Vervalicious ATC

There is something SO SATISFYING about making an ATC! I dunno, maybe it's the small amount of time it takes to get something accomplished? Yep, I do love that!

I know that there is really only one rule to making ATC's and that is the size (2.5x3.5) and wouldn't you know I went and busted that rule? I liked how the added scallops looked on the top though, so I couldn't resist adding it!

The floral image is from my personal favorite set, "Serenity"!

You know I love my cards so I decided to be a total copy cat and turn this baby into a card using my new favorite paper by SU! "Bella Rosa"!!!

Interested in winning $15 Verve bucks to spend in the store? Well check out THIS link for all the deets!

Supplies:

Stamps-Serenity, Petals and Stems (Verve Stamps)

Paper-Riding hood Red, Kiwi Kiss, Bella Rosa dp (SU!0

Ink-Riding Hood Red

Accessories-Olive Poly Twill, Slit Punch, Ruby Red brads, Ticket Corner punch (SU!); Oval Nesties (Spellbinders), Red ribbon (CTMH), Burgundy Shimmerz

So Very Inspired...

Man, all these projects from my fantabulous team mates are a tough act to follow! Fortunately, I was greatly inspired by this fab color combo...that I would have never thought of on my own. I love to see where/how people get inspired. I am actually on the mailing list for several catalogs, just so that I can see colors, themes and potential layouts. It's amazing how a catalog bedroom can get you stampin'!

I created a couple cards to go with this combo...


Here's my Vervi-view...

1. When/how did you get hooked on stamping? Many moons ago, I was introduced to stamping. But, it wasn't until about 4 years ago that I got hooked. My neighbor's little boy came knocking on our door on Halloween. He was actually giving treats to the houses he went to...a stamped bag topper and bag of caramels. Let's just say that I got in touch with his mom real fast and my pocketbook has never been the same!

2. How often do you stamp? Just about everyday. There are days that I just need a break from the creative processes, usually those are Sundays when I get to hang out with the family.

3. Tell me about your funniest or most embarrassing stamping related injury. I have actually drawn blood more than once. I cut myself on my paper cutter from time to time, but that is not the worst of it! LOL! I dropped an acrylic block on my foot. The corner of the block hit smack down on the center of the top of my foot. I didn't think anything of it immediately, but then as I was working, I felt "something." That something was blood running down my foot!!

4. How long does it take you to create a project that you're happy with? Too long. I am so slow!

5. I am usually a little messy in my creating. Tell me about your creative space. Neat and organized until I get going. Until VERY recently, I could not go to bed with a messy desk. Someway, somehow, I have gotten over that. Maybe it's the fact that when I am done, I am done...and that is often in the a.m.

6. If you were stranded on a deserted island, which craft tool could you not live without? Why? Just one? Can't I have a bag of tools? Paper cutter, piercer, Cuttlebug and punches. I figure I could use these to build a boat and sail back to my stamps, ink and paper.

7. What is your biggest source of inspiration? EVERYTHING! Color, themes, a single sheet of DP. Of course having wonderful stamping friends, and stamps doesn't hurt either!

8. Who in the stamping world do you want to be when you grow up and why? I can't say that I idolize any one person in the world of stamping, although there are several that I dearly respect. When it comes to crafting overall, I would love to be a Martha...minus the "anklet" that she was sporting for a while. She has built an empire around just being Martha.

9. What is your favorite part of the creative process? When that "lightbulb" goes off. I love those "a-ha" moments!!!

****
Ok, if you stuck with me through that, you deserve to know how to win $15 in Verve Bucks!! All you have to do is play in this Vervalicious challenge with us! Leave a comment with a link to your project on this post by 12:00 pm (noon) Eastern Time on June 21st, and you will be entered for a chance to win! Using Verve stamps is not a requirement, although it doubles your chance of winning. We will have two winners, one randomly drawn from a pool of all entries, the other will be selected as our favorite from all the projects using Verve stamps. Both winners will receive $15 in Verve Bucks. We will announce the winners later that day.

When uploading to SCS, please use the keyword VVPP03.

