…Verve Day Mojo Project Parade

Happy Thursday, Verve fans!  I’m here with my creation for this month’s “Something Old, Something New” Project Parade over at the Verve Blog.  I completed the parade on Tuesday of this week, and the Divas really knocked it out of the park for this theme!  I took the theme as a personal challenge to not only combine both old and stamp sets, but to also use old and new patterned papers, cardstocks, embellishments, and techniques.  I hope you enjoy the end result as much as I enjoyed making it!

With Christmas just around the corner, I wanted to take advantage of this month’s theme to create a card using the older sets “Star of Wonder” (sentiment) and “Holly Jolly Christmas” (holly accent) along with one of the newest releases “Fabulous You” (frame).  Julee was kind enough to send me an advanced copy of this week’s Mojo Monday #156 to use as a template for this seasonal delight…thanks so much, Julee!  I dry embossed the Chocolate Cardstock panel using the Swiss Dots Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, then stitched the multiple strips of patterned paper from SU’s retired Holiday Harmony Designer Series Paper pack to the same panel.  I distressed the edges before adding it to the Green Cardstock panel.  The sentiment and frame were stamped onto the same White Cardstock panel, then the holly image was stamped onto a scrap piece of White Cardstock.  After the holly was colored with Copic Sketch Markers, I cut it out and attached it to the sentiment panel using pop dots.  I added some sponging in Chocolate Ink around the edges of the sentiment panel, then accented it with Red Pearls.  After adding the Red Cardstock base the card was complete!

That’s it for me today!  Thanks for stopping by, and I will see you back here tomorrow with another TGF Farm Fresh Friday creation!  Until then…

…Verve Day Project Parade

PLEASE SCROLL DOWN TO THE NEXT POST FOR MY THERE SHE GOES’ PREVIEW AND BLOG HOP

Hello…and happy Thursday, everyone!  I am bringing you the “My Hero Verve Project Parade”!  I knew exactly what I wanted to do when the announcement was made regarding the theme of this month's parade.  As many of you know, I LOVE to cook!  I feel very “at home” in the kitchen, and I enjoy trying new and different recipes several times a week.  But I must admit that my favorite foods tend to be the “everyday Italian” kind, and I absolutely LOVE the recipes written by my culinary hero, Giada DeLaurentiis.  So in honor of the cooking queen I created a special recipe book specifically for her recipes!

I created the cover of the Chipboard Book by using a color photo of Giada (courtesy of the website Home Sweet Homme.net), patterned paper from My Mind’s Eye’s Ooh La La For Her Kit, Vellum Cardstock, Photoshop Elements 8.0, and the “hero” sentiment along with some stars from Verve’s set “American Hero” (as a matter of fact, all the stamped images are from this set).  I added a piece of Saddle Stitched Black Ribbon around the entire front cover to finish it off and to hold the vellum in place.  Is she not the prettiest little thing you’ve ever seen?  Don’t you just hate her?  LOL…just kidding, Giada! :)

The index above was handwritten, then embellished with more patterned paper and another sentiment from the same set that was used on the cover.  The first recipe was also handwritten, and I stitched the tabs (which was part of a border that was included in the patterned paper kit) directly onto the 4X6 index cards to indicate the different sections of the book.  I used the small stars swag image to indicate how much I liked the dish after I made it…the White Bean Dip & Pita Chips received 3 stars out of 4.  I punched the score out with a Circle Punch, then attached it to the index card with some Mono Adhesive.  This next recipe, Roasted Chicken With Balsamic Vinaigrette, received 4 stars out of 4.  I punched the rating out with a Square Punch, and attached it to the index card with more adhesive.  This specific recipe is my favorite chicken recipe of all-time…IT IS OUTSTANDING!  Thanks, Giada!!! :)

That’s it for me!  You all know that I’m in Chicago now, and I can’t wait to get back and blog about it!  But until then, I’ve prescheduled all of my posts for the next few days so you all still have something to look at…doncha just LOVE me?  LOL!  Thanks for stopping by, and I will see you back here tomorrow with another TGF Farm Fresh Challenge and Preview card…you DO NOT want to miss it!  Until then…

P.S.  You can head over to the Verve Blog to see the individual pictures of my project, too, if you’d like a closer look.

...Sizzling Summer Fun Verve Project Parade

Happy Thursday, everyone!  It's Project Parade time over at the Verve Blog, and I am responsible for bringing Day Four of the Sizzlin' Summer Fun Project Parade to the masses!  LOL!  I knew exactly what I wanted to do when the announcement was made regarding the theme of this month's parade.  It's almost summertime, and that means that it's time to get ready to play in the pool...so I created a POOL KIT that anyone could grab on the way out to next pool party!

