Masculine Sympathy Card

Masculine sympathy cards are not easy to make...  I used this week's Viva La Verve sketch by Stacey, and the 1 Peter 5:7 verse from Faith Medley.  After humming and hawing for a while, I finally decided to go non-traditional with the colours and added some spiral clips I found in my stash.

My friend lost his father, who he was very close to, and though there is great sorrow at losing his presence here on earth, I know he takes comfort in the fact he will one day see him again in Heaven.   Yet amidst the comfort of that knowledge, there are always times of deep, emotional, heart ache when one misses having your parent to walk through life with, call for advice etc.  My prayer is that this verse will comfort him during those times.

A busy weekend ahead as we celebrate all the September family birthdays, along with a soccer game and my son reffing two games too.  Our schedules are in full swing now, and I think we will have a very low key Sunday to enjoy some down time!

Wishing you a fabulous day!

Challenges:  Simon Says - Anything Goes

 
 
What's In It?
Stamps:  Faith Medley (Verve Stamps)
Paper:   Kraft, Real Red, Night of Navy, Cool Caribbean (Stampin' Up), Cream Linen, Costco DP Pack
Ink:  Black    
Accessories:  Starry Die (A Cut Above by Verve), Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Crimper (Fiskars), Chicken Wire Embossing Folder (Provo Craft), Black Half Pearls, Spiral Clips, Dimensionals

Verve May 2014 Spotlight Hop ~ Day 2

Welcome to Day 2, of Verve's May 2014 Spotlight Hops!  If you have come here from Charmaine's blog you are right on track.  If you just happened up on the Hop, you can follow the list below to get caught up.  Everything previewed this week will be available in the Verve online store Friday night, May 23rd.   

Today's featured sets are Wonderful Marvelous and the Jeremiah 17:7 Plain Jane. 

My first card uses the Jeremiah 17:7 Plain Jane.  Adore this verse!  Such a great sentiment to put on a Father's Day card, or to encourage someone by letting them know you can see them putting their trust, hope and confidence in the Lord.  I combined it with the anchor and wheel images from Strong Anchor and matching Nautical Die Set.

My second card showcases Wonderful Marvelous.  This is a wonderful set with sentiments for both Mother's and Father's Day.  Chose this fabulous sentiment from the set and embellished it by using the All Aflutter die and matching image from  Blue Skies.   Added a secondary sentiment using a trimmed off die from the Flag It die set.



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 today's full set reveals and all the prize info and deadlines!

Wednesday, 5/21/14
Today's Prize: Wonderful Marvelous, Jeremiah 17:7 Plain Jane

1. Julee	7. Stacey
2. Charmaine	8. Maureen
3. Marisa	9. Jen
4. Janelle	10. Laurie S.
5. Teresa	11. Andrea
6. Chaitali	12. Christyne

Time to hop over to Janelle's blog to see her fabulous creation using today's showcased sets.  Then make sure you come back tomorrow for our Day 3 Hop.

Challenges: Simon Says

What's In It?

Jeremiah 17:7
Stamps:   Jeremiah 17:7 Plain Jane, Strong Anchor (Verve Stamps) 
Paper:   Come Away With Me (My Mind's Eye), Kraft, Cream Linen
Ink: Black
Accessories:   Nautical Die Set (A Cut Above by Verve), Chicken Wire Embossing Folder (Provo Craft), Brads, Twine, Dimensionals

Wonderful Marvelous
Stamps:   Wonderful Marvelous (Verve Stamps) 
Paper:   Kraft, Blush Blossom, Mellow Moss, Rose Romance, Real Red, Kraft (Stampin' Up)
Ink: Black, VersaMark
Accessories:   All Aflutter and Flag It Dies (A Cut Above by Verve), Scalloped Circle and Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Medium Scalloped Border Die (PTI), Leaf Punch (Martha Stewart), Heart Punch (Marvy), Swiss Dots Embossing Folder (Provo Craft), Crimper (Fiskars), Buttons, Twine, Black and White Half Pearls, Bling, Dimensionals

Verve May 2014 Spotlight Hop ~ Day 1

Welcome to Day 1, of Verve's May 2014 Spotlight Hops!   This week, we're excited to be spotlighting 3 new sets, 3 Plain Janes and a couple dies each day through Friday.  

If you have come here from Charmaine's blog you are right on track.  If you just happened up on the Hop, you can follow the list below to get caught up.  Everything previewed this week will be available in the Verve online store Friday night, May 23rd.   

Today's features are:  Button Best, Proverbs 31:25 Plain Jane, and Pointed Petals Die Set. 

My first card uses one of the sentiments from Button Best.  Such a true statement about mothers no matter how old you are!