Inspired Prayer

Is this not the best parade you've ever been to? How's the view from the boulevard? Up close and personal? Thanks to Julee (our fabulous Grand Marshall) for having a parade to show off our creations up close and thanks to Carole (one of SCS's newest dirty inductees) for the opportunity to reveal our thoughts in the ever-so-personal realm we so belovedly call The "Verve-iview"! But before I get to the meat of this post (my innermost thoughts), let's discuss the "parade float" at hand before it turns the corner onto Herald Square. Not even near 40 feet tall, my card today is a little sway from the "normal size" A2. I had to make it 4.25 x 6.25 to accomodate the Making Memories tag that was a perfect match for the inspiration photo. I also loved playing off the black accents with the little splash of yellow here and there. (I love More Mustard--can I get a hot dog over here? This IS New York, right?) Ope, there it goes, passed us right by without getting stuck on a building. So just as Santa heads up the rear of the Macy's parade, who everyone really waits for, I give you my "Verve-iview". Go have some turkey.

1. When/how did you get hooked on stamping? I was introduced to it about 8 years ago and thought everyone at the party was crazy. Anyone in the market for some retired 4th of July stamps? Re-introduced to it by a fabulous SU demo 3 years later and never looked back.

2. How often do you stamp? I try to stamp everyday, but my friends keep calling me. (you know, Mr. Clean, the Scrubbing Bubbles and someone who just wants to Cheer all the time.)

3. Tell me about your funniest or most embarrassing stamping related injury. giving this interview--I will now be scarred for life.

4. How long does it take you to create a project that you're happy with? It depends on when you consider the starting point. When I'm dreaming of them while I'm sleeping? Then it would be about 12 hours, but if you are only considering once I have a real idea in my head that is actually doable, then 1-2 hours (Keeping in mind that doesn't account for making the paper and melting the rubber into the molds by hand. Add 30 minutes for that.)

5. I am usually a little messy in my creating. Tell me about your creative space. (I'm sorry you have that issue, Carole.) I have a small space. Some call it a bedroom corner. I call the entire room my studio and we just happen to sleep in there. Having a small space allows me to be messy while in "the zone", but I am always one to have to clean up before starting my next project. I told you Mr. Clean calls me too much.

6. If you were stranded on a deserted island, which craft tool could you not live without? Why? Chocolate. 'nuff said.

7. What is your biggest source of inspiration? My squarehead boyfriend speaks to me through these things called blogs, and a website called Splitcoast. When he talks, I listen.

8. Who in the stamping world do you want to be when you grow up and why? I would drop a few names here, but I'm afraid I would sorely misrepresent. So the perfect stamper would have this name:
Belaurentina del O'Stainturragener

9. What is your favorite part of the creative process? All of it! Oh, and the Chocolate.

Stay tuned tomorrow for Jen's parade entry!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ok, if you stuck with me through that, you deserve to know how to win $15 in Verve Bucks!! All you have to do is play in this Vervalicious challenge with us! Leave a comment with a link to your project on this post by 12:00 pm (noon) Eastern Time on June 21st, and you will be entered for a chance to win! Using Verve stamps is not a requirement, although it doubles your chance of winning. We will have two winners, one randomly drawn from a pool of all entries, the other will be selected as our favorite from all the projects using Verve stamps. Both winners will receive $15 in Verve Bucks. We will announce the winners later that day.

So, it's time to get inspired! Use the photo to let your creativity soar. There are no guidelines - take your inspiration from the images, designs, patterns, colors - whatever strikes your fancy! If you upload to Splitcoast, please use the keyword VVPP03 so we can all see your creations!

Inspired Simplicity

I just have to start by saying how much I LOVE this month's Inspiration Piece!! However, it took me a while to actually pinpoint just exactly what it was that I loved so much about it. Was it the colors and patterns? Yes...but there was more to it than just that. It took me over a week before I finally figured out why I was so drawn to this piece. Red is my favorite color...and I love bold monochromatic patterns like the one on the comforter...but actually it was the overall "laid back simplicity" that I was so taken with. So, I was inspired to go in a direction I rarely go to in stamping...the simple side! LOL!


I chose three of the colors that really stood out to me and created simple monochromatic cards that can be used anytime (or even bundled in a gift). I achieved the bold white images on the colored cardstock by embossing the leaf (from the Serenity set) stamp in white. The white "ribbon" piece is actually a strip of white cardstock that I trimmed on one end to look like ribbon. :-)


What about this piece inspires you? Add a link to your creation in the comments section of THIS post and you could win $15 in Verve Bucks!










