JUGS #150

This week's colour challenge is being hosted by Elise, and she has a wonderful mix of colours to play with :)   I combined it with an old Mojo Monday sketch and used some of My Minds Eye, Blink of an Eye paper for the challenge.

I absolutely love this sentiment from Verve's Kind Words set.  Actually, I love the entire set and find myself using it often as it has many wonderful sentiments and this flower silhouette as well.  Since my card seemed a bit "blah" I distressed the edges and added a crimped butterfly.  My ribbon isn't exactly Pumpkin Pie, but it works.

The rest of the Design Team along with our August Guest Designer Jen, have created some wonderful inspiration for you to peruse. Just head on over to the JUGS blog and check them out.  Then simply make a new card with this week's colour combo and link it up on the JUGS challenge post to be considered for the Chick of the Week!  Easy as that :)

Thanks for all of YOUR kind words to me on my blog, and as the sentiment says, they do echo and encourage me often ((hugs))!

 

What's In It? 
Stamps: Kind Words (Verve) 
Paper: Blink of an Eye (My Minds Eye), Kraft, Cream 
Ink:  Sahara Sand, Black 
Accessories:  Scalloped Circle and Circle Nesties, Butterfly Punch (Martha Stewart), Distressing Tool (Stampin' Up),  5/8" Orange Grosgrain Ribbon, Crimper, Button, Twine, Half Pearls, Glue Dot, Dimensionals

Happy Birthday To U

After "missing" last week's Mojo Monday sketch (aka: skipping the skewed panel sketch) I dove into this week's sketch with gusto and made it a two fer as I used the card for this month's Diva Dare as well.

Had a scrap of this Echo Park polka dotted DP laying around so decided to create my card around it.  Started off thinking of using CR84FN's colour combo again and then ventured more towards Just Add Ink's colour combo and in the end used too many colours to qualify for either.

Since I had a brown "U" in my scrap pile, I build my sentiment around it and added "to" to the Happy Birthday sentiment so it flowed and made more sense than just Happy Birthday "U".  A rose and a flower - both from my scrap pile as well - completed the card.

With summer here full force, I had another wonderful afternoon at the beach with the kids.  They entertained themselves wonderfully by making sand castles, finding hermit crabs and swimming so I got to indulge in some reading and catching a few rays...aaaaahhhh... and we capped the afternoon off with a Booster Juice smoothie.  Summer at it's best :)


 

What's In It?
Stamps:  Happy Birthday Plain Jane (Verve) 
Paper: Kraft, Old Olive, Early Espresso, More Mustard, Real Red, Dots and Stripes (Echo Park) 
Ink: Black, VersaMark 
Accessories: Scalloped Circle and Circle Nesties, Rolled Rose Die (MFT), Elegant Leaf and "U" Die (Verve), Scalloped Border Punch (Stampin' Up), Crimper, Twine, Bling, Dimensionals

Best Wishes

Loved this week's Mojo Monday sketch.  Was perfect for a wedding card I needed to make for a friend.

My starting point was the beautiful Making Memories paper that is basically all covered up (hate when that happens).  Tried to adjust the sizing but it just didn't look right so kept it and dressed things up with the lacy ovals, silver pearls, bling and some sheer ribbon.

Love neutral cards for weddings - in case you hadn't guessed LOL - and hoping my friend likes it too.

The first week of swimming lessons is almost done and the mid-way report on the kids was a good.  I have passed the sucking wind stage of my lap swimming and can do many more laps of the crawl now - yeah!  The chlorine smell is getting stronger ever day....hubby keep saying he can smell us before he sees us LOL.  We'll all be swimming machines by the end of next week :)

 

What's In It?
Stamps: Elegant Greetings (Stampin' Up)
Paper: Making Memories, Going Grey, Silver
 Ink:  Black
Accessories:  Border Punch (Stampin' Up), Swiss Dots Embossing Folder, Lacy Oval, Oval and Heart Nesties, , 5/8" Sheer Grey Ribbon, Silver Half Pearls, Bling, Silver Twine, Button, Glue Dot, Dimensionals

Playing With Some Mojo and a Splash Colour

Time for another round card  as it's round or square week over at the Mojo Monday blog.  I combined the sketch with this week's Play Date Cafe's Color Splash challenge.  Such a dramatic colour combo I just had to give it a try.  Plus I just love black and white cards, and when you add a pop of colour it is always a great way to add some of pizzaz :)

I enabled myself by using some of my favorite things on this card: a round card, lacy circle nesties, polka dots and a butterfly.  Yes, I was a happy girl making this card :)

Down to just a few days of school left and then we are into summer full swing.  Still doesn't feel right due to the severe lack of sunshine and warm weather the past three months!!  Here's hoping the weather turns around because cold, wet weather and kids home 24/7 is not a good combination for a mom's sanity to stay in tact LOL!