Keep coming back to this Cut and Paste paper from My Mind's Eye as I love the papers.  I die cut two Rounded Scalloped Frames and layered them askew to pick up both the pink and green.  A few sequins from the Pastel Sequin Mix and seam binding from Summer Sailing Ribbon Collection finished things off.

My second card uses the Proverbs 31:25 Plain Jane.  Love this verse as it is a part of one of my favorite passages -- Proverbs 31:10-31.

Park Bench papers by Fancy Pants were a perfect match for the colour challenge part of the first May Viva La Verve challenge.  I also used that week's sketch, along with the small butterfly from Blue Skies, matching All Aflutter die, a flower from Petals and Wings and matching Wings and Petals die, Dreamy Leaves die and a few sequins from the new Shine Bright Sequin Mix.



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 today's full set reveals and all the prize info and deadlines!

Tuesday, 5/20/14
Today's Prize: Button Best, Proverbs 31:25, Pointed Petals Die Set

1. Julee 8. Amber 2. Charmaine 9. Maureen 3. Marisa 10. Jen 4. Janelle 11. Laurie S. 5. Teresa 12. Andrea 6. Chaitali 13. Christyne 7. Stacey 14. Sarah

Time to hop over to Janelle's blog to see her fabulous creation using today's showcased sets.  Then make sure you come back tomorrow for our Day 2 Hop.

Challenges:  Simon Says

What's In It?

Button Best
Stamps:   Button Best (Verve Stamps) 
Paper:   Cut and Paste (My Mind's Eye), Mint Medley, Pretty in Pink (Stampin' Up)
Ink: Black   
Accessories:   Rounded Scalloped Frame Die (A Cut Above by Verve), Heart Quartet, Wavy Hearts, Elegant Leaves, Scalloped Trim Trio and Flag It Dies (A Cut Above by Verve), Doily (PTI), Crimper (Fiskars), Distressing Tool (Stampin' Up), Spring Fling Ribbon Collection (Verve), Twine, Buttons, Bling, Glue Dots, Dimensionals  

Proverbs 31:25
 Stamps:   Proverbs 31:15 Plain Jane (Verve Stamps) 
Paper:   Park Bench (Fancy Pants)
Ink: Black, More Mustard, Summer Sun, Going Grey (Stampin' Up)   
Accessories:   All Aflutter, Petals and Wings, Dreamy Leaves Die Sets (A Cut Above by Verve), Labels 18 Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Washi Tape, Button, Twine, Black Half Pearls, Shine Bright Sequin Mix (Verve Stamps), Glue Dot, Dimensionals

Verve November Diva Inspirations Hop

Welcome to Verve's November Diva Inspirations Hop. It's the 5th of the month and that means it's time for the Diva Inspirations Hop.   The Divas will showcase inspirations to inspire you with both old and new Verve!   

If you have come here from Charmaine's blog you are right on track.  If you just happened on to the hop, you can start from the top and work your way through - the prize is worth playing for!  Check out the Verve Blog today for all the details.

For my card, I combined this fabulous Ecclesiastes 3:11 Plain Jane with the butterfly from Each Day.  I just love this verse and it is always a good reminder to be patient for things (not one of my strong suits LOL)!  The paper is Kioshi by Basic Grey and I pulled the rest of the colours from it.  The card needed a little something, so I cut out and added two butterflies along the side and then tried my hand at a multi-looped bow.



Want to win Verve's ENTIRE October Release? Just leave comments on all of the blogs on today's hop to be entered in the drawing!

So let's get hopping!  Below is the full hop list if you need it, otherwise just hop on over to the oh so talented Christyne for what I'm sure will be a stunning display of Verve goodies.

	1. Julee	10. Susan
	2. Amy	11. Tiffany
	3. Anya	12. Teresa
	4. Betty	13. Maureen
	5. Jessica	14. Andrea
	6. Karen	15. Stacey {Guest}
	7. Sankari	16. Charmaine
	8. Sarah	17. Marisa
	9. Sony	18. Christyne

Oh, and since the holidays are just around the corner, just a reminder that Verve has a little holiday sale going on through November 26!

Thanks for popping in today and happy hopping :) 

Challenge:  Simon Says

 

What's In It?

Stamps: Ecclesiastes 3:11 Plain Jane, Each Day, Dream Big (Verve Stamps), French Script (Stampin' Up)
Paper:  Kioshi (Basic Grey), Perfect Plun, Pale Plum, Always Artichoke, Krafth (Stampin' Up) 
Ink:  Black, Always Artichoke, Perfect Plum (Stampin' Up), VersaMark
Accessories:  Wood Grain Embossing Folder (Tim Holtz), Button, Twine, Glue Dot, Black Half Pearls, Bling, Dimensionals

Mojo Monday #316

It's time for another Mojo Monday sketch and I loved working with this week's sketch.