O.k....to the part I've been dreading. LOL! And for the record...yeah, it IS all Carole's fault!! Hee! So, in Carole's words...here's my "verve-iview"...


1. When/how did you get hooked on stamping?


I was first introduced to stamping at a Stampin' Up! home party 11 1/2 years ago. I've never been much of an "artsy or crafty" type person, but was immediately taken with this new hobby! I can honestly say that I've been "addicted" ever since! LOL!


2. How often do you stamp?


Almost daily. Every now and then I take a day "off"...but for the most part I usually manage to sneak a little stamping time in every day.


3. Tell me about your funniest or most embarrassing stamping related injury.


O.k...but this isn't to be repeated, o.k.??? LOL! Actually, I was in a scrapbook store when my "injury" happened. You see, I live so far away from...well, anything...and getting to craft or scrapbook stores is a very rare occasion! This might have been my second time in an actual store dedicated to all things scrapbooking/stamping and I probably was a bit giddy...because in my haste to check out the next aisle of treasures that I had to have, I tripped and fell into a display of embellishments! I guess in an ordinary store I would have turned the shade of a ripe tomato, but this was no ordinary store...and I was now on top of some of the prettiest embellishments ever!!! Needless to say, most of them ended up in my shopping basket! LOL!


4. How long does it take you to create a project that you're happy with?


Oh, this one varies. Sometimes, I can whip stuff out in under 30 minutes...and other times I can't finish anything in less than an hour. I tend to "try" my embellishments on (not me..but the card LOL!) and switch them around a few times before I'm happy.


5. I am usually a little messy in my creating. Tell me about your creative space.


During the creating process...my space looks like a tornado landed! I have a very small space, so it doesn't take much for it to be cluttered with "stuff". But, no matter how messy it is during my creating...I always clean it up when I'm done. In fact, I cannot start a new project until everything from the previous one is cleaned up and put away!


6. If you were stranded on a deserted island, which craft tool could you not live without?
Why?


This really isn't a good question for me! LOL! I don't like to be without the tools that I need/want. In fact, that is the reason I never go to crops or other "stamp away from home" events. I know, I know...it sounds crazy. I just never know what tool I'll need until I need it! Hee! I guess if I had to say which tool do I find myself reaching for most...I would have to say my sponges. I love to add shading to my cards!


7. What is your biggest source of inspiration?


I've already admitted my subconscious adoration of embellishments...so it won't come as any surprise to you when I tell you that most of the time, I design my cards around embellishments or patterned paper!! :-)


8. Who in the stamping world do you want to be when you grow up and why?


This is a tough one. There are SOOO many stampers I admire!! Ok...let's see. If I could be the "perfect stamper" I would want to color like Debbie Olson, create amazing and unique projects like Lauren Meader, and come up with wonderful one of a kind sketches like Tosha Leyendekker. A girl can dream, right?


9. What is your favorite part of the creative process?


I really enjoy coloring (even though I'm still in the learning phase)...but my favorite part is embellishing and adding ribbon! Shocking, huh? :-) My least favorite part is cutting all the various layers. I'm a perfectionist (big time), and if my layers aren't exact and straight, I will cut and re-cut until they are perfect. I try to let stuff slide...but I just can't let it go! LOL!


So, that is probably more about me than you ever wanted to know!! :-)


Make sure to stop back by tomorrow and see Susan's inspired creation! ~Laurie


Recipe
Stamps: Serenity, Floral Whimsy
Paper: Whisper White, Real Red, Wild Wasabi, So Saffron (Stampin' Up!)
Ink: Real Red, Wild Wasabi, So Saffron (Stampin' Up!), Versamark
Accessories: Clear e.p., White e.p., Oval Nestabilities, White brads

Amazing Inspiration

I hope you've all enjoyed seeing the Design Team's take on the inspiration challenge as much as I have. I loved seeing what the pillows inspired each of them to create. I went with a turquoise and white theme for my card. I just loved the bright color of that pillow with the white bits of flower and trim. I used flowers from Thankful Blossoms and embossed them on turquoise cardstock with turquoise embossing powder. I added little white flower punches to the smaller flowers and a "flower confetti" to the center of the big flower along with turquoise rhinestone brads. I embossed the open flower and stem from Serenity in white on the card base, then I mounted the flowers from Thankful Blossoms on top with dimensionals. As finishing touches, I added the white organdy ribbon and paper piercings along the bottom of the card.

