August Divas Inspiration Hop!

Welcome to the August Diva Inspirations Blog Hop!   The Verve Divas are here to inspire you with a little Verve! You can start the Hop at the Verve blog.  Continue through and comment on each fabulous blog and leave a little comment love and you just might win some Vervey goodness of your very own!  I am first on the hop so if you got here from  the Verve Blog you are in the right spot.  Be sure to check out the awesome line up of divas and guest designers we have for you this month.

	1. Betty	9. Andrea
	2. Jen d.	10. Janelle
	3. Jen T.	11. Laurie
	4. Julee	12.Maureen
	5.Sankari	13. Teresa
	6. Sony	14.Charmaine
	7. Susan	15. Christyne
	8. Amber	16. Laurie

For my card today I am using Verve's Fabulous You, and Super Dad stamp sets.  I am using Verve's Cut Above Ribbon Banner and Rounded Scallop Frame dies.   This card is for my dd who leaves for university in 8 days. Bring on the Kleenex people!  Now that it is getting closer, some of Erica's comments are implying that she is uncertain of the unknown.  This is a big step. I thought these two sentiments alone are wonderful, but combined they really say what she needs to hear.   I am using some fun Webster's Pages papers from my stash.  I distressed the edges, added some ink distressing as well, then stitched.  I layered two of the Ribbon Banner dies for the focal point.  I finished with some gems, seam binding bow, and clear stick pins.  I am using this month's SFYTT.  Verve is the sponsor this month. 

As always thanks so much for stopping by!  Enjoy the hop!  Next up is the super talented Jen d.'s Blog!

With a new month comes a new sale, and this month we're celebrating FIVE wonderful years of Verve! So in proper celebratory style, we've made some fantastic discounts on some wonderful product! Through August 31, save 10 - 50% off select stamps and dies. Everything is on sale while supplies last, so go ahead and treat yourself to one or two, or even FIVE stampy pleasures! {grin}

As always thanks so much for stopping by!

Betty 

Supplies 

Stamps Verve  Fabulous You, and Super Dad

Paper The Paper Company kraft, PTI vintage cream, Webster's Pages dp

Ink Memento new sprout, PTI melon berry, Ranger Brushed Corduroy

Accessories  PTI eyelet circle border die, sewing machine, foam tape, dimensionals,  gems, Verve's Cut Above Ribbon Banner and Rounded Scallop Frame dies.

From Me to You! C4C and MORE!

Happy Saturday, everyone!  It is time for another challenge with the crazies at Crazy 4 Challenges(C4C148).   Silke is the hostess for August.     She is challenging us to make a back to school card/gift for a teacher!   

For my card I am using ODBD newly released Bookmark-Trees and ODBD Custom Spellbinders Bookmark dies.  I also used a sentiment from Mini Tags 3 set.    

I chose to make a large post it note holder complete with a bookmark clip and bookmark.  The actual post it note pad is 4 x 6.  The holder is slightly larger.  I added some stitching and rubbed versamark all over to create a suede effect to the cherry cobbler card stock.   

Check out what the rest of the team did with the sketch!

• Andrea Murdock
• Barbara Anders 
• Betty Wright (<---ME...you're here) 
• Cindy Haffner
• Frances Byrne
• Jessie Rone
• Joanne Grzelak
• Joycelyn Turner
• Kelli Hull
• Kristine Reynolds
• Silke Ledlow

As always thanks so much for stopping by!

Betty

Playing along with a few blog challenges!

Crazy Amigo Challenge Dies and punches
One Stitch At A Time Freebie
Bearly Mine Anything Goes
The Stamping Boutique  Anything Goes
Make it Monday  always Anything Goes
Paper Playtime Anything Goes
Amusing Challenges  Anything Goes
Fashionable Stamping Challenges  Anything Goes
Inspire Me Fridays Always Anything Goes

ODBD For the Love of Scenic stamps HOP!

For the Love 

of  Scenic stamps Hop!
 

