Verve Merci Beaucoup!

This card is for two challenges and was inspired by two inspiration pictures.


The first is Verve's VLVFEB2010 dining room with sketch challenge photo seen here.

The second is today's SCS Inspiration Challenge(IC217) wallet photo seen here


I just thought the monkey looked so cute and decided I could combine the two looks. What resulted was my darly French Monkey! I made him a beret! Isn't he cute!


I am using Verve Accent Notes, Love Monkey, and Thankful Hearts stamp sets. I stamped my background using one of the images in the Accent Notes set in keeping with the dining room wallpaper look. I tried to keep the card with clean lines and elegant simplicity in keeping with the dining room look. As for the other inspiration wallet picture, well the monkey takes center stage. My card is predominantly cream like the wallet. Instead of going with a flower on his head, I chose to make my monkey look more French wtih the beret. The sentiment comes form the Thankful Hearts set is was just perfect for my finished look!



Stamps

Verve

Paper

PTI true black, Flourishes classic ivory, river rock

Ink

SU river rock, momento tuxedo black

Accessories

mini bowdabra, black satin ribbon, three flower punch, gold metallic dew drops, gold pearls, clear bling, copics, spellbinders borderabilities

Stamping In Time: On Assignment(SNTODBD02)!

It is time for ODBD Stamping In Time: On Assignment with Betty! Check out the ODBD blog post for more details and to find out how to play! The assignment is to use ODBD Sing to the Lord stamp set. We are adding dimension and texture to our cards this week! I have added a whole lot to my card. You can add a little bit or a whole bunch it is your choice! Think of different ways to add dimension and texture. It is not just limited to embossing folders and pop dots. There are many ways to add dimension and texture.

I have paper pieced my flowers in the focal stamped image using the SEI First Kiss Pearl Paper. I used this same dp for the background of the card. This paper is gorgeous and has a subtle embossed flower and pearl sheen that is gorgeous. The additonal layer of paper piecing adds subtle dimension along with the dimension of the dp itself. I colored my birdie, cut him out, and popped him up for even more added dimension.

Next, I sort of faux layered or pieced my die cuts. I layered the Spellbinders Grand 12" Lace Border with a piece of striped SEI Secret Rendevous Glitter Paper on the top and two additional layers of color beneath to give a paper pieced layered look. I also, pieced two other Spellbinder labels to create a shadow effect on the central panel and more sections on the background label shape. These are NOT whole pieces of die cuts, but literally scraps that I die cut out and pieced behind the labels. I love this effect and use it all the time to get more umph from my die cuts as well as use some scraps! Yet more ways to get dimension and a different form of texture to a card.

I finished with even more forms of dimension and textures with pearls, metallic dew drops, bling, and ribbon! Now it is your turn to bring on the dimension and texture! I used the bow easy to get my fou fou bow. Here is Angie's pictoral tuturial with the bow easy!

My BOW EASY TIP! I am lefthanded and I must use this thing backwards. It is hard for me to hold the ribbon in place, thread, and tie. To solve this dilemma, I ran my adhesive dots directly to the bow easy side that I hold onto. I place the ribbon gently over the top and make my bow. It frees up my hand a bit to pull the ribbon through and loop. Best part, the bow frees easily once made, but stays put during the making process! Thought I would share. I hope it helps someone!

Thanks so much for stopping by! As always, your comments are greatly appreciated!

For You! FTTC51, FS155, C4C21, and CC255!

It is Flourishes Timeless Tuesday Challenge(FTTC51)! It is the end of the month and time for a guest challenge designer! This week our challenge host is Pat Adam. Thanks so much hosting with us, Pat! And here is Pat's challenge written in her on words.

"For this week's challenge be inspired by the letter P. Sounds a bit crazy, but not really if you think about it for a bit. I'm thinking pink, pearls, poppies, purple, punches, and piercing. Do you get the picture? Sure you do so let's get moving and make those perfectly pretty and positively pleasing presentations. Don't think you've been challenged in this way before, so I will be excited to see how you all do." Pat

For my card I am using Flourishes Thank You and Seasonal Wreaths. I chose pearls, punch, pinks, and pindot white gel hightlighting and smudging for my P inspiration!

This card is also for SCS Feature Stamper Challenge(FS155)! Congratulations, Karen! Your gallery is gorgeous! Here is the card I CASE! I sort of fauxed all the techniques a bit. Also, instead of stamping the sentiment directly to the image, I made a sort of hang tag. It hangs off the side a bit with a layered pearl button accent. I also, put my bow to the side instead of in the middle. I sponged my background and did not do the technique like Karen did. I did do some pindot white gel highlighting and smudging around my flowers. I think the effect is different and interesting. I used different colors as well. I do love how the overall look is finished.