Now it's your turn! If you've made a card or project using the pillow photo as inspiration, link it to this post by Midnight (Mountain time) tonight, April 22nd for a chance to win. The winner will receive $15 in Verve Bucks to spend at the Verve store. We can't wait to see what you've created!

SUPPLIES USED: Stamps-Thankful Blossoms, Serenity (Verve Visual); Paper- white (Georgia-Pacific), turquoise (DCWV); Ink- Versamark (Tsukineko), Tempting Turquoise (SU); Accessories- paper piercer, white organdy ribbon (Darice), white and turquoise embossing powder, rhinestone brads.

Serenity and Joy

Yep, that's what I am giving you for free today, Serenity and Joy. Want some? Don't we sometimes wish it were that easy? Well, here's a card I made that implies just that at least! I'm sure you've seen by now the fabulous inspiration photo of THESE beautiful turquoise and yellow pillows. Although I tend to use a lot of yellows and mustards in my cards and projects, mixing it with a turquoise or teal color was definitely stepping out of my comfort zone!

I knew I had the patterned paper that would be a great match for the gold tones, so I paired it up with More Mustard. That was the easy part. I looked at the pillows some more and grabbed for Not Quite Navy as my blue and was "quite" pleased with that combo. I had not had a chance to work on Julee's Mojo Monday sketch, so I employed it here, and changed it to a square card to match the pillows' dimensions.

I just started by cutting and layering all the pieces. I ran the More Mustard square through my new Cuttlebug Swiss Dots folder for some nice texture, pulling it from some of the dotted portions of the pillows. I stamped the main image with my Serenity set using inks of the same colors and then the sentiment in Not Quite Navy as well. I loved how some of the embroidery on the pillows seemed to wrap around the edges, so I tried a new (to me) look of pulling the little ribbon tabs to the front of the main panel and affixing them with Crystal Effects. I used a Nestability Circle Die for the scalloped tag and semi-cut the sentiment with my Creative Memories Circle Cutting System. I then cut the "hanging over" parts by hand for a neat look. I finished it off with some plastic baubles along the left edge.

It was a bit of a challenge putting these colors together, but when all was said and done, I fell in love with them (not to mention the pillows)!!! Now you know you are feeling all inspired and stuff, so go forth and conquer your color fears! HERE'S a little Verve challenge for you with a little prize involved. Link your cards HERE...we want to see!!

Simple Beginnings

I hope you are enjoying our Back to Basics series. It provided me the opportunity to reflect and remember how it all began.... since my memory is a little foggy as to what year I started stamping I rummaged through my stamps and catalogs for the earliest dates.... still not quite certain but probably about 1998-99. My oldest daughter, Courtney, an avid scrapbooker even as a teenager hosted a D.O.T.S. (now Close to My Heart) in home party. I'm a sap and made a sympathy purchase.... a couple of solid leaf images, one stamp pad, and a half-dozen markers (because the markers could be just as effective as a stamp pad) and a package of white paper. Well, the rubber stamping world has made significant strides, blended with scrapbooking and other crafts. I like to think my abilities have also improved but the simple and clean designs and basic techniques are still a favorite - not to mention fast and very do-able. A basic stamped background, basic solid images, sentiment, a little ribbon, some paper and viola... a card. Card Details:

Stamp Sets: "Serenity" (Verve Visual); "French Script" background & "The Shape of Things" (SU)
Cardstock: White Select (Papertrey Ink); So Saffron & Always Artichoke (SU)
Ink: So Saffron (ink pad), Real Red & Always Artichoke markers (SU); Onyx Black (VersaFine)
Accessories: Red grosgrain & dimensionals ( SU)

Enjoy and create, Lila

Simple

When Julee asked us to create something for the Back to Basics series, I thought back to when I was first introduced to stamping and WHAT got me hooked. For me, it was the Versamark pad. The first couple of ink pads I owned were the Versamark and black. My favorite thing about using the Versamark pad was the watermark look it created. I LOVED it! (and still do) Such a subtle but elegant look it gives. I didn't have to have an ink to match every color of cardstock either! So, in the beginning of my stamping days, (or BFT as I sometimes joke--Before Fancy Tools) I used an image to watermark and then a sentiment in black ink. I always used a simple layout like this and usually finished off the card with some ribbon. Simple.