Welcome to Our Daily Bread Design's Alumni Team's bi-monthly For the Love Blog Hop.  This week the Alumni team along with some of the ODBD designers are featuring a hop For the Love of ODBD scenic stamps! Check out each link and leave a comment. If you get lost along the way, check the ODBD blog for full list of links.  One of the post is a hop hot spot and a name will be drawn from that list of comments to win a $15 ODBD store gift certificate.  So, all you have to do is hop along and see all the creations and leave a little love!  You have until Wednesday, August 15th at 6 pm.   Enjoy all the beautiful designs using For the Love of ODBD scenic stamps!

If you got here from Tosh's blog you are in the right place.  

For my card I am using ODBD As You Graduate for the scene along with the newly released Bookmark-Prayers and ODBD Custom Spellbinders Bookmark dies.  LOVE THESE! 

 My question for you today is.....Can you give a man a bookmark?  My answer...I do not see why not.  If they read the Bible or take notes for work projects, a bookmark is a great little gadget and a useful form of inspiration and encouragement that is technically "on the go." 

Today, I set out to make a guy card with a "behind the scenes" bookmark pocket.   Literally....the bookmark is housed behind the scene.  I used score tape on three sides to create a fun little useful pocket for my bookmark.  Once the bookmark is removed, the card stands alone without anything appearing missing.

I first stamped the scene image in vintage cream and embossed.  I then sponged on Memento Bahama ink.  I created the pocket, stamped and die cut the bookmark, inked edges, added a rustic tassel to my bookmark, and finished with a few blue gems.  I like how it turned out. 

As always thanks so much for stopping by!  Enjoy the hop!  Next up is  Connie's blog.




Betty

ODBD Shining the Light Sketch and a Sneak Peek!

Happy Tuesday!  I have two cards to share with you today!  The first card is for Week 2 of ODBD Shining the Light Challenge.  It's a sketch!  

I was in a purple mood!  Can you tell?  I am using ODBD Fancy Labels, Quote Collection 1 , and 2 Step Butterfly  stamp sets.  I combined Spellbinders Fancy Labels 17 die and  ODBD Custom Grunge Butterfly die.  

I stitched the background patterns, stamped the fancy frame, used the stamp a ma jig to line up perfectly the Helen Keller quote, and stamped with purple staz on the vellum layered butterfly, and topped it all off with a seam binding bow with a jumbo button with gold accenting.  I think this was one of the quickest cards I have ever made.

For my second card to share with you today, I am using some of the new SU In Colors. This card is for today's SCS Color Combo Challenge (CC386) "A Primrose Summer Breeze!" Check out the link to see what the dessert option is!

I am sneak peeking a new set from ODBD called Bookmarks-Prayers that have a custom Spellbinder's die set. I used two of the dies here. One for the actual bookmark and another of the bookmark dies as a cool slider clip to house a bookmark for easy slide in slide out bookmark gift giving. I used some embroidery floss to make the tassel for the bookmark. I added some hardware for a fun accent to the slider holder look. The smaller picture is the bookmark out of the slider.  

As always thanks so much for stopping by!

Betty

One Day at a Time! DTGD Challenges!

Do YOU DARE?  The annual Dare to Get Dirty Challenges are in full swing at Splitcoaststampers.  Some AWESOME prizes are up for grabs!   For more info on the Dare to get Dirty challenges check out the thread HERE!
 
My card is for Teresa's Challenge. I am using Verve's Tag Time and One Day Plain Jane. I am also using Verve's Cut Above Curvy Bookplate and Charming Banner dies.
 
As always thanks so much for stopping by!  


Betty

Playing along with a few blog challenges!

Make it Monday  always Anything Goes
One Stitch At A Time Freebie 
Paper Shelter Challenge  Metal embellishments 

Simon Says Stamp and Show  What do you say?  Sentiments

Simon Says Stamps  Anything Goes 
Stamptacular Sunday Challenge  Use three or more patterns

Supplies
Stamps Verve
Paper The Paper Company kraft, PTI vintage cream, Basicgrey origins dp
Ink Ranger brushed corduroy, Memento black
Accessories Vagabond, Verve Cut Above dies, SU copper hodgepodge hardware, MM copper brads, Basicgrey brads, PTI linen buttons, brad hole punch, sewing machine, foam tape, dimensionals, seam binding

Happy Birthday! 1 card 3 Ways,MOJO, and a QUICK TIP!