   

What's In It?
Stamps: Joyful Blooms (Verve) 
Paper: Sugar Dots (Bo Bunny), Black, Brilliant Blue 
Ink: Black 
Accessories:  Lacy Circle and Circle Nesties, Flutterby Die (Verve), Seeing Spots Embossing Folder, 5/8" Sheer Black Ribbon, Crimper, Button, 1/4" Black Satin Ribbon, Bling, Glue Dots, Dimensionals

Mojo 244 Sketch

Can I have some mommy gush time for just a bit....thanks ;)  SO proud of my daughter who won the junior poetry writing contest at her school this past week!  She got $75 and a bound book with all the winner's submissions for all three categories (poetry, fiction, and non-fiction).  Funny thing is she didn't even hear the announcement as she was in the gym change rooms where they are hard to hear so when she went to the cafeteria for lunch she got mauled by people giving her hugs and congratulating her and she didn't know why LOL!  She has an amazing ability to write poetry and though she doesn't think hers is anything special, I think this has told her otherwise and will encourage her to keep writing. 

Okay, mommy gush is now over....on to the card :)  This week's Mojo sketch was a great one and since I have been in a rather large flower rut lately...okay....again...lol, I figured I would go to the cutesy side as I don't do that very often.

Haven't used my Stampin' Up owl punch for some time so pulled it out and enjoyed creating a cute girl owl and card in one of my favorite colour combos - pink and brown.  I always second guess myself with the pupil placement of the eyes when I use this punch as I'm never quite sure if I get the location right. Just don't want them to look cross eyed!

Back to my craft area I go in order to cram in as much time as possible before school is out and the kids are home 24/7.  I giggle as all my teacher stamping friends have the opposite reaction to the countdown - they can't wait for school to be done so they have more time to stamp.  Gotta love life :) 

 

What's In It?
Paper: Early Espresso, Kraft, Pretty in Pink, Costco DP, Making Memories DP
Accessories: Scalloped Circle and Circle Nesties, Owl, Bird and Scalloped Border Punch (Stampin' Up!), Distressed Stripes Embossing Folder, 5/8" Pink Satin Ribbon, Button, Twine, Glue Dots, Dimensionals

Love Round or Square Week

  
Love round or square week over at the Mojo Monday blog.  Round cards are just too fun to make (at least for me anyway) and Julee always has great sketches to work with :)

I jumped at the chance to make another felt flower - told you I'd get addicted LOL!  Paired it with some Costco DP,  my favorite lacy nesties and of course, had to add some dots :)

I didn't add a sentiment to the card so I can use it for any occasion - one can never have enough of these on hand.

The countdown to school ending has begun in our house!  Only 19 days for my daughter and 28 days for my son.  Mommy is beginning to twitch LOL!

Thanks for dropping by and have a great day :)

 

What's In It?
Paper: Mellow Moss, Sahara Sand, Cream Linen, Costco DP
Accessories:  Lacy Circle and Circle Nesties, Banner Die (Verve), PTI Flower Dies, MFT Leaf Dies, Felt, Seeing Spots Embossing Folder, Crimper, Button, Twine, Glue Dots, Dimensionals

Mojo 242 Happy Birthday

Loved this week's Mojo Monday sketch.  It's nice and straight forward and one you can dress up or keep simple.  The Shabby Tea Room's inspiration picture challenge fit this card as well. 

I had a bit of this lovely K & Co paper left so I used it as the basis if my card.  After a bit of tricky punching to get the right sized rectangle for the sentiment panel I was on my way.  I just love SU's French Script background stamp and don't think I'll ever get rid of it.  It was the perfect touch for the background panel.  More practice rolling roses and called it a card.

We had some fabulous family time with my aunt and cousin.  Lots of good food, conversation and laughs.  Just wish we lived closer together (darn 3,000 miles) as they are the only relatives we have on my side of the family and we don't get to see each other that often.  But, lots of good memories to tide us over until the next visit :)

 

What's In It?
Stamps: Elegant Greetings (Stampin' Up)
Paper: K & Company, Mellow Moss, Rose Red, Pretty in Pink, Cream Linen
Ink: Black, Sahara Sand
Accessories:  Heart Border and Leaf Punches (Martha Stewart), Rolled Rose Dies (MFT), 5/8" Pink Satin Ribbon, Scalloped Border Punch (SU)Button, Twine, Glue Dots, Half Pearls, Bling, Dimensionals

Felt Is In Da House!!