SUPPLIES USED: Stamps: Serenity (Verve Visual); Ink: Versamark, Onyx Black (Versafine); Paper: Soft Sky, Basic Black, Whisper White (SU); Accessories: black organdy ribbon

Back in the old days...

Do you yearn for the simpler times? When it was just you, your stamps, some ink, and some paper. Remember those times? Occasionally, I get so caught up in adding "more" to my cards, that I forget that simple can sometimes make a big impact. Not to mention that is can be much easier to mass produce!
I used no embellishments on these cards. Only, ink, paper, stamps and adhesive. Using just white CS and one other color (thyme green here), I created a simple Mother's Day card. Repetative stamping can make pretty patterned paper. If I wanted, this card can easily be added to, using some ribbon, brads, glitter, etc.

I then took the same idea and made a Father's Day card. Simple. Quick. Unadorned. But lovely all the same.

Paper: white cardstock (PTI) , thyme CS (SU), tan CS (Bazzill)

Stamps: Serenity, Happy Thougths (Verve Visual)

Ink: Dark Moss, creamy brown (Colorbox liquid chalk)

Guest Designer: Silvia Mabie

Here's a look at our second guest designer for this month... Silvia Mabie!

I met Silvia a little over a year ago hanging out on Splitcoast. She was constantly enabling me to buy the latest and greatest, and has kept me supplied with coasters, nugget tins and other odds and ends all year. A peek over at her Splitcoast gallery {stampinsilvia} will give you an idea of how much talent this gal has. Silvia just recently started a new blog called Mabie Stampin' where she posts her creations and a weekly tutorial. Check out her fab creations with Serenity below. To see bigger images, just click the photos. :)


Serenity
Stamps: Serenity (Verve Visual)
Paper: River rock, cameo coral, chocolate chip, bali breeze DS paper (SU!)
Ink:craft chocolate chip, river rock (SU!)
Accessories:ribbon, sponge, slit punch



Pretty Frame
Stamps: Serenity (Verve Visual)
Paper: green galore, chocolate chip, Whisper white, pretty in pink vellum (SU!), unknown DP
Ink: Stazon black, pixie pink craft ink
Accessories: Crop-a-dile, bold brights eyelets, round tab punch, small and large oval punches, 1 3/8 circle punch, ribbon and ric rac, chunky glitter


Strength
Stamps: Serenity (Verve Visual), Refuge and strength by SU!
Paper:confetti white, chocolate chip, Kraft
Ink:old olive, craft chocolate chip, unknown DS paper
Accessories:Nestabilities, sponge







Praying
Stamps: Serenity (Verve Visual)
Paper: Ruby Red, Old Olive, Bashful Blue, Whisper White, Holiday Thyme (SU!)
Ink: Ruby Red, Real Red, Old Olive (SU!)
Accessories: Photo Corner Punch, 3/4" & 1" Circle Punches, Iridescent Ice EP, Fire Rhinestone Brads (SU!), Small Corner Rounder Punch, Mounting Dimensionals

Aren't they all beautiful? Be sure to leave a little love for Silvia. She did a great job! I particularly love that long Serenity card - scrumptious.

Guest Designer: Ida Krause

We had two talented guest designers working with us this month to create projects for the Verve gallery.

Our first guest designer is Ida Krause. I first saw Ida's work through her submissions to various sketch challenges and contests on my blog. I loved her creations and have been a lurker on her blog, Faith Artistry, for a while, checking out her awesome creations for the Blogger's Challenge Group each week. She did a fabulous job working with Serenity and chose to submit a card for each season. I just love how many different looks she was able to create with this set! Check out her awesome creations below. To see a larger image of each card, click the photo.


