having fun with the "photo opp octopus".

  

Absolutely loves this otter logo!

Otters are my favorite animal and I could have stayed and watched them for hours. These are a few pictures I was able to get while at their second feeding of the day (they have four a day).

Did you know sea otters eat 20% of their body weight in food every day because they don't have a layer of blubber to keep them warm so they burn calories like crazy!!  The large male eats 20 pounds of seafood a day and they have three females as well, so that is one big bill for high end seafood LOL!

As you can see we had a simply glorious day to tour the city with.  Hard to beat the Pacific Northwest on a sunny day - yes, I am biased LOL!

This is my gorgeous daughter.

Hubby and my son as we rode the Seattle version of the London Eye.  It was a large Ferris wheel with Plexiglas on all sides except the floor and the view was amazing!

 

Thanks for popping in.  Back later today/early tomorrow morning with my Just Us Girls post.

Have a wonderful Friday :)