This card is also for today's SCS255 Color Combo Challenge! This week is all about Pretty Mambo Blossoms! This week's dessert option is RED hearts!

This card is also for C4C21 Challenge to use Pink on our cards!

Please check out the other blog team designer's cards to see what they
created with the create a scene challenge for you this week.

Silke Ledlow
Cindy Haffner
Dee Jackson

Maki Jones

A few Verve Challenges and more....

I took a little bit of time this past week to catch up on some Verve challenges! I got my BigKick in the mail the other day and had to die cut something. I have not had it for over 6 weeks and I was having issues! LOL! Sizzix replaced my other one! Thanks a bunch, Sizzix!

This card is for SCS sketch challenge(SC264). For the central panel I used the hexagon scalloped die cut turned a bit and layered with other die cut shapes.


I am using Verve's Thankful Accents set. I stamped the larger image in real rust and rocked and rolled in some smokey shadow. I have decided that I need to get the terracotta tile. I do use this burnt orange color more than I thought. Especially since I got this new Cosmo Cricket Girl Friday & Happily Everafter dp at Micheal's the other day. It was ON sale! Hello! Love that!

I sponged and did some faux stitching. I added my fou fou bow with the gold pearls! I love how it turned out. Sort of simple, yet a lot happening! LOL!

Stamps
Verve Thankful Accents
Paper
Smokey Shadow, Flourishes Classic Ivory, Cosmo Cricket dp, SU dusty durango(butterfly)
Ink
Momento Tuxedo Black, really rust, smokey shadow, Ranger Vintage Photo
Accessories
hexagon scallops, label shape?, lace border, circles, MS butterfly punch, ribbon, gold pearls, foam squares, sponges, mini bowdabra

Joy!


This card is for two challenges. First, it is for Verve's VLVJan{10}02 Inspiration Sketch Challenge. Here is the inspiration foyer picture I picked from the three choices.
This card is also for yesterday's Ways To Use It Challenge(WT254)! We were to cut it out! I cut out the yellow iris flower.
I am using Verve's Enjoy and Serenity stamp sets.
I am using some more of the Cosmo Cricket dp Everafter! I love this dp! I am also using a piece of DCWV holiday stack dp(left vertical panel).

I faux stitched, rock and rolled, and sponged my card, I added some bling touches, gold pearls, and fou fou bow!

Stamps
Verve Enjoy, Serenity
Paper
PTI smokey shadow, so saffron, cosmo cricket everafter, dcwv holiday pack
Ink
momento tuxedo black, so saffron, summer sunrise, ranger antique linen, ripe avocado
Accessories
piercing tool and mat, fiskars border punch, gold pearls, yellow gems, yellow sheer ribbon, foam tape, glue dots, sizzix ef, black fine tip permanent marker(stitch marks), three flower punch, gold dew drop


You are Special!

This card is for two challenges. First, it is for SCS CAS50 challenge. We are to use teal and white with one other color. My other color is black. This card is also for last week's SCS Ways to Use It Challenge(WT253). To use bird(s) on our card. My dd needed a birthday card so it was time to ink up this birdie! Isn't he cute?

I am using Verve Birthday Surprise and Bountiful Background sets. I stamped the dotted background in versamark and embossed with stardust embossing powder. It is VERY sparkly. I stamped my image and sentiment. I stamped the birdie again, quickly colored with copic and cut out and popped up. I added some fast and easy adhesive silver pearl detailing, and a black satin bow. Finished with one border punch accenting. Fast, easy, and fun once I figured out what I was going to do. This is very CAS for me!


Stamps
Verve
Paper
classic white, PTI true black, taken with teal
Ink
versamark, momento tuxedo black
Accessories
black satin ribbon, MS border punch, silver pearls, foam squares, copics, mini bowdabra. stardust pen on bday hat

Flourishes Timeless Tuesday Challenge(FTTC50)!

It is time for Flourishes Timeless Tuesday Challenge(FTTC50)! This week Betty Wright is our host. I am challenging you all to create a scene with stamps. Flourishes has a lot of scene stamps to choose from, such as beach scenes, garden scenes, patio, to party scenes. There are also several indoor scenes stamps from comfy cozy to formal. You can also choose if it is daylight or nighttime in the scene you create. Many possibilities. So, this week we are all creating a scene! We would love to see what you create!