TAKE IT TO THE LIMIT!  Taking MORE UP and OVER THE TOP!

I have a Birthday card to share with you today!  Actually, it is the same card three ways.  Each one kicked up a notch.  This card is for Julee Tilman's Birthday, owner of Verve!  Happy Birthday, Julee!   Check out the Verve blog to see all the wonderful Birthday card creations designed by the Verve Divas to Celebrate Julee's special day!

For today's cards, I am using some SU designer papers from my stash.  I am using Verve's Thankful Accents and Birthday Bash stamp sets.  I combined the stamps with Verve's Cut Above Jotted Heart and Charming Oval dies.   I am using the sketch from this week's Mojo251.  I turned it.

All three cards use the same stamps and dies.  That did not change.  Check out what I changed/added between the three.  I do want to mention that I KNOW that this first card is in no way CAS.  It is a serious layered card.  Ten layers(more if you are counting where I layer some of my die cuts for added stiffness) if you are counting all the die cuts...etc.  See...NOT CAS!   I know many of you would like to know how to add MORE to an already MORE card.  What MORE can I do to kick it up?  In the end it is a matter of preference.  Some like MORE some like EVEN MORE,  and some like OVER the TOP!     

CARD 1  I started with a scrap bin card base that was done.   This was discarded due to the sewing machine stitches that got gnarled up in the bottom right hand corner.  I sort of covered it up with the watermark, but it is still there and looks bad.  I was TRYING to recycle.  Anyway, the card base is The Paper Company kraft.  I started using this paper for my card bases over a year ago to make my cards lighter as well as less expensive.  I layered a stitched piece of the designer paper over top.  The inside panels were not stitched.  I layered several die cut frames, stamped the frame image from the Thankful Accents set, added the glittered  die cut Jotted Hearts, layered die cut sentiment, and two tiny clear gems.  All the edges were ink distressed.  All frames and dies received varying thicknesses of foam tape or dimensionals to create height and depth. 

CARD 2   I had to start with an all new card base and background piece of paper.  The messed up stitching got to me.  Again, The Paper Company kraft base.  I added a piece of cream card stock to cover front.  Then layered another piece of cream with the coral rose color designer paper background.  I, again, stitched it.  The inner pieces are the same.  They just needed to be cut down slightly since the background is now smaller due to the layering.  I stitched all three  of these panels this time.  I took the very same center element as it was and popped it on the top.  I did add a seam binding bow with a star burst sparkle in center.  I am amazed at how differently these two cards look with no more changes than added layered background, stitching, and bow.

CARD 3 To put it nicely,this card is OVER THE TOP!  Technically, I only did a couple of things to this card to take it from card 2 status to card 3 status.  I removed the large decorative frame from behind the center piece and added an ivory accordion fold jumbo medallion.  Foam tape was use for securing pieces as well as adding dimension.  I also wanted more elements of sparkle so two crystal stick pins were added for drama. That is it!  


When working with making MORE cards MORE, it is important to always consider colors and patterns.  I could have gone with a bold pattern on the medallion, but I really thought that would have been too much.  For this card, I chose to add another ink distressed cream element.  I believe I still have impact just not too busy.

QUICK TIP!  Sewing Machine stitching.  I love to stitch either a basic stitch or zig zag stitch to my cards.  It saves me on adhesives plus adds a decorative touch.   Something I did to make my crafting easier for me is to write using a sharpie(I used green so it would show up) directly to my machine the numbers I needed for either the zig zag or regular stitch for distance and width.   I can vary these, but when crafting and in a crunch, I do not have time to think between stitches which width I know works.  These numbers are my basics and lifeline.  Just see it, set it, and stitch it!  Hope that helps.  I believe nail polish remover will wipe off the sharpie ink.  Just be sure not to touch machine writing as it may remove that too.  I just leave mine up there as is.  I think it has been like this for over two years.   Thought I'd share!  Hope this quick tip was helpful!

