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

Curtain Call Inspration Challenge - Jellybean Reminder

We are half way through the current Jelly Bean Curtain Call Inspiration Challenge and this time round I decided to make a round card showcasing some tulips in the colours of the inspiration photo.

I have seen tulips made with the wing of the Stampin' Up bird punch but have never tried them myself, so this is my tribute to my favorite flower - tulips!

I had the privilege of living in The Netherlands for a year when I worked with Billy Graham there, and needless to say, there were lots and lots of tulips in all sizes, shapes and colours.  I had tulips in my apartment every day for weeks (as well as on my desk in the office) and you could buy them at flower kiosks on just about every corner for a very cheap price.  Needless to say, I was in flower heaven :)

If you haven't played along yet, we would love to have you join us!  Plus, the LEAD for this challenge gets to join us as a Guest Designer in a future challenge.

Look forward to seeing your creations in our gallery.

 

What's In It?
Stamps:   Amuse
Paper:  Lavender Lace, Pretty in Pink, So Saffron, Cool Caribbean, Mint Medley 
Ink:  Black    
Accessories:  Lacy Circle and Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Bird Punch (Stampin' Up), Butterfly Punch (Martha Stewart), Black and White Half Pearls, Dimensinoals

Curtain Call Inspiration Challenge - Donut Delight

Time for another Curtain Call Inspiration Challenge and this photo gives tons of options for inspiration!  The LEAD of the Donut Delight challenge will be invited as a Guest Designer in a future Curtain Call challenge!

I do not own any of the fun donut sets and matching dies by Reverse Confetti or MFT, so I decided to make my own in the form of a round card as it has been forever since I have made one and this was the perfect excuse to do so.  Fussy cut my icing, punched my decorations and a chocolate donut with pink icing and a dash of sprinkles emerged.  The sentiment is from  Verve's Sweet Treats set.  A totally fun card to make :)

Check out the rest of the DT's creations for added inspiration.

Donut Delight Designers

Guest Designer, Jessica Frost-Ballas
Amy Kolling
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

Hope you can play along as the theme is a totally fun one, not to mention one that will give you a craving for a donut LOL!

 




What's In It?
Stamps:   Sweet Treats (Verve Stamps) 
Paper:  Early Espresso, Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose (Stampin' Up)
Ink:   Black  
Accessories:   Lacy Circle and Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Punches, Black Half Pearls

Just Us Girls #256 - Wild Card

Today is a bitter sweet day.  I get to host today's challenge, which is always fun, but it will also be my last challenge as a Just Us Girls Design Team member.
 
With  my new, part time job, filling in at hubby's office the days I'm not working there, and mom requiring more of my time as she recovers from her fall and gains her strength back, not to mention dearly missing regular workouts, there are just not enough hours in a day get everything done.  It has been a wonderful couple of years and I will definitely miss working alongside all the wonderful and talented ladies on this team.

Now on to the challenge!  It has been forever since I made a round card, so that was my shape of choice for this challenge.   I needed a sympathy friend for a friend who just lost their father the new Framed Florals being release by Verve Stamps tomorrow was a perfect fit.  Best part is the bluebells have a matching die!

The rest of the  JUGS team along with our fabulous August Guest Designer, Kristie, 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 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.

Have a great weekend!  Mine will be busy.  My son is in another soccer tournament and we also have a wedding to attend.  Think Labour Day Monday will be a very low key day for all of us LOL!

Challenges:  Simon Says
                    The Pink Elephant

What's In It?
Stamps: Framed Florals (Verve Stamps), French Script (Stampin' Up)
Paper:  Ballet Blue, Kraft, So Saffron (Stampin' Up)
Ink:  Black, Ballet Blue, VersaMark (Stampin' Up)
Accessories:  Bluebells Die (A Cut Above by Verve), Scalloped Circle and Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders),  Butterfly Punch (Martha Stewart), Twine, Button, Black Half Pearls, Glue Dots, Dimensionals 

Mojo Monday #313

It's round or square week over on the Mojo Monday blog!  As usual, I used the round sketch - can't help myself, just love making round cards!

Butterflies immediately came to mind when I saw the sketch, so a fall butterfly card it is -- can you tell I don't quite want to put them away yet LOL!

Just love working with fall colours - they just make me happy {grin}.  Had two Flutterby die cuts in my left over pile so pulled them out and used them for the circle element.  Things felt a bit empty so I put the sentiment from Joy for the Journey in the Charming Oval die and then added some leaves from Dream Big.