The sentiment is from Verve's Each Day set from their recent release.  I just love the verses in this set and the wonderful cross and butterfly images.

The sentiment I used is a portion of the Matthew 6:34 verse and I added the filigree image below it.  Thankfully, I am not much of a worrier by nature. However, one can never be reminded often enough that worry saps you of today's joy and energy, and in all honesty, will do absolutely nothing to change tomorrow.  Carpe Diem (seize the day) all the way!

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

My poor mom is having a hard go after her car accident.  Her car was a write off, so we have to find her a new car (thankfully the payout was very good), she has a concussion and is a bit diddled because of it, and is very, very stiff and sore.  If any of you are the praying type, I would greatly appreciate your prayers for her health and recovery.

Thanks for popping by today and hope you get time to play along with this week's sketch.  

What's In It?
Stamps:  Each Day (Verve Stamps) 
Paper:  Early Espresso, Cameo Coral, Kraft, Designer Series Paper (Stampin' Up), Capella (Basic Grey)
Ink: Black  
Accessories:   Flutterby and Pennant Trim Die (A Cut Above by Verve), Scalloped Circle and Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Scalloped Punch (Stampin' Up), 5/8" Brown Satin Ribbon (Michael's), Button, Twine, Glue Dot, Black and Brown Half Pearls, Dimensionals 

Verve October Inspiration Hop

First and foremost, Happy World Card Making Day!!  How fabulous to have a day which celebrates our beloved hobby :)

Verve is celebrating in fine form today with the Verve Diva Inspirations Hop!  It's the 5th of the month and that means it's hopping time.  Along today's hop you'll see some fresh new ideas for some beloved older sets, as well as some fantastic pairings of our latest release with existing sets.  It's sure to be a treat, and we've got treats to give away, too! 

If you have come from Tiffany's blog you are right on track.  If you just happened on the hop, you can get the full hop list below.

For my card, I used this week's Verve sketch and the wonderful Psalm 46:1 Plain Jane.  Oh how I love this verse!  Paired it with some old Stella and Rose paper by My Mind's Eye which has delicious fall colours in it and a few embellishments finished things off nicely.

Want to win Verve's ENTIRE September Release? Jut leave comments on all of the blogs on today's hop to be entered in the drawing!

So let's get hopping!  Below is the full hop list if you need it, otherwise just hop on over to the oh so talented Teresa, for what I'm sure will be a stunning display of Verve goodies.

	1. Julee	10. Marisa
	2. Amy	11. Teresa
	3. Betty	12. Maureen
	4. Jessica	13. Charmaine
	5. Karen	14. Christyne
	6. Sankari	15. Andrea
	7. Sarah	16. Amber
	9. Susan	17. Stacey {Guest}
	9. Tiffany

And since World Card Making Day is the official start to the holiday card making season, Verve has a 25% off sale on Christmas stamps this weekend only!
 

Thanks for joining us today, and make sure you check out the Verve Store for the Christmas sale as well as all the new release goodies from last week! 

 

What's In It?

Stamps: Psalm 46:1 Plain Jane (Verve Stamps) 
Paper:  Stella and Rose (My Mind's Eye), Kraft, Certainly Celery, Early Espresso (Stampin' Up), Cream Linen, Starbucks Coffee Sleeve
Ink:  Black, VersaMark
Accessories:  Dream Leaves Die (A Cut Above by Verve), Scalloped Oval Nestabililities (Spellbinders), Butterfly Punch (Stampin' Up), Corner Rounder (Marvy), Crimper (Fiskars), Cream Half Pearls (Michael's), Button, Twine, 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 

Verve September 2013 Spotlight Hop ~ Day 1

** Second post of the day. See below for my Mojo Monday post ** 

Welcome to our September 2013 Spotlight Hops!  We're so excited to share some new Verve with you!  Each day this week, the Divas will be shining their Verve spotlights on a different set, so stay tuned for a week filled with inspiration!  Everything previewed this week will be available in the Verve online store on Friday, September 27th.

If you have come here from Maureen's blog you are right on track. If you just happened up on the Hop, you can follow the list below to get caught up.  Today's featured sets are Each Day and the Plain Jane Psalm 94:18.

For my card today, I combined both of today's featured sets.  The sentiment is the Psalm 94:18 Plain Jane and the gorgeous butterfly is from Each Day.  I barely scratched the surfce of the Each Day set, as there are some fabulous verses and a gorgeous cross.  Needless to say, I can't wait to get more of this set inky.



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 today's full set reveals and all the prize info and deadlines!

Monday, 9/23/13
Today's Prize: Each Day, Psalm 94:18 Plain Jane

1. Julee	8. Laurie W.
2. Teresa	9. Christyne
3. Charmaine	10. Maureen
4. Stacey {Guest}	11. Marisa
5. Andrea	12. Janelle
6. Jen	13. Laurie S.
7. Amber

Time to hop over to Janelle's blog to see her fabulous creation using today's showcased sets, and be sure to come back tomorrow for Day 2 of our Spotlight Hop. 