For my card I am using A Year of Flowers Calendar Set 2 and Seasonal Wreaths. I used a scallop to create a sky background and stamped the rose clusters randomly onto Flourishes Classic Ivory cardstock. I colored with Flourishes Copic Color Collection in Dahlia and Evergreen . I love how my seen looks like someone just tossed roses into the air. So carefree, yet very vintage in tone and feel. I finished with a layered scalloped punch boarder and a few gold pearls beside the sentiment. I would like to add that while I sponge the sky on this card, Flourishes new release this month is a cloud background. I can hardly wait to get mine! It is fabulous. Also, you can still get this cloud background with the NEW Release bundle pricing still available through Thursday.

This card is also for today's SCS Color Combo Challenge(CC254)! Check out the link to find out more. This week is all about

Bashful Blue Suede Rubies!

This week's dessert option is stripes!

This card is also for Anne's(jdmommy) SCS Feature Stamper Challenge(FS154)! Congratulations, Anne! Here is the card I chose to case!

It is Celebration Time for Flourishes Timeless Tuesday Challenges! The week of February 2-8, 2010 marks Flourishes Timeless Tuesday's ONE year Anniversary! We have some wonderful challenges planned for the week as well as lots of prizes! Please mark your calendars to play along with us to celebrate one year of Timeless Challenges!

Please check out the other blog team designer's cards to see what they

created with the create a scene challenge for you this week.

Silke Ledlow
Cindy Haffner
Dee Jackson

Maki Jones

Stamping In Time: On Assignment with Betty(SNTODBD01)!

I am so excited!!! I have a bit of an announcement to make. I am hosting a new blog assignment challenge for ODBD called Stamping In Time: On Assignment with Betty. Please check out the ODBD blog for more details on how to play along!

The Challenge Assignment!

This week we are using ODBD Scripture Collection 1 and Scripture Collection 2. stamp sets. You can pick one of your favorite scriptures from either set to use on your card. Our challenge this week is word spotlighting. Come up with creative ways to highlight or focus on key scripture words! In addition, but not required, you may choose any other ODBD image set on the card. Please load to your blog or online gallery using the keyword SNTODBD01. You must link your card back to the ODBD Stamping In Time post! Looking forward to seeing your creation!

I combined SCS SC263 and SCS ODBD Forum Challenge ODBDC110
For my card I chose from the Scripture Collection Ecc. 3:11. I am using always artichoke, ruby red, and ivory cardstocks. I decided that many of the print patterns in the basicgray wassail dp were not limited to Christmas looks only. I love this floral pattern. I cut out the capitalized wording and made a tiny banner look with it. I used ruby red ink to hightlight this part of the scripture. I addeded many gold pearls. The ones on the top panel are to represent another layer that is in the sketch challenge image. I added my fou fou sheer ribbon bow that I topped with a cream button. I punched out a flower and added a gold metallic dew drops to the top of the gold corded tiny bow. I used some Ranger antique linen and vintage photo inks to soften the edges of my cream oval. I finished with the tiny butterflies from the MS butterfly punch with some ruby red cardstock and scraps of the basicgray pattern print I used.

As always, thanks so much for stopping by and your comments are greatly appreciated!

Thinking of You! Flourishes FTTC49 and SCS CC253!

It is time for Flourishes Timeless Tuesday Challenge(FTTC49)! This week Silke Ledlow is hosting. Silke is challenging us to a sketch she has designed. As far as sketches go, there is not much explanation necessary. You can turn it and enlarge the sections to fit your card size. However, in the end, it should still look like the sketch. Good Luck!!!! Looking forward to seeing what you create with it!!!

For my card I am giving you a sneak peek at a new Flourishes set to be released at the SCS Forum Friday night. I am using Flourishes Thinking of You and Falling Leaves stamp sets. The new set is called Lace Edges. I stamped my entire background using this set. I just love the many different lace edges and shapes that come in this set. I chose to go with subtle detailing for my background this time and used pretty in pink ink. I sponged the edges with some Ranger antique linen and vintage photo inks. I finished my ard with a chocolate bow, gold cording, and gold pearl accenting!

This card is also for today's SCS Color Combo Challenge (CC253)! We are using Pretty In Pink, Chocolate Chip, and Rich Razzleberry. This week's dessert option is houndstooth print or texture!

To see what the rest of the blog design team created for you this week with stenciling, please click the blog links below to check them out.

Maki Jones

Silke Ledlow

Dee Jackson

Cindy Haffner

It is Celebration Time for Flourishes Timeless Tuesday Challenges! The week of February 2-8, 2010 marks Flourishes Timeless Tuesday's ONE Year Anniversary! We have some wonderful challenges planned for the week as well as lots of prizes! Please mark your calendars to play along with us to celebrate one year of Timeless Challenges!