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 the Mojo Maker's 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

Wanda Cullen

Back from a whirlwind weekend away celebrating hubby's niece's wedding in Edmonton.  It was a wonderful celebration and we got to see some dear friends that moved there five years ago so lots of socializing and festivities.  Needless to say, this introvert is maxed out and in desperate need of a few down days LOL!

Challenge:  Simon Says

What's In It?
Stamps:  Joy for the Journey and Dream Big (Verve Stamps) 
Paper:  Early Espresso, So Saffron, Kraft, Vanilla (Stampin' Up)
Ink: Black, Really Rust (Stampin' Up)
Accessories: Flutterby and Charming Oval Dies (A Cut Above by Verve), Lacy Scallop Circle and Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Crimper (Fiskars), Buttons, Twine, Glue Dots, Brown Half Pearls, Dimensionals 

Mojo Monday #308

It's round or square week over on the Mojo Monday blog so I gleefully pulled out my scalloped circle Nestabilities to make a round card.

Love this paper from MME's The Sweetest Thing.  A great cross over from summer to fall colours.

Love this loopy bloom flower die and the great fonts in this sentiment from Treasured Words. 

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 the Mojo Maker's 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

Wanda Cullen

Just a reminder that this is the last week of Verve's Anniversary Sale!    

Last week before school starts so we are running around getting things ready.   Course schedules should arrive this week and on-line locker selection must be done (new this year and soooo excited as it saves you standing in line for hours at the school!). That plus a bit of shopping for clothes and a few basic school supplies.  However, summer is also not quite over so we'll have to do something fun to celebrate and squeeze out every last minute of summer that we can :)

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

What's In It?
Stamps: Words of Wisdom (Verve Stamps) 
Paper:  The Sweetest Thing (My Mind's Eye), Cameo Coral, Sage Shadow, Kraft (Stampin' Up) 
Ink: Black 
Accessories:  Loopy Blooms Die Set (A Cut Above by Verve), Scalloped Circle, Circle and Oval Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Butterfly Punch (Martha Stewart), 5/8" Red Grosgrain Ribbon (Michael's), Button, Twine, Glue Dot, Half Pearls, Dimensionals 

Mojo Monday #299

It's round or square week over on the Mojo Monday blog, so that means I get to show you another round card.

Loved this sketch. SO many wonderful elements on it!  Julee truly knows how to work a layout :)

Kept with a black and white theme with a pop of colour as well as adding some of my favorite things to the card: Verve's Flutterby die, From the Heart dies, and polka dots via paper and embossing.  Yes, I' m a happy girl LOL!  The sentiment is one of the "thank you for your order" stamps Julee includes in your package when you order from Verve.  Just another wonderful extension of her fabulous client service and generosity!

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

Wanda Cullen

Busy weekend once again (I need summer LOL!).  My son had his grad ceremony on Friday and we have ended an era of ten years at that school.  It was such a fabulous ceremony, with all the kids dressed up and looking fabulous.  I was so proud of my son as he received of the Service Awards!  Two of his best buddies also received one, which is fabulous confirmation that he hangs out with some great guys :)   I'm beaming and grinning from ear to ear as my daughter received the Citizenship Award when she graduated, so what we have been working hard to instill into our kids seems to be catching - a true reward in of itself!

A soccer game and a wedding shower filled Saturday and teaching Sunday School and working on hubby's rush job took care of Sunday. I'm feeling like I've been sucked into a black hole these past few weeks and I can't wait for July as both kids will be out of school and we can relax a bit!  It will most likely be another week of slim pickings here on the blog, but hope to make up for it once this week is over!  Thanks for your patience!!

Have a fabulous week and if you have never made a round card, I double dog dare you to try one {grin}!



What's In It?
Stamps:  Verve Stamps
Paper:  Black, Pretty in Pink, Rose Romance (Stampin' Up)
Ink: Black
Accessories: Flutterby and From the Heart Dies (A Cut Above by Verve), Scalloped Circle and Circle Nestabilites (Spellbinders), Crimper (Fiskars), Seeing Spots Embossing Folder (Provo Craft), Button, Twine, Black Half Pearls, Glue Dots, Dimensionals 

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

Mojo Monday #286

It's round or square week over on the Mojo Monday blog.  Keeping with tradition, I have made a round card.