What's In It?
Stamps:  Psalm 94:18 Plain Jane, Each Day (Verve Stamps) 
Paper:  Kioshi (Basic Grey), Kraft, Perfect Plum(Stampin' Up)
Ink: Black and Perfect Plum (Stampin' Up)
Accessories:  Scalloped Circle and Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders) Crimper (Fiskars), Button, Twine, Black Half Pearls, Dimensionals

Mojo Monday #312

Love the originality of this sketch!  The vertical banners are so original and add such a great touch!  Julee truly is a master sketch design :)

Since fall is quickly approaching, and I just loooove working with fall colours, I pulled out some yummy papers and one of my all time favorite Plain Janes, Psalm 46:10.  Oh how I love this verse!  It is a soothing balm to my soul.

As fate would have it, I just happened to have a crimped butterfly in my scrap bin that was just the right colour - score!  A seasonal cross over tribute LOL.

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

This week is also the beginning of the Spotlight Hop for Verve's new release!!  Make sure you hop along each day as a random commenter will be chosen to win the showcased set each day!   
 

What's In It?
Stamps:  Be Still and Know Plain Jane (Verve Stamps) 
Paper:  Floral Chic (Fancy Pants), On the Bright Side (My Mind's Eye), Sahara Sand, Early Espresso, Only Orange, More Mustard (Stampin' Up)
Ink: Black 
Accessories: Flutterby Die (A Cut Above by Verve), Scalloped Circle and Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Crimper (Fiskars), Button, Twine, Glue Dot, Dimensionals 

Mojo Monday #304

It's round or square week and though I usually make a round card, this time round (no pun intended LOL) I decided to go with the square sketch.

Love orange and green together and MME's The Sweetest Thing had a fabulous choice of papers to work from.  Kraft became my neutral along with the white and the yummy, yellow seam binding is from Verve's Spring Fling ribbon package.  The bling in the center of the bow was from a find at a local dollar store (oh how I love dollar store finds!).

I needed to balance off the bow a bit so I jumped at the chance to use my beloved Flutterby die from Verve.  The card also qualifies for one of today's Dare To Get Dirty Challenges which you can find here over on Splitcoast Stampers.  You have to be a Fan Club member to play along, so if you aren't, now is a good chance to become one and help support the fabulous world of SCS :)

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

Think we will take a few trips to the beach this week as the weather continues to be outstanding and by now the kids should be able to brave the water (was too cold on the July long weekend) while I enjoy catching some rays and reading on the beach :)  Have a fabulous week and hope you can squeeze in some time to play along!

What's In It?
Stamps: Praying For You Plain Jane (Verve Stamps) 
Paper:  The Sweetest Thing (My Mind's Eye), So Saffron, Kraft (Stampin' Up) 
Ink: Black 
Accessories:  Flutterby Die (A Cut Above by Verve), Scalloped Circle and Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Scalloped Border Punch (Stampin' Up), Spring Fling Ribbon Collection (Verve Stamps), Crimper (Fiskars), Bling, Button, Twine, Glue Dots, Dimensionals

Mojo Monday #301

We are moving ahead after a wonderful celebration of Mojo Monday's 300th sketch.  Thank you to everyone who played along!

This week's sketch is another wonderful one by Julee (I know I say that every week, but I truly do love her sketches!).  I flipped the sketch to a vertical orientation and when I tripped across these wonderful fall coloured papers from K & Company's Classic K Mackenna pad I just had to use them.  The I Chronicles 16:34 Plain Jane fit the oval perfectly and the seam binding is from the Spring Fling ribbon collection.  A few pops of yellow for some colour and I was good to go. 

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 - as well as some guest designer's 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

This week is our VBS week and the  kids and I are helping out.  Will be a busy week indeed and I'll be one tired out mama by Friday, I'm sure LOL!  

Oh, and before I forget, Julee has a great Christmas in July sale going on over at the Verve store.  

Have a fabulous day and hope you can find some time to play along with this week's sketch.

 

What's In It?  
Stamps: 1 Chronicles 16:34 Plain Jane (Verve Stamps), French Script (Stampin' Up)  
Paper: Classic K McKenna (K & Company), Kraft, Old Olive, So Saffron, Early Espresso (Stampin' Up), Cream Linen 
Ink:  Black
Accessories:  Scalloped Oval and Oval Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Rolled Rose Die (My Favorite Things), Leaf Punch (Martha Stewart), Spring Fling Seam Binding (Verve Stamps), Button, Twine, Brown Half Pearl, Glue Dots, Dimensionals