Stamps
Flourishes
Paper
Flourishes Classic Ivory, Rich Razzleberry, Chocolate Chip
Ink
PTI Dark chocolate, Bordeaux, Pretty in Pink, Ranger antique linen and vintage photo
Accessories
Mini bowdabra, dark brown satin ribbon, button, gold pearls, purple scallop circle giga punch, CM circle, coluzzle circle, Fiskars border punch, CB EF, foam tape, sponges, word window punch, glue dots

VERVE! You're So Sweet!

This card is for today's SCS Way to Use it Challenge(WT252). We are to make a card using NEW stuff! I got some NEW Verve stamps for Christmas and just got the chance to ink them up! I also got some new ribbon, more gold pearls, and some new Sizzix embossing folders. I am using one here.

This card is also At Home with Verve weekly inspired sketch challenge(VLVJan{10}01)!
I think this picture looks a little dark. My camera battery was weak. I will charge it and try to get a better shot!

Here is the foyer picture I chose for my inspiration.

For my card, I chose to emphasize the clean crisp lines in the foyer picture. I tried NOT to make it too fussy. I did add my big fou fou bow, but really...that is NECESSARY! I stamped a subtle background design using one of the images in the Verve set. I then followed the sketch and pretty much focused on textures. For the main image I rocked and rolled the circle stamp. I am still without a die cut tool(broke my BigKick) so I used my large purple giga circle scallop for this image. I layered the SU circle scallop and circle punches for the finish look. I added some clear gems around and finished with the bow and gold pearls!


I did get a Sizzix Texture Boutique(pocketbook contraption)with some of my Christmas money. I got it at Micheal's using a 50% off coupon(which is the ONLY reason I got it) so I could do textures at least while I wait for Sizzix to fix and return my BigKick. I was amazed at the wonderful embossing folders that came with it. LOVE those. Those alone were worth the $20 I spent on the thing. It is very light weight and the perfect shape to grab and go to a crop. It does ONLY do textures, though. I have not figured out how to do die cuts.


Stamps
Verve Celebration of Thanks and Thankful Accents
Paper
PTI scarlet jewel, kraft, Flourishes classic ivory
Ink
Scarlet Jewel, Dark Chocolate, sahara sand, ranger antique linen
Accessories
Sizzix ef, cb ef, purple circle scallop giga punch, scallop punch, circle punches, button, gold bowdabra wire, satin ribbon, sponges, clear gems, foam tape, glue dots, gold pearls, mini bowdabra

Flourishes Timeless Tuesday Challenge(FTTC48) and SCS CC252!

It is time for Flourishes Timeless Tuesday Challenge(FTTC48)! This week Maki Jones is our challenge host. Maki is challenging us to a color challenge. Maki is giving us two colors and we have to choose one. Sort of like a 2 +1 color combo. The colors are black and yellow plus another color of your choice! Have fun playing along with us. We look forward to seeing what you create!


I decided to create a collage double tag design. I may make this a bookmark instead, though. I love the way it turned out. I am using Flourishes Damask Background, Spring Ephemerals, Sweet Peas, and Seasonal Wreaths stamp sets. I chose the black and yellow with the third color being red. Can never go wrong with red, black, and yellow!



I shadow stamped the main bleeding hearts image in red. I stamped off a couple of times and thumped the damask background. I added script sentiment from Sweet Peas randomly. I finished with Thanks from the Seasonal Wreaths set.

To see what the rest of the blog design team created for you this week with stenciling, please click the blog links below to check them out.

Maki Jones

Cindy Haffner

Betty Wright

Silke Ledlow

Dee Jackson

************************

This card is for today's SCS Color Combo Challenge(CC252)!

Bermuda Celery Hunters!

Bermuda Bay, Certainly Celery, and Handsome Hunter. This week's dessert option is to use pink in any form other than cardstock.

I am using Flourishes Summer Blossoms and Strawberries stamp sets. For this card, I chose to sponge over a subtle textured sizzix plate. I rocked and rolled the leafy stem in spring moss, handsome hunter, and pool inks. If you look closely, you can see all three hues as well as a blending of these colors. I used dp to punch flowers to add to the stem. I finished the flower with tiny silver pearls. I layered a button ribbon detailing and added a MS butterfly to complete my card. I think it is rather simple in design, but I do love how it turned out.

Stamps
Flourishes Summer Blossoms and Strawberries
Paper
Handsome Hunter, Bermuda Bay, Certainly Celery, Flourishes Classic Ivory, dp with dots unknown, basicgray flower punches
Ink
PTI spring moss, pink pirouette, adirondack pool, handsome hunter
Accessories Sizzix texture plate, MS butterfly punch, MS flower punch, satin ribbon, PTI spring moss button, hunter green button stash, bow dabra silver wire, silver pearls, mini bowdabra, glue dots, foam tape