The star caught my attention due to the new Shining Star set by Verve.  I wanted to make a baby card so pulled out this fun yellow and blue paper.  Sorry, I don't have the name of it as it had been cut off earlier by yours truly.  Note to self:  don't do that LOL!

I used the largest star from the Starry Die as well as the Charming Oval dies to frame the sentiment from the Shining Star set.  Love how there are three sizes you can nest into each other.  I doubled up on the lacy circle nesties to give it a "frilly" baby feel (even though the colours are geared to a boy!) and then crimped my star so it would stand out a bit.

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

Week one of Spring Break is over, and we spent a wonderful weekend visiting relatives in the Seattle area.  To say I am blessed with all the wonderful in-laws I have, is truly an understatement!  Great times, great food and wonderful memories made!



What's In It?
Stamps:  Shining Star (Verve), Itty Bitty Backgrounds and Background Basics (Stampin' Up)
Paper: Cool Caribbean, So Saffron and Going Grey (Stampin' Up)
Ink: Black, VersaMark
Accessories: Starry Die and Charming Oval Die Set (A Cut Above by Verve), Scalloped Border Punch (Stampin' Up), Lacy Circle and Circle Nesties (Spellbinders), Crimper, Button, Twine, Black Half Pearls, Dimensioanls

Verve Sneak Peek Spotlight Hop ~ Day 2

Welcome to Day Two of our February 2013 Spotlight Hops!  Today we're taking some sneak peeks at So Fluttery, Shining Star and the Plain Jane Beautiful.   In addition, I'm sure a few of the coordinating dies are also going to be making an appearance.  Best part is, everything you see previewed along today's hop will be available in Verve's online store on Friday, February 22.

In honor of Jen Shults becoming a part of the Verve Release Team, I thought I would use her fabulous round card sketch to showcase the Beautiful Plain Jane.  I just love this sentiment!  It's just perfect for sending to a friend to encourage them or to remind them to quit comparing themselves to others and to believe in themselves -- a message we all need to hear now an then :)

My second card showcases So Fluttery.  I was so happy to see another butterfly set by Julee - you know me and butterflies!  Even better, the Flutterby Die (one of my all time favorite Verve dies) can be used for the butterflies!

The sentiments and font in this set just makes me happy!  I decided to use a list of them on a banner showcasing how I feel about my daughter (this card will be for her).  She's going through a bit of a rough spell, so I wanted to encourage her.  I topped the banner from the Banner Bundle Set with one of the dies from the new Flag It die set which has all kinds of fun toppers and banner shapes which you can mix and match.  The olive seam binding is one of the colours in the new Spring Fling seam binding collection.  Needless to say, this card was a lot of fun to make :)

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.

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

Enjoy the sneak peeks and come back tomorrow for Day 3!

           



Beautiful Plain Jane
Stamps:  Blessed (Verve Plain Jane) 
Paper:  Sage Shadow, Black, Real Red 
Ink: Black 
Accessories: Scalloped Circle, Circle and Labels 14 (Spellbinders), Rolled Rose Die (My Favorite Things), Leaf Punch (Martha Stewart), Glue Dots, Dimensionals


So Fluttery
Stamps: So Fluttery, Dream Big (Verve Stamps) 
Paper: Classic K McKenna (K & Company), Kraft, Early Espresso and Old Olive (Stampin' Up), Cream Linen 
Ink: Black, Real Red, VersaMark 
Accessories:  Lacy Circle Nesties (Spellbinders), Banner Bundle Die Set, Flag it Die Set, Flutterby Die and Dreamy Leaves Dies (A Cut Above by Verve), Spring Fling Seam Binding (Verve), Swiss Dots Embossing Folder (Provo Craft), Black Half Pearls, Button, Twine, Glue Dots, Dimensionals

Just Us Girls #176 - Colour Challenge

I'm the hostess for this week's JUGS colour challenge and I chose a colour combo I have seen quite a bit on Pinterest and just love:  coral, sage, kraft and white.

I was in the mood to make a round card and this is the outcome. I dipped into my stash of Sage Shadow (sure miss this colour) and used Cameo Coral for the flower. Added two butterflies, a sentiment and called it a card.

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 Chick of the Week.  

Have a fabulous weekend, and I'll be back on Monday with my Mojo Monday card!   