Let me know which card is your favorite of the three and why!  Also, would you like to see more  TAKE IT TO THE LIMIT posts like this?

Don't forget to check out the Verve blog to see all the wonderful Birthday card creations designed by the Verve Divas!

As always thanks so much for stopping by!

Betty

Playing along with a few challenges.

Make it Monday: always Anything Goes 

Inspire Me Fridays: Anything Goes

Hiding in My Craft Room:  Layers 

Crafty Bloggers Network: Anything Goes

Simon Says Stamp and Show: Hey Girl

Simply Create Too: Two or More of Something (3 cards or two hearts)

Supplies

Stamps Verve's Thankful Accents and Birthday Bash sets

Paper SU dp, PTI vintage cream, The Paper Company kraft

Ink Ranger Brushed Corduroy, PTI Berry Sorbet

Accessories Sewing Machine, MFT die-namics, seam binding, foam tape, dimensionals,  clear star burst, stick pins, clear gems, Spellbinder's  die, Verve's Cut Above Jotted Heart and Charming Oval dies.

Perk Up! K-Cup gift holder

I have a gift set to show today. I am using the sketch from this week's Verve's Viva La Verve Week 4 (VLVJUL2012)! Maureen is the hostess this week! Great sketch, Moe! 

I am using Verve's Better With You, Love Notes, Sunny Days, and Sip and Savor stamp sets. I combined these images with the coordinating Verve Cut Above Classy Label, From the Heart, and Leafy Sprigs dies. 

For this card I chose to make a little K-cup gift holder.  I wanted something that is pretty simple to put together, but in no way compromises the integrity of the K-cup when you use it in your machine.  No adhesives were used directly to the cup itself.  

I started with a strip of card stock   1 3/4 wide and 9 inches long.  I stamped the sentiment from Better with You set alternating the pattern a bit as I went using Memento cocoa ink.  I added the coffee spill rings in Ranger brushed corduroy.  I then added the tiny heart image from Sip and Savor to fill in the empty spaces.  I stamped both sides of the card stock using the opposite colors inside than out.  I scored my lines, added a piece of score tape to the top then die cut the little cut out in the top for a tiny little handle.  I ticket edge notched the corners.  I added a corrugated thin cardboard band around the K-cup that fits snug but is not glued to the K-cup at all.  Just slips off.  I finished with a little heart tag with the coordinating dp.  

As always thanks so much for stopping by!

Betty 

Stamps
Verve Stamps
Paper MME Hazel dp, SU expresso, PTI vintage cream
Ink PTI hawaiian shore, Memento rose bud and cocoa, Ranger brushed corduroy, Versamark
Accessories Verve Cut Above Dies, corrugated paper, copics, MFT notebook edge(negative space), foam tape, natural floss, dimensionals, PTI button card die cut

Gardening! C4C146 and MORE!

Happy Saturday, everyone!  It is time for another challenge with the crazies at Crazy 4 Challenges(C4C146).   KelliJo is the hostess for July.     She has challenged us to real or faux stitches this week!  Check out the blog because Kimmie Stamps is our sponsor this week!    


For my card I am using Kimmie Stamps.  This image is from the Springtime Lulu stamp set by Cheryl Alger.  Isn't Lulu adorable in her gardening gear!  Fun sentiment, too!  

I colored with copics and stitched the background panels.  I kept my card pretty clean and simple to let this adorable girl get all the attention!

Check out what the rest of the team did with the sketch!

• Andrea Murdock
• Barbara Anders 
• Betty Wright (<---ME...you're here) 
• Cindy Haffner
• Frances Byrne
• Jessie Rone
• Joanne Grzelak
• Joycelyn Turner
• Kelli Hull
• Kristine Reynolds
• Silke Ledlow

As always thanks so much for stopping by!

