November Diva Dare

Welcome to Verve's November's Diva Dare!  This month's theme is "Shape Up" and the Divas are daring you to create a card which includes a common shape on it.  For example,  hexagons, hearts, triangles, chevrons, stars, arrows etc.  Lots of ways you can go with this dare :)

For my card, I pulled out the newly released Chevron Love set.  I just love hearts and will take any excuse to use them on a card!

Diva Christyne's fabulous VLV sketch was a great layout for my card.  The papers are from MME's Love Me paper pack.  I use the Jotted Heart die and then clear embossed the matching chevron heart  on to it.  Where there is a heart there is often my beloved "U" die with it, as is the case here.  I crimped the "U" from the I Heart You die set (though you can't see it in the photo - urgh!), added the smallest heart from the Heart Quartet die set and finished it off with a bit of bling.  A few banners from the Pennant Trim die and  some delicious, red seam binding from Verve's Truly, Madly, Deeply ribbon collection called it a card.

Of course, where there is a Verve Diva Dare, there are prizes, and this month's dare provides two prizes: one for a randomly selected participant and one for a randomly selected commenter!  Worth participating for sure, because Christmas is a coming and a gift certificate would come in very handy wink, wink!

Want to get all the details on how you can win some Verve Stamps?  Simply head on over to the Verve Blog to get all the challenge details - I dare you!

 

What's In It?
Stamps:   Chevron Love (Verve Stamps) 
Paper:  Love Me (My Mind's Eye), Basic Grey, Pretty in Pink, Real Red, Going Grey (Stampin' Up) 
Ink: Black, VersaMark
Accessories:  Jotted Heart, I Heart You Die Set, Pennant Trim Die, Heart Quartet (A Cut Above by Verve), Lacy Scalloped Circle and Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Truly Madly Deeply Ribbon Collection (Verve Stamps), Clear Embossing Powder, Swiss Dots Embossing Folder (Provo Craft), Buttons, Twine, Glue Dots, Bling, 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 #318

It's the first Monday of the month and that means contest week, and Julee has given us a great sketch to work with! 

Love using tags on cards, and if you have been around here for any length of time, you know I love hearts!  So needless to say, this card was a whole lot of fun to make!

I took the sketch very literally this time round.  The background paper was calling my name and I used the Wavy Heart Die for my  hearts (love this heart shape!).  Some ribbon, a button and a touch of crimping 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 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

I must say, I thoroughly enjoyed my extra  hour of sleep Saturday nigh LOL!  Very needed and much appreciated.   Now that Halloween is over, I'm sure the stores will be in Christmas mode before I can blink, and so the countdown begins!

Challenge:  Simon Says 

What's In It?
Stamps:   Chevron Love (Verve Stamps)
Paper:  Hugs and Kisses (American Crafts), Kiss Me (Bella Blvd), Turquoise (Bazzil)
Ink: Black  
Accessories:  Wavy Heart Diea (A Cut Above by Verve), Tag Die (PTI), Crimper (Fiskars), 5/8" Olive Grosgrain Ribbon, Button, Twine, Bling, Glue Dot, Dimensionals

Happy Birthday Linky Party for Tracey McNeely

This card is my contribution to wishing Tracey McNeely happy birthday via her birthday linky party :)   Tracey and I serve on The Curtain Call Inspiration Team together and she is also a fellow Canadian :)  Though we are at opposite ends of Canada, her kind comments and wonderful personality make you feel like she lives right next door.   Happy Birthday to you, Tracey!! 

In addition, it is also fellow Curtain Call Crew member Jessica Kephart's birthday today too!  Lots to celebrate this fine day :)

I used last week's VLV sketch for my card, stamped one of my go to Plain Jane's (Happy Birthday) on the Tagged Rectangle die, and used the Wavy Heart and the newly released Heart Quartet dies.

If you would like to join us in wishing Tracey a happy birthday, you can go to Joyce's blog and add your birthday card to the linky party.  The link will be open for a week so Tracey can celebrate all week long :)

Thanks for popping in today and I'll be back tomorrow with my Mojo Monday card.

Challenge: Simon Says

What's In It?
Stamps:   Happy Birthday Plain Jane (Verve Stamps)
Paper:  Early Espresso, Basic Grey, Certainly Celery (Stampin' Up), Lime Twist (My Mind's Eye), Starbuck's Coffee Sleeve
Ink: Black  
Accessories:  Wavy Heart, Heart Quartet and Tagged Rectangle Dies (A Cut Above by Verve), Lacy Circle and Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Swiss Dots Embossing Folder (Provo Craft), Brown Satin Ribbon, Twine, Button, Glue Dots, Bling, Dimensionals 

Just Us Girls #213 - Sketch Challenge

This week's sketch challenge is brought to us by one of our new DT members, Sharyn.  Since I am on a leaf binge before it is too late to do so, I created another autumn themed card using my leaf dies.