 

What's In It?
Stamps: Fabulous You and Text Notes (Verve)
Paper: Kraft, Sage Shadow, Cameo Coral (Stampin' Up)
Ink: Black, VersaMark 
Accessories: Scalloped Circle and Circle Nesties, Flower Die (PTI), Dreamy Leaves Die (A Cut Above from Verve), Dimensionals

Just Us Girls #173

This week's Just Us Girls challenge is brought to you by yours truly.   I chose this inspiration picture even though it has fall colours as I wanted to mix it up a bit after all the Valentine's Day cards I've been making and seeing on line...having a bit of pink overload I think LOL!

I really wanted to pull out my leaf dies, but opted to go with orange roses, as per the picture, as I just love orange roses :)   Pulled out my rolled rose die from MFT and  went to work.

Here is a larger version of the inspiration picture for your viewing.  Just love the rich chocolate with the orange against it.  Hope it provides you with lots of inspiration and a nice change as well.

I was in the mood for a round card so added it to the mix and finished things off by adding half pearls as per the picture.  And, since this is a picture of a wedding cake, I added a "love" sentiment to tie in with the theme of the picture.

For some inspiration to get you going, 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 Chick of the Week.

I'm entering this into the current Simon Says challenge - to make a card that reflects what you are known for.    Think I can safely say, flowers, clean lines, and Verve stamps (butterflies, leaves and hearts could be added to the list but can't them all on one card LOL) 

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



What's In It?
Stamps:  Text Notes (Verve)
Paper:  Early Espresso, Certainly Celery, Only Orange, Pumpkin Pie , Cream Linen 
Ink:  Black, Certainly Celery
Accessories: Lacy Circle and Circle Nesties, Dreamy Leaves Die (A Cut Above by Verve), Rolled Rose Die (My Favorite Things), Crimper, White Half Pearls, Glue Dots, Dimensionals 

Mojo Monday #274

Happy New Year's Eve everyone!!!  I am very glad to see the back end of 2012!  It has been a very hard, trying year in many ways and I am definitely looking forward to a fresh start in 2013.

Today we have a wonderful round sketch by Carole.  It was great to work with and that circle was perfect for using two of my favorite Verve dies - my beloved  jotted heart and U dies.  Lots of polka dots as well as one of my favorite colour combos - pink and grey.  Needless to say, it was fun making this card.  It's hard to see in the picture, but the heart is crimped for some dimension.

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

Enjoy your New Year's Eve festivities if you are participating in any, or if you are like me, enjoy ringing in 2013 as you sleep (aren't I a lot of fun LOL!).  We don't have anything planned and that is fine by me.  Quite often I like to take the evening to simply reflect on the past year, and set a few goals for the upcoming year.   That way I have something to aim for rather than just drifting through the year.  Don't have a word for 2013 just yet, still pondering a few options.  I'll let you know once I decide.  Cheers to a wonderful 2013!!

 

What's In It?
Stamps: Tiny Tags (PTI)
Paper: Hugs and Kisses (Carta Bella), Pink Small Dots (Making Memories), Pretty in Pink, Rose Romance
Ink: Black,
Accessories:  I Heart U and Jotted Heart Dies (A Cut Above by Verve), Lacy Scalloped Circle and Circle Nesties (Spellbinders), Tiny Tags Die (PTI),  Twine, Silver Cording, Dimensionals

Mojo Monday #269

It's round or square week over on the Mojo Monday blog and that always makes me happy :)  Round card it is this week and the sketch was a fun one to work with, even though one of the panels is basically totally covered up by the poinsettia!

I used some retired Stampin' Up DSP and added a nice, big, red poinsettia - well, as big as the card would allow anyway.   I took a bit of creative license and moved the banner to the  panel on the other side of the sketch so I could fit it in.  A little gold twine and half pearls for a bit of shimmer, and a sentiment tag finished things off.

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

Hard to believe it is the last week of November - eeeek!!  Got the outdoor Christmas lights up this past weekend and this weekend is slated for all the indoor decorating.  Time to bring Christmas into the house :)     Have a fabulous day and I look forward to seeing your creations!   

  

What's In It?
Stamps:   Peace on Earth (Verve) 
Paper:  Stampin' Up DSP, Old Olive, Real Red, Cream Linen
Ink:  Black  
Accessories:  Scalloped Circle and Circle Nesties, Swiss Dots Embossing Folder (Cuttlebug), Poinsettia Die (Spellbinders), 3/8" Red Stitched Ribbon, Buttons, Gold Twine,Cream Half Pearls Glue Dots, Dimensionals