Betty

Playing along with a few blog challenges!

Crazy Amigo Challenge - Free Theme
Stamp n Plus  Anything Goes
Make it Monday  always Anything Goes
Addicted to Stamps Must use stamp- Card for Some Special  
One Stitch At A Time Anything Goes 
Card Makin' Mamas  Rubber Stamping
House That Stamps Built  outdoors
Paper Shelter Challenge  anything goes
The Perfect Sentiment  sentiment on front - anything goes

ODBD For the Love of Embossing Plates

For the Love 

of  Embossing Plates
 

Welcome to Our Daily Bread Design's Alumni Team's bi-monthly For the Love Blog Hop.  This week the Alumni team along with some of the ODBD designers are featuring a hop For the Love of ODBD  embossing plates! Check out each link and leave a comment. If you get lost along the way, check the ODBD blog for full list of links.  One of the post is a hop hot spot and a name will be drawn from that list of comments to win a $15 ODBD store gift certificate.  So, all you have to do is hop along and see all the creations and leave a little love!  You have until Wednesday, August 1st at 6 pm.   Enjoy all the festive inspiration using For the Love of ODBD embossing plates!

If you got here from Tosh's blog you are in the right place.  

For my card I am using ODBD Vintage Border Embossing Plate along with Bird and Butterfly Labels and Mini Tags 3 stamp sets.  I am also using the coordinating Spellbinder's Label 18 die. 

For this card I chose to use the faux letterpress technique.  This technique is so easy.  Just add ink to the plate, cardstock, and emboss.  The ink sinks into the debossed portion of the plate.  I love the finished look.  

I finished with one of the Bird and Butterfly images stamped in the same ink with a sentiment from Mini Tags 3.  I added a seam binding bow and a few touches of bling.  These spellbinder frame card toppers can be made up ahead of time and added to a card when in a pinch or for a card set for gift giving.  The added embossing plate touch gives it that extra something special touch.

Just so you know...ODBD is having a CHA Show special that is running through the 20th, of this month, at Midnight EST. Here's the info:

Orders of $100.00-$149.00 may use code CHA10 to receive 10% off the order! 

Orders of $150.00-$199.00 may use code CHA15 to receive 15% off the order!

Orders over $200.00 may use code CHA25 to receive 25% off the order!

PLEASE NOTE: Stamp set bundles and Gift Certificates are NOT included in this offer. We will not discount any of these items and your invoice will be adjusted if you purchase them.

As always thanks so much for stopping by!  Enjoy the hop!  Next up is  Connie's blog.


Betty

Be Still! C4C, and MORE!

Happy Saturday, everyone!  It is time for another challenge with the crazies at Crazy 4 Challenges(C4C145).   KelliJo is the hostess for July.     She has a sketch for us this week!   Great sketch, KelliJo!   


For my card I am using ODBD Scripture Collection 3 and Flourished Verses stamp sets.   I am playing along also with ODBD Shining the Light Challenge (ODBDSLC115)!    It is tearing or distressing.  I chose to go with ink distressing.   I used an older paper pad from MME in my collection.  Most of these older paper pads of mine hardly have any paper left so it is like a fun challenge to use what is left. I layered the circles, added some stitching, and finished with a few gold pearls and flower topped seam binding bow.  To me the scripture says it all!  

Check out what the rest of the team did with the sketch!

• Andrea Murdock
• Barbara Anders 
• Betty Wright (<---ME...you're here) 
• Cindy Haffner
• Frances Byrne
• Jessie Rone
• Joanne Grzelak
• Joycelyn Turner
• Kelli Hull
• Kristine Reynolds
• Silke Ledlow

As always thanks so much for stopping by!

Betty

Playing a few blog challenges.

Delightful Challenges:  Bling & Bows 

Love to Create Challenge Blog: Inspiration photo with flowers and colors

Party Time Tuesday: Let's Get Punchy

Paper Crafting Journey:  Summertime (Bright yellow and orange colors)