This week's Mojo Monday sketch was designed by Terersa.  It's nice and straight forward and the large circle has endless possibilities :)

Since I finally own felt in a wonderful array of colours thanks to Michelle's enabling (thanks Michelle), I decided to make my first ever felt flower...love....happy sigh....  :)   I know, I know, I'm slow to get on the bandwagon, but now that I'm on it, be forewarned LOL!

I made the card pictured above first but then thought a felt flower should have felt leaves so I swapped out the leaf sprig for some felt leaves (case of beginner felt user??).  Below is a picture of the remake.  Which do you prefer?  (Sorry for the poor quality of the second picture - it's a true testament to the power of good lighting versus not so good lighting!).  

This Verve sentiment is one of my favorites.  It's a great reminder to not continually focus on what life isn't but rather be thankful for all you have and enjoy what each day has to offer.  Wise words to live by :)

Still enjoying glorious weather out here on the West Coast and  with a long weekend coming up I can finally get some down time -- and stamping time if all goes well :)

Carpe Diem!!

 

What's In It?
Stamps: Wise Words, Sunny Days (Verve)
Paper: Heritage DP (Bella Blvd), Sahara Sand, Mellow Moss, Pretty in Pink, Early Espresso
Ink:  Black, Mellow Moss
Accessories:  Lacy Circle and Circle Nesties, Flower Die (PTI) Leafy Sprigs Die (Verve), Distressed Stripes Embossing Folder, Button,  Felt, Baker's Twine, Brown Half Pearls, Bling, Glue Dots, Dimensionals

Masculine Thank You

This week is contest week over at the Mojo Monday blog and this is my kick at the can.

I went the masculine route as I needed a thank you card for a dear friend and mentor I had coffee with the other day. 

The card came together very quickly until I got to the circle element above the banner.  I fiddled and fussed with what to put over the banner forever!!  Tried three stars of the same size in an arch over the banner (each in a different colour) - nope; then switched out the first star for a larger one with a button on it for some contrast - nope; then switched the stars out for a maple leaf  or a combo of leaves - nope; and finally settled on this wonderful Verve Elegant Leaf die.  So, what could have been a quickish card turned out taking a lot longer than I had planned - guess the bathrooms get cleaned tomorrow LOL!

Another busy weekend coming up with company coming for an overnight, a baby shower to attend, Mother's Day brunch and teaching my Grade 5/6 Sunday School class!  Looking forward to the long weekend in May already!

 

What's In It?
Stamps: Bloom and Grow (Verve)
Paper: Night of Navy, Early Espresso, Cream Linen, Mellow Moss, Costco DP
Ink: Garden Green, Black
Accessories: Circle Nesties, Ribbon Banner, Elegant Leaves, Charming Banner and Charmin Oval Dies (Verve), Distress Stripes Embossing Folder, Brads, Crimper, Green Grosgrain Ribbon, Brown Half Pearls, Dimensionals

Mojo Throwdown

This week is contest week over on the  Mojo Monday blog so the housework took a back seat to getting a card done before the weekend craziness hits.

I combined it with this week's Color Throwdown as I have the MME line on the photo and it was a no brainer as to what papers to use.

I love Verve's Words of Wisdom set and this sentiment was a perfect fit for the space I had.  I cheated a bit by adding a yellow butterfly, but made up for it with the turquoise ribbon - or so I tell myself  LOL!

You already know about my busy weekend so I won't be around until it is over as my craft area is also our spare room and with company over for three nights, that means I don't get to stamp...the upside, I can spend some time reading the Hunger Games trilogy :)

Thanks for sharing a bit of your day with me and I'll be back with a new card as soon as I can.

 

What's In It?
Stamps: Words of Wisdom (Verve)
Paper: Stella Rose (MME), Dusty Durango, So Saffron, Certainly Celery
Ink: Black
Accessories:  Circle Nesties, Flutterby Die (Verve), Leaf Die (Suffix), Scalloped Border Punch (SU), Crimper, 5/8" Turquoise Satin Ribbon, Button, Black and Green Half Pearls, Twine, Glue Dots

Mojo For You

This week is contest week over at the Mojo Monday blog so I get to take another kick at the can re: winning a Verve gift certificate :)

Some Stella Rose MME papers were calling my name as was the MFT daisy die which is quickly becoming one of my newest addictions!

This card is going to the daughter of one of the Verve Diva's who is going through a tough time right now.  Hoping it will bring her some encouragement :)   Hopefully Canada Post won't take forever to get it there!