I used the new "Relax" stamp set to create a decorative insert for the kit along with some patterned papers from October Afternoon's Farm Fresh Paper Pad.  The images were stamped in Memento Tuxedo Black Ink, then colored with Copic Sketch Markers.  I added some stitching and 1" Red Ribbon to the panel, then slid the insert onto the front of the Clear Drawstring Bag.  I filled the bag with some summer necessities: sunblock, chap stick, snacks, goggles, nose plugs, bottled water, sunglasses, diving sticks, and some extra cash.  Now I can hit the pool in style and totally prepared to have fun in the sun! 

Now it's your turn!!!  As with all of our Project Parades, we’ve got some wonderful prizes...and there are two ways to win:

1. Play along with us and link up your new Sizzlin’ Summer Fun creation (posted May 17 or later) to the linky widget on Day One's parade post before midnight June 7th. One lucky stamper will win a $30.00 gift certificate to the Verve Store. Verve Stamps are not required, but we LOVE to see them if you have them! 

2. For another chance to win, be sure to give the Divas a little shout-out in the comments section as they parade their Sizzlin’ Summer Fun creations. One lucky commenter during the course of the parade (May 17 ~ June 4) will win the Verve stamp set of their choosing!

We can't wait to see how you make your summer sizzle, so GO CREATE!!! :)  

That's it for me!  Thanks for stopping by, and I will see you tomorrow with another Farm Fresh Friday challenge!  Until then...

Supplies

Stamps: Relax (Verve)

Papers:  Pure Poppy, PTI White, Farm Fresh DP (October Afternoon)

Inks:  Black, Red

Accessories:  copics (B00, 02, 04, 06, Y13, 15, 18), mat pack, paper piercer, sewing machine, dimensionals, ribbon, clear drawstring bag, sunscreen, goggles, nose plugs, snacks, sunglasses, chap stick, cash, diving sticks, bottled water

..."Fun With Flowers" Project Parade

Happy Wednesday, everyone!  It's Project Parade time over at the Verve Blog, and I am rounding out the 13th and final day of celebrating the March 2010 Verve Release!  This month's theme was "Fun With Flowers".

I needed a card for a sweet friend of mine who has always brought a smile to my face and sunshine into my heart, so I immediately reached for the "Let It Shine" stamp set.  I love this set because not only are there several images to use to create a sun, but there are also just as many images one can use to create cool flowers.  These images were stamped in Memento Tuxedo Black Ink onto White Cardstock, then colored with Copic Sketch Markers.  I created the sun by layering the three similar images in the set, then used the smallest of the three as flowers.  I stamped the sentiment "little miss sunshine" in Memento Tuxedo Black Ink onto a piece of Pumpkin Cardstock, then punch the upper edge with a Spiral Punch.  I added a border punch, and created grass by simply cutting the Wasabi Cardstock with scissors.  The stems on the flowers were stitched using my Janome Sewing Machine, and all four corners of the Kraft Cardstock panel were pierced with a Mat Pack and Paper Piercer.  I also kept the embellishments simple by punching a hole through the creating a slit in the upper right corner, running a piece of Pumpkin Striped Ribbon through it, then tied it off with a piece of Linen Thread.

That's it for me!  Thanks for stopping by, and be sure to head over to the Verve Blog to check out the rules for a chance to win some amazing goodies!  I will see you back here tomorrow with another Verve Day Thursday!  Until then...

Supplies

Stamps:  Let It Shine (Verve)

Papers:  Brilliant Blue, Kraft, Wild Wasabi, Pumpkin Pie, PTI White

Inks:  Black, Sahara Sand

Accessories:  sponge dauber, dimensionals, mat pack, paper piercer, sewing machine, border punch, spiral punch, horizontal slot punch, ribbon, linen thread, copics (0, Y38, YR09, 16, 68)

...Verve Project Parade : Tags, Tins, and Treats

Happy Thursday, Verve Lovers! It's Project Parade time again over at the Verve Blog, and today is my day to share my creation for the Tags, Tins, and Treats theme using the latest releases from Verve Stamps. Many of you know that my love of chocolate knows no bounds, so I incorporated some chocolate goodies in my creation! :) After all...isn't that what Valentine's Day is all about?!? LOL!

I decided to make a cute (a very easy to make) Coaster Treat Box...you can find the tutorial HERE. I covered the chipboard coasters with patterned papers from Jenni Bowlin's Town Square Mini Papers Pack, then tied the sides together with some Cocoa Ribbon. The sentiment (and all other images in this project) from "Love's Flower" was stamped in Memento Rich Cocoa Ink onto Kraft Cardstock. All of the edges were sponged with a Sponge Dauber and Sahara Sand Ink, then the top and bottom were pierced using a Mat Pack and Paper Piercer. I filled the inside of the box with some Red Shredded Papers for decoration and filler.