Springtime Strength in the Lord
Stamps: Serenity (Verve Visual)
Paper, Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Shimmery White, Apple Cider & Bali Breeze Designer Paper (SU!)
Ink: Close to Cocoa, Old Olive (SU!)
Accessories: Nestabilities Scallop Circle Dies (Spellbinders), Paper Piercing Tool, Pearls - Pretties Kit, Cutter Kit, White Liquid Appliqué, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Mounting Dimensionals (SU!)


A Summer Prayer
Stamps: Serenity (Verve Visual), Dragonfly (Daisy Bucket Designs)
Paper: Lovely Lilac, Gable Green, Green Galore, Watercolor (SU!), Lime Rickey Designer Paper (Doodlebug)
Ink: Lovely Lilac, Green Galore, Only Orchid (SU!)
Accessories: Tag Die (Cuttlebug), White Dotted Ribbon (May Arts), Crystal Effects, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter,
Paper Piercing Tool, Cutter Kit, Mounting Dimensionals (SU!) Purple Brads (Queen & Co.)

Autumn Serenity Prayer
Stamps: Serenity (Verve Visual), Linen BG (SU!)
Paper: Ruby Red, More Mustard, Basic Black, Whisper White (SU!), Heirloom Red Blossom Designer Paper (Daisy D's)
Ink: Ruby Red, More Mustard, Basic Black (SU!)
Accessories: Black Eyelets, Mustard Grosgrain ribbon,
Cutter Kit & Paper Piercing Tool, Mounting Dimensionals, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter (SU!), Scallop Scissors (Fiskars)



Winter Joy
Stamps: Serenity (Verve Visual)
Paper: Ruby Red, Old Olive, Bashful Blue, Whisper White, Holiday Thyme (SU!)
Ink: Ruby Red, Real Red, Old Olive (SU!)
Accessories: Photo Corner Punch, 3/4" & 1" Circle Punches, Iridescent Ice EP, Fire Rhinestone Brads (SU!), Small Corner Rounder Punch, Mounting Dimensionals

Aren't they all beautiful? Be sure to leave a little love for Ida. I'll be back a little later to show you the projects our second Guest Designer, Silvia, created for us.

Release Day and Some Random Winners!

Hi everyone! Have you enjoyed the Design Team's posts this month as much as I have? Seems like every month they come up with something even more clever and amazing than the month before!

Today is the official release date of four new Verve Visual sets...

Serenity
Happy Thoughts
Fancy Florals Remixed
Thoughtful Florals

All stamps are on sale for 15% off through the end of the month, plus we've sweetened the deal with free shipping on all orders over $40. So what are you waiting for? Treat yourself to a little stamping love - we know you DESERVE it! ;)

Be sure to check out the Verve Gallery to see all of the awesome projects the Design Team came up with for the new sets!

I've been having a blast checking out your cards for the Honored Guest Sketch Challenge. So far, there have been 105 cards submitted! Wow! You are all awesome! I just finished checking them all out, and they are amazing. I can tell already that this one's going to be super tough to judge! You still have until Friday night to get your cards submitted for a chance at being our Honored Guest for the month of March. The winner will get to play with the three stamp sets releasing in March before anyone else - and there are some really exciting designs coming your way, peeps! So, if you're waffling on the edge - get out there and do some stamping. You can't win if you don't try! :) Today's card is one I created using the contest sketch and the newly released Serenity set.

Okay, I told you there would be some random winners throughout the contest and so today I've let Random.org select two winners from all of the contest submissions. And the winners are...

Malieta of Life's Simple Pleasures wins Happy Thoughts!

Stamp Queen wins Thoughtful Florals!

Congrats, ladies! Email your snail mail address to info@vervevisual.com and I'll send out your new stamps! :)

Check back tomorrow to see the awesome projects our two Guest Designers, Ida Krause and Silvia Mabie cooked up for us this month!

Chocolate Box

Only one chocolate stick was harmed in the making of this project. Seriously, your recipient isn't going to be able to keep her hands off of these chocolate sticks any more than I could.

I planned out my box to accomodate four chocolate sticks. Use a 6.25 x 5 inch piece of paper. Score the short side at .5 inches. Score the long side at .5 inches, 3 inches, 3.5 inches, and 6 inches. Now fold it all up and adhere with some strong adhesive. I used Terrifically Tacky Tape, also known as Sticky Strip or Red Line Tape.