Found this funky polka dot paper on clearance at my LSS so had to give it a try.  Basically Halloween colours but by using the Early Espresso for matting and on of the leaves instead of black, I think we got away from that feel a bit - at least I hope so :)

The rest of the  JUGS team, have some wonderful samples to get your inspiration going, so head 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 chosen as the Chic of the Week.  Plus if you are chosen as Chic of the Week, you could be invited to be a Guest Designer.

I'm nursing a cold and planning to sweat it out with a good workout today as I'm not a good sick patient due to rarely getting sick.  Will also be thoroughly enjoying my favorite Fall weekend -- clocks go back Saturday night which  means I get an extra hour of sleep - whoo hoo!  Almost as good as getting new stamping goodies...almost!!

Have a great weekend and I'll be back on Monday with my Mojo Monday contest week card sample.    

Challenge:  Simon Says


 
What's In It? 
Stamps:  Sincere Salutations (Stampin' Up)
Paper: So Saffron, Early Espresso, Always Artichoke, Basic Black, Kraft (Stampin' Up), Cream Linen, Toil and Trouble (Making Memories)
Ink:  Black, Close to Cocoa (Stampin' Up), VersaMark
Accessories:   Scalloped Circle and Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Leaf Dies (PTI), Corner Punch (Stampin' Up), Wood Grain Embossing Folder (Tim Holtz), Twine (My Favorite Things), Button, White Half Pearls, Glue Dot, Dimensionals

Curtain Call Inspiration Challenge - Welcome Home

Welcome (no pun intended!) to another installment of the Curtain Call Inspiration Challenge.  This time round our theme is "Welcome Home".  Paper Issues  is our sponsor for this chalelnge and the LEAD will receive a $20 gift certificate to the Paper Issues store! A big thank you to Paper Issues!

For my card I decided to create a wreath using the turquoise, rust and purple colours in the picture. I created a ring using circle Nestablities and then assembled my punched branch boughs around it. Since it was a rustic picture, I added some distressing and a twine bow.  

You can check out all the challenge details over on the Curtain Call Inspirations Challenge and also get a chance to view all the wonderful Curtain Call Crew samples!  Should you wish more details on the Curtain Call Crew's cards, you can also visit their individual blogs noted below.

Amber Kroening
Barb Murphy
Christina MacLaren
Debby Hughes
Gayatri Murali
Jessica Kephart
Kim Singdahlsen
Laurie Willison
Marisa Ritzen
Maureen Plut
Monika Davis
Sheri Gilson
Stacey Schafer
Tenia Nelson
Tracey McNeely

You have until November10th at 8:00 a.m. CST to complete a new card/project using the inspiration picture and linking it up accordingly.  The Lead and Show Stoppers will be announced on November
14th.  Can't wait to see what you create!!

Challenges:  Festive Friday
                     Simon Says

 
 
What's In It? 
Stamps:   Merry Christmas (Hero Arts)
Paper:  On the Bright Side (My Mind's Eye), Kraft and Perfect Plum (Stampin' Up)
Ink:  Black  
Accessories:   Circle Nestabilitiers (Spellbinders), Distressed Stripes Embossin Folder (Provo Craft), Leaf Punch (Martha Stewart), Distressign Tool (Stampin' Up), Twine, Glue Dot, Dimensionals 

Mojo Monday #317

Welcome to round or square week at the Mojo Monday blog.  I opted to go with the square sketch this week - switching it up to keep you on your toes wink, wink.

I fudged the sketch a bit as I wanted to use my leaf dies again before the Christmas rush begins.  More yummy fall coloured papers and a double sentiment using stamps from Lean on Me and Chevron Love.

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

Our weather has been simply stunning this fall.  Blue skies and sunshine with gloriously coloured maple trees and other deciduous trees looking like torches on tree trunks.  Love it! I just stand and drink it all in any time I'm out.  Thus the tribute to fall with my card :) 

Thanks for popping by today and since I didn't make a round card this week, someone has to - how about you!!  

What's In It?
Stamps:  Lean on Me, Chevron Love (Verve Stamps), Leaf Prints (PTI)
Paper:  Early Espresso, Real Red, So Saffron, Mellow Moss, Kraft (Stampin' Up), Cream Linen, Recollections Paper
Ink: Black, Close to Cocoa (Stampin' Up) 
Accessories:  Scalloped Circle and Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Leaf Print Dies (PTI), Button, Twine, Glue Dot, Dimensionals

Verve October 2013 Spotlight Hop ~ Day 4

Welcome to Day 4, the last day of Verve's October 2013 Spotlight Hops!   If you have come here from Jen's blog you are right on track.  If you just happened upon the Hop, you can follow the list below to get caught up.

For today's hop, the Divas are showcasing their choice of any of the newly released sets.  In addition, there is a biiiig prize for today's hop!  You can find the details below :)     

Chevron Love won out for me today as I just love hearts.  A mix of pink, green and black was the order of the day, and I used both chevron hearts in the set and their coordinating Jotted Heart and Wavy Hearts dies.   Couldn't resist adding a crimped Arrow die for emphasis and some of the delicious green seam binding from the Summer Sailing Ribbon Collection.  Not sure about black hearts, but hey, they worked {grin}.