Now for the best part...the treat bag! I filled a Medium Cellophane Bag with some scrumptious chocolate-coated wafer candies, then tied off the bag with more cocoa ribbon. I created a tag by cutting out the sentiment and leaf flourish with Labels Eight Nesties and my Big Shot. An Antique Brass Jumbo Eyelet was attached to the upper left-hand corner of the tag with some assistance from my Crop-a-dile, then I added a row of Red Rhinestones under the sentiment. The large flower was stamped in cocoa onto a piece of Neenah White Cardstock, colored with Copics (R29, R27, R24), cut out, and layered using Dimensionals. The completed flower was attached to the tag with more Dimensionals, and the completed tag was attached to the ribbon with a piece of Linen Thread.

That's it for me today! So, now it's your turn! We'd love for you to play along with us and show us your Tags, Tins & Treats! Verve stamps are not required, but if you've got 'em, why not show 'em a little love? ;)

And, as with all of our project parades, we've got prizes!
To enter, just link up your NEW creation (posted Jan. 25 or later) to the Mr. Linky widget at THIS POST before midnight MST on Monday, February 15. One lucky stamper will win a $25 gift certificate to the Verve Store. And for another chance to win, be sure to give the Divas a little shout out in the comments as they parade their fabulous creations inspired by this month's theme. One lucky commenter during the course of the parade (Jan 25 - Feb 14) will win their choice of any Verve set.

Supplies

Stamps: Love's Flower (Verve)

Papers: Kraft, Town Square Mini DP (Jenni Bowlin)

Inks: Memento Rich Cocoa, Sahara Sand

Accessories: chipboard coasters, foam brush, mod podge, sanding block, crop-a-dile, ribbon, mat pack, paper piercer, glue, scissors, shredded paper, cellophane bag, candies, labels eight nesties, big shot, sponge dauber, jumbo eyelet, linen thread, copics, dimensionals, stickles, rhinestones

...Home For The Holidays

Please scroll down to see my Farm Fresh Friday post!

I'm back again with another post, but this time I am showcasing my October 2009 Verve Project Parade entitled "Home For The Holidays". The Divas have been rocking the Verve Blog by creating inexpensive and beautiful handmade gifts, decor, and more. Today is my day to share a holiday gift idea...


I was able to make a stamped candle with a coordinating 3X3 card and envelope for under $5! I purchased a vanilla-scented candle and a pack of white tissue paper from an "everything is a dollar" store for $2. Then I used leftover bits and pieces of patterned paper, cardstock, and satin ribbon. The cost of papers couldn't be more that $1, and I actually got the ribbon from the end of a huge roll of satin ribbon for FREE. The candle and card were both stamped with the ornament shapes and sentiment from the "Holly Jolly Christmas" set, then the candle was placed into a large cello bag that cost only 10 cents...yes, I said it...10 CENTS!!! The envelope was actually from a gift card that I had received with one of my Christmas presents last year, so I thought I would reuse it instead of paying for a whole pack of new 3 X3 vanilla envelopes...especially since I only needed one!

That's it for me! So, now it's your turn! We'd love for you to play along with us and show us your homemade goodies for the upcoming giving season! Verve stamps are not required, but if you've got 'em, why not show 'em a little love?

And, as with all of our project parades, we've got prizes! To enter, just link up your Home for the Holidays creation to the Mr. Linky widget at Day One's post before midnight MST on Thursday, November 26. One lucky stamper will win a $30 gift certificate to the Verve Store. And for another chance to win, be sure to give the Divas a little shout out in the comments as they parade their fabulous creations inspired by this month's theme. One lucky commenter during the course of the parade (Nov 11 - 25) will win their choice of any Verve set.

Supplies

Stamps: Holly Jolly Christmas (Verve)

Papers: Purely Pomegranate, Very Vanilla, Watercolor, Holiday Harmony DSP

Inks: Basic Black Craft, Purely Pomegranate, Wild Wasabi

Accessories: mat pack, paper piercer, dimensionals, clear embossing powder, aquapainter, scissors, sewing machine, tissue paper, wax paper, heat gun, candle, cello bag, ribbon, envelope

Technique: Stamping On Candles

...Encouraging Words Project

Happy Monday, everyone! It's time for our September "Encouraging Words" Project Parade over at the Verve Blog. I have a very close friend who has been going through a rough patch lately, so I decided to alter a door hanger, and create a 3X3 coordinating card for her. I used the "Happiness Found" stamp set on the hanger, and the "Wishing You" set on the card. Let's take a look at each part of this project!