Kids are officially on Spring Break for the next two weeks as of today....oh joy....LOL!   In all reality I do enjoy having my kids all to myself, but it makes for a busy two weeks as I try to balance our time with a good mix of visiting friends, going out on day trips, getting out of the house for a few hours on home days and working on things that need to be done at home (I can hear them groaning about the last one already LOL).  Wish me luck :)

 

What's In It?
Stamps: Fancy Flexible Phrases (SU) 
Paper: Stella Rose (MME), Chocolate Chip, Real Red, Certainly Celery, Cream Linen, So Saffron 
Ink: Black 
Accessories: Daisy Die (MFT), Border Punch (SU), Scalloped Circle and Circle Nesties, Tagged Rectangle Die (Verve), Sizzex Leaf Die (SU), Crimper, 1/4" Olive Grosgrain Ribbon, Button, Twine, Glue Dot, Brown Half Pearls, Dimensionals

An Irish Blessing For You

 It's round or square week over on the Mojo Monday blog and round it will be :)

After a short hiatus from St. Patrick's Day cards, another one was in order so I'm one card closer to my required quota.  Out came Verve's Lucky You shamrock set and the matching dies are such a joy to work with!

Used a tried and true colour combo and just "had" to go with polka dots again....sorry....I'm on a bit of a bender with them lately....even embossed them in the background!

Just need to make one last St. Patrick's Day card and then you'll have a reprieve from them until next year LOL!    But I won't commit to your not seeing any shamrocks until then as there could very well be a "lucky you" card or two somewhere along the course of the year.

Wishing you the blessing that's on the card, and sending you many thanks for all your wonderful comments.  They make my day and fuel the fire to keep creating (((hugs))).

Challenges:  
Raise The Bar - Twine 
Friday Mashup - St. Patrick's Day

 

What's In It?
Stamps: Lucky You (Verve) 
Paper: Draft, Wild Wasabi, Happy Go Lucky (Pebbles)

Ink: Garden Green, Black 
Accessories:  Scalloped Circle and Circle Nesties, Shamrock Dies (Verve), Scalloped Border Punch (SU), Seeing Spots Embossing Folder, Black Half Pearls, Black Buttons, Twine, Dimensionals

Mojo Monday Baby Blog Hop For Julee

I have the wonderful honour of being part of a surprise Mojo Monday   Baby Blog Hop for Julee!  If you haven't heard, she is expecting twin boys in mid-March, so we wanted to share our love, support and happiness for Mark and Julee on the upcoming birth of their sons :)

If you have arrived from Amber's blog you are right on track.  If you just happened upon the hop and want to start from the beginning, or if there is a glitch somewhere along the way, you can go to the bottom of this post for the master hop list.

Being that Julee is Verve's owner and creator, I just had to use Emery!  I paper pieced him twice and went with a blue and brown colour scheme as it is such a fun combo for boys.  Since the paper also has an eyelet pattern, it's my way of sneaking in a girly tribute to mama Julee :)

Another part of this hop is to give Julee some advice on motherhood.  Though I did not have twins, and have no clue what to advise on that front, my two kids lead me to give the following advice:

• Sleep when they sleep.  The housework can wait!!!

• Have some prepared meals in the freezer so you have quick and easy access to meals!  That way you won't have to cook in your exhausted state those first few months.  Makes for good milk too.  

• Keep a "baby's firsts" book (many are available on line) where you can note your child's milestones their first year of life:  first tooth, first smile, first roll over, when they sat up, used a sippy cup, ate their first solid food etc.  Best part is your kids will love looking through it when they are older.

• Make sure you have some adult interaction time (mommy group, visiting friends etc.)

• Don't be afraid to ask for/receive help. 

• Take lots of pictures. Fun twist is to take a picture every month by the same object/stuffy so you can easily see how much they grow from month to month.

• Pray, pray, pray and pray some more as you raise them to love God with all their heart, soul, mind and strength and equip them with the skills and character required to be amazing men and husbands.    

• Treasure special moments in your heart because the years go by waaaay too quickly!!

I know you and Mark will be wonderful parents, Julee :)  Look forward to hearing the birth announcement and names you have chosen!  Hugest of (((hugs)))!!!

The next stop on the hop is Janelle's blog, so pour yourself a cup of coffee and enjoy the fabulous creations along the way!
 