I stamped the two pumpkin flowers, inking the flowers pumpkin and the stems green, on Very Vanilla and colored them in lightly. Then cut the oval with a Coluzzle, leaving the flower tips sticking out. Trim them with scissors. Stamp and color the blue flower and cut it out. Adhere with dimensionals. Cover flowers lightly with Star Dust Stickles. Layer on scalloped oval (punched with the big purple Marvy punch). Punch a hole (and add eyelet, optional) to thread ribbon through. Now just assemble it all, including the sentiment on a word window punch.


The lid is done the same way with each side being 1/16 inch larger than the box, so that it will fit on top. When I was done, I cut the angle and added the vanilla trim.

If you love this beautiful and versatile stamp set, SERENITY releasing February 10, you can pre-order it right now AND save 15% on all stamps AND get free shipping over $40.

Stamps: Serenity and Thoughtful Florals(Verve Visual)
Paper: Parlor Collection: Farm House (Webster's Pages); Really Rust, Bordering Blue, Very Vanilla (Stampin' Up!)
Ink: Spanish Olive, Tea Leaves, Red Brick, Aegean Blue, Pumpkin Spice (VersaMagic)
Accessories: Word Window Punch, eyelet, blender pen (Stampin' Up!); Coluzzle; Scallop oval punch (Marvy); ribbon (May Arts); dimensionals; Star Dust Stickles; Terrifically Tacky Tape

Be sure to check in here at the Verve blog for more great samples every day right through release day!

Happy Thoughts!

You've seen two sneak peeks with the Serenity set so far. I thought I'd add to that for you! Instead of using the inspirational sentiments that are in the Serenity set, I paired the flowers up with a sentiment from the Happy Thoughts set. Happy Thoughts is a set of 9 interchangeable sentiments! "Happy" and "Mother's Day" are two separate stamps. I thought the font, the flowers and the colors of this card came together for a happy and modern Mother's Day card for those mothers on your list that would prefer bright and retro to classic and old-fashioned. I added some pink rhinestones for a little sparkle!

If you haven't visited the Verve Visual store lately, be sure and check it out! All stamps are 15% off in February, including the four new sets! These sets are available for pre-order on February 5th! There's also free shipping to the US and Canada for orders of $40 or more. Lastly, don't forget about the Honorable Guest Sketch Challenge Contest! There's lots going on that you don't want to miss.

SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Serenity, Happy Thoughts (Verve Visual); Ink- Onyx Black (Versafine), Certainly Celery, Rose Red (SU); Paper- Wild Wasabi, Basic Black, Whisper White (SU), Rose (Magnolia); Accessories- gingham ribbon, paper piercer, brads (Making Memories), circle punch

Honored Guest Sketch Challenge Contest

This contest is now closed and commenting has been disabled on this post. Thanks to all who participated. Our winner will be announced on Monday, February 18.

Want to be a designer for Verve Visual? Well, now’s your chance! We’re having a card contest that gives everybody the opportunity to strut their stuff. All you have to do is make a card using the following sketch and submit a link to an online photo of your card by Friday, February 15. Please submit links as a comment on this post. Since we want everyone to have a shot, you don’t even have to use Verve Visual stamps (although we LOVE it when you do)! Just create a stamped masterpiece that makes us ooh and ahh using the provided sketch.

A winner will be announced on Monday, February 18 and will be our Honored Guest for the month of March. Our Honored Guest will receive the same kit our Design Team receives, including pre-releases of the new Verve sets releasing in March. The winner will be required to submit 6 projects using the pre-release stamps. We will also be doing some random prize drawings throughout the contest, so be sure to get your cards submitted! There is no limit to the number of cards you can submit, and the contest is open to everyone, including previous Verve Guest Designers.

So, if this sounds up your alley, get your mojo in motion and start stamping! If you need a little somethin’ somethin’ to rev up your engines, be sure to check out the samples our talented design team cooked up with this sketch in the Verve Gallery.

Please Note: Due to time constraints, if your project is selected and you live outside the US or Canada, your Honored Guest position will be scheduled for later in the year.