Want to win some shiny new Verve? We'll be picking a random commenter on one of the hop spots below to win the entire release!  So be sure to leave a little comment on all the blogs below to increase your chances! Check out the Verve Blog for the full set reveals and all the prize info and deadlines!

Saturday, 10/26/13
Today's Prize: Entire October Release

1. Julee	8. Amber
2 Jen	9. Janelle
3. Marisa	10. Andrea
4. Teresa	11. Laurie W.
5. Charmaine	12. Maureen
6. Christyne	13. Laurie S.
7. Stacey {Guest}	14. Verve Blog

Time to hop over to Teresa's blog to see her fabulous creation!  You can also hop over to the Verve Store to check out the new sets and create some Christmas wish lists or just have fun shopping :)

 








What's In It?
Stamps:   Chevron Love (Verve Stamps) 
Paper:   DSP, Basic Grey, Certainly Celery (Stampin' Up), Quite Contrary (My Mind's Eye)
Ink:  Black
Accessories:   Jotted Heart, Wavy Hearts and Arrow Dies (A Cut Above by Verve), Summer Sailing Ribbon Collection (Verve Stamps), Crimper (Fiskars), Scalloped Border Punch (Stampin' Up), Corner Rounder (Marvy), Buttons, Twine, Pink and White Half Pearls, Glue Dots, Dimensionals

Just Us Girls #212 - Photo Inspiration

Welcome to another inspiration challenge at Just Us Girls.  I have been a bit remiss in the use of my beloved maple leaf and leaf dies, so it was time to use a wonderful, fall inspiration picture to facilitate their use.  Fall colours and leaves just make me happy -- one of my simple pleasures :)

I paired this week's challenge with one of this month's VLV sketches as that large circle was calling my name. Lots of wonderful fall coloured papers and three leaf dies - I am one happy lady LOL! 

The rest of the  JUGS team, have some wonderful samples to get your inspiration going, so head 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 chosen as the Chic of the Week.  Plus if you are chosen as Chic of the Week, you could be invited to be a Guest Designer.

I'm also sneaking this card into the Tuesday Trigger challenge.  Love the bucket of leaves.  My colours are a bit off, but leaves is the theme so I jumped on it.  

Have a fabulous weekend, and I'll be back on Monday with my round or square Mojo Monday card - can you guess which I'll most likely be making wink, wink!   

 
What's In It? 
Stamps:  Poppy Birthday (Verve Stamps), Leaf Prints (PTI)
Paper:  Real Red, Mellow Moss, So Saffron, Kraft, Early Espresso (Stampin' Up), Cream Linen, Grandma's Feather Bed(Bazzill Basics ), Pumpkin (Recollections)
Ink:  Black, Close to Cocoa (Stampin' Up)
Accessories:   Scalloped Circle and Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Leaf Dies (PTI), Wood Grain Embossing Folder (Tim Holtz), Crimpter (Fiskars), Twine (PTI), Button, Brown Half Pearls, Glue Dot, Dimensionals

Verve October 2013 Spotlight Hop ~ Day 3

Welcome to Day 3 of Verve's October 2013 Spotlight Hops!   If you have come here from Jen'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 on Friday night,  October 25th!  

Today's featured set is Unto Us and the Reindeer Fun Die Set.  I'm swooning over the fabulous, scripture sentiments in this set as well as the wonderful, bold, chevron border stamp that coordinates with the Classy Label die. 



Making Christmas cards is always such fun!  Managed to snag a few new papers at my LSS by Carta Bella and Imaginisce.  The snowflakes and Christmas coloured polka dots made me swoon!  Think I'll go back for a few more sheets of each before they are all gone.  Diva Christyne's VLV sketch was my starting point and I created the focal sentiment panel from the Unto Us set.  Used the Banner Bundle Dies to cut the banners, and then over stamped the main sentiment with one of the stars from Star of Wonder.  The secondary sentiment along the bottom is also from that set.  Gotta love how you can mix and match your Verve sets :)    



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!

Friday, 10/25/13
Today's Prize: Unto Us, Reindeer Fun Die Set

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

Time to hop over to Teresa's blog to see her fabulous creation using today's showcased set.  Tomorrow is our last day of hops and you want to come back for that one as there is a big prize up for grabs wink, wink :)



 












What's In It?
Stamps:   Unto Us and Star of Wonder (Verve Stamps) 
Paper:   So This Is Christmas (Carta Bella), Polar Express (Imaginisce), Early Espresso, Kraft (Stampin' Up), Cream Linen
Ink: Black, Garden Green, Chocolate Chip (Stampin' Up)
Accessories:   Banner Bundle Die Set and Classy Label Die (A Cut Above by Verve), Mat Stack Die (PTI), 5/8" Brown Satin Ribbon (Michael's), Button, Twine, Glue Dot, Dimensionals