Master Hop List

Julee Tillman

Teresa Kline

Laurie Schmidlin 

Jen Tapler

Andrea Ewen

Debbie Carriere

Charmaine Ikach

Sankari Wegman

Shannan Teubner

Lori Craig

Maureen Plut

Toni Storie

Wanda Cullen

Amber Hight

Marisa Ritzen  (you are here)

Janelle Stollfus

Tosh Leyendekker

Jackie Pedro

Betty Wright

Jen del Muro

Lynda Benden

Stephanie Kraft

Mary Fish

Sarah Bigelow

Alma de la Rosa

Carole Burrage

Susan Lilies

Amy Sheffer

Taylor Van Bruggen

Clarire Brennan

 

What's In It?
Stamps: Emery Plain Jane (Verve)
Paper: Cute as a Button (Pebbles), Bazzil Brown, SU Bashful Blue DSP 
Ink:  Black 
Accessories:  5/8" Blue Satin Ribbon, Buttons, Twine, Glue Dots, Dimensionals

Thanks a Bunch

Yeah!! This week's Mojo Monday sketch didn't have a skewed panel!  Can't complain too loudly though as my card from last week was graciously included as one of the finalists :)  Thanks, Julee. 

Still on a polka dot craze and  managed to sneak some hearts in as well - can't give up on Valentine's Day quite so quickly LOL!

It's been a while since I've used some flowers and butterflies on a card so I decided it was time to change that.  A little breath of spring to brighten my day and hopefully yours too.

Busy weekend ahead running kids around, but also making sure I don't over do it as I don't want a relapse of this horrible bug!  If all goes well, may be able to sneak a little workout in - gotta keep on track with my fit and firm at 50 :)

Thanks for popping by today and wishing you a wonderful weekend.


 

What's In It?
Stamps: Bloom and Grow (Verve)
Paper: Dots and Stripes (Echo Park), Small Polka Dots (Making Memories), Rose Red, So Saffron, Going Grey, Pretty in Pink
Ink: Going Grey, Black
Accessories:  Scalloped Border Punch (SU), Labels 8, Hearts Embossing Folder, Martha Stewart Butterfly Punch, Elegant Leaf  and Floral Circle Dies (Verve), Half Pearls, Dimensionals

Polka Dots and Shamrocks

 This week's Mojo Monday sketch didn't make Marisa very happy....grrrr!!!  I am actually fairly comfortable with one skewed panel on a sketch (fairly being the operative word), but when there are two skewed panels on a sketch I go into a tail spin.

This sketch is also testing my blogging relationship with its creator, Debbie.  Lucky for her/me/us I love Verve too much too pass up an opportunity to win some, otherwise, I'm sure I would have passed on it.  So, this one is for you Debbie!  I'll send you the psych bill later LOL!

Took the opportunity to ink up my new Verve set Lucky You and make a St. Patrick's Day card.  Bonus is the fact I looove the colour green and have several Irish friends this card can be sent to.  Not expecting the set to bring me winning luck, but stranger things have happened!

Off to go watch my son's soccer game and then home to have a relaxing rest to the day in an attempt to get us all healthy again. 



What's In It?
Stamps: Lucky You (Verve)
Paper: Dots and Stripes (Echo Park),  Happy Go Lucky (Pebbles ), Wild Wassabi, Black
Ink: Black, VersaMark
Accessories: Labels 18 Nestie, Marvy Heart Punch, Ribbon, Button, Glue Dots, Dimensionals

Moxie Mojo

Love round or square week over at the Mojo Monday blog because I love making round cards and it is always a great excuse to make one as the sketch is provided :)

I used this week's Moxie Fab Tuesday Trigger with the sketch as it had such a wonderful mix of colours to work with which ever so easily enabled me to make yet another Valentine's Day/Love card.  I layered my card as per the layers in the chocolate and embossed the kraft panel for a nugget feel.  Pulled in the doily from the picture with the PIT die and the striped ribbon I found a Mike's a few years ago was a perfect match as it had all the colours from the inspiration picture. 

Think I'll give this to my daughter for Valentine's Day.  I am so proud of her.  She got straight A's in her first semester of high school and that was no easy feat as she had four academic courses (Socials, English, Math and Science) and worked really, really hard in all of her classes.  In addition, she did very well on her Grade 3 piano exam last Friday!  We had great fun celebrating her successes by going on a shopping spree at Old Navy :)   To top things off, we didn't have to pay a dime for all the clothes we got as our purchases were fully funded by gift cards, coupons and a discount card - that's my kind of shopping!  Our cashier called us extreme couponers.  Must say it is almost as fun as getting new stamping supplies LOL!

 

What's In It? 
Stamps: Love Notes (Verve) 
Paper: Dots and Stripes (Echo Park), Pretty in Pink, Kraft, Rose Romance 
Ink: Black 
Accessories:  Scalloped Circle and Circle Nesties, Dainty Doilies (PTI), Lattice Embossing Folder (SU), Swiss Dots Embossing Folder, Heart Punch (Marvy), Striped Ribbon (Michael's Ribbon Bin), Bling, Dimensionals