Door Hanger:

3X3 Coordinating Card (Outside):
3X3 Coordinating Card (inside):

I also have the random winner of my blog candy giveaway! The lucky commenter is...#28, MARISA! Congrats, Marisa! You have four days to contact me with your shipping address...Thanks! That's it for me today! Be sure to visit the Verve Blog for a chance to win some prizes, too! Thanks for stopping by, and I will see you back here tomorrow with another installment of Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge.

Supplies

Stamps: Happiness Found, Wishing You (Verve)

Papers: Very Vanilla, Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, Ambrosia (BasicGrey)

Inks: Basic Black Craft

Accessories: door hanger, acrylic paint, sponge brush, file set, rhinestones, label four nesties, big shot, apron lace border punch, clear embossing powder, heat gun, scissors, mat pack, paper piercer, dimensionals

...Happiness for Hostesses

Happy Thursday, everyone! It has been Project Parade time over at the Verve Blog the last few days, and the Divas have been cranking out some amazing work! This month's theme is "Happiness For Hostesses", and I wanted to showcase a gift for the hostess of our Writers' Club. Each month I get together with a few of my girlfriends to read poetry and/or short stories that we have written the month before. I thought these would be wonderful gifts for next month's hostess...here is the whole ensemble:
I altered a writer's journal, and covered it with Chocolate Chip and Baja Breeze Cardstock and Parisian Breeze Specialty Designer Series Paper. I added a lock assembly for privacy, and then stamped the flower from Enjoy in Chocolate Chip Craft Ink and Baja Breeze Classic Ink. I added some Stardust Stickles and Brown Kaiser Rhinestones to the flower, then created the focal panel using my Big Shot and Spellbinders' Classic Rectangle Nesties. The sentiment in the lower right-hand corner was from Express Yourself, and was embossed with White Embossing Powder. Each panel was pierced using a Mat Pack and Paper Piercer, and some Baja Breeze Striped Ribbon was added to complete the project.

My friend has never been to our county library, so I purchased one for her to use this next year. I needed something cute to put it in, so I made a gift card holder. The polka dots and sentiment on the front are from Bountiful Backgrounds, the flowers are from Budding Blossoms, and the butterflies were from Enjoy. I repeated the butterfly on the pull tab that goes in front of the library card. Isn't this cute?!?

And what woman wouldn't love something sweet while she is in deep concentration?!? LOL! I created an acetate box, and filled it with Werther's Original candies. The sentiment was from Delightful & Delicious, and the panel was created using Spellbinders' Nesties. The same butterfly from the previous projects was used as an accent for this one. Chocolate Chip Silk Ribbon was added to the top of the box in order to hang the sentiment tag from it.

As hostess, she will also get to invite three of her friends to the next club date, so I made three simple invitations. These 3X3 cards were created using the sentiment from A Cup of Life, and the circle panels were made using Spellbinders' Classic Circle Nesties. Brown Kaiser Rhinestones were added under the sentiment, and some piercing was added above the patterned paper panel. I added the same butterfly from the other projects to the outside of the envelopes.

That's it for me today! Do you have a fabulous hostess gift idea? We would love to see it! To play along, just make a project or card that shows us your take on the Happiness for Hostesses theme. Verve Stamps are not required, but if you've got 'em we love to see 'em! Just add a link to your creation in the Mr Linky form in DAY ONE's POST before 8PM Mountain, September 12th. Two lucky participants will win a stamp set of their choice from the Verve Store. We've also hidden another $25 gift certificate somewhere along the parade for a random commenter. So if you like what you see, be sure and give a little shout out in the comments of each post!

This flu has really kicked my butt, and I am still not back to 100%...but I hope to get back to my daily posts any time now! Thanks for stopping by, and I will see you all again tomorrow!

Supplies

Stamps: Enjoy, Express Yourself, Bountiful Backgrounds, Budding Blossoms, Delightful & Delicious, A Cup of Life (Verve)

Papers: Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze, Whisper White, Parisian Breeze Specialty Designer Series Paper

Inks: Chocolate Chip Craft, Baja Breeze, Whisper White Craft

Accessories: writer's journal, scor-pal, stickles, rhinestones, lock assembly, dimensionals, linen thread, ribbon, mat pack, paper piercer, nesties, big shot, clear embossing powder, white embossing powder, heat gun, embossing buddy, circle punches, brad, acetate, scallop border punch, Martha Stewart border punch, red-line tape, candies, eyelet, scissors