Inventory Inspiration

Hi Verve friends! Thank you SOOOOOO much for all your fabulous well wishes, emails, comments and orders. My office is down to just one 2'x6' cabinet of product (about 50 different skus). I'm blown away! My voice echoes in my office now... it startles me every time I speak! I've already moved a fourth empty unit like these out and there's another empty bookshelf on the other wall.  It's definitely getting real, folks!

Today I thought I'd hop on and share a little inspiration with a few spotlights on some of our remaining stamp sets. All of today's spotlights also have a coordinating die still available. Please consider giving them a home so they don't end up sad and forgotten in a box in my garage! :)

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Everything Nice is a favorite set of mine. I love a good Cinderella story, and add in some coffee and what's not to love.  It coordinates with the Pumpkin Spice Die Set (also still available), but is so much more than just an autumn set.  The wishes come true sentiment is my absolute favorite for birthday cards. Here's a card I made with it and the free printable that comes with the Blooming Die Set.

You can view additional inspiration with this set in our Everything Nice gallery or on our Everything Nice Pinterest Board.

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Pink Power is a beautiful breast cancer awareness set designed by the lovely Chaitali Narla in honor of her mother who was battling breast cancer at the time. She sadly lost her fight. The bald silhouette is one of the loveliest images I've ever seen and I so treasure this beautiful set. It also coordinates with our Ribbon Die. Jennifer McGuire used the Pink Power set in this video tutorial. The timeless beauty of a card below is by Teresa Kline.

You can view additional inspiration with this set in our Pink Power gallery or on our Pink Power Pinterest Board.

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Pinecone Christmas is another set designed by Chaitali. This one features beautiful pinecone, branches and poinsettia images. It's a lovely set and coordinates with the Poinsettia Pinecones Die Set. The final copies of this stamp set are sold AS-IS at a 75% discount. They are missing the solid flame, solid candle and the bottom corner two step stamping solid leaf image (I've highlighted the missing images in the photo above). This time period in my life when the boys were tiny is kind of a blur, so I'm not sure why they're missing. Probably because they didn't line up for two step stamping correctly and we had to run a reprint. I've loved stamping with this set, especially those fun branches, and I created one of the very few stamping videos I've done using this stamp set. I love the glittery way Christyne Kane used this set in the card below.

You can view additional inspiration with this set in our Pinecone Christmas Gallery or on our Pinecone Christmas Pinterest Board.

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Our final set in the spotlight today is the Hip Hop Bunnies set. I love these adorable little bunnies and the fun coordinating Bunny Hop Die Set.  I've had so much fun making little treats and cards for my boys with them.

You can view additional inspiration with this set in our Hip Hop Bunnies Gallery or on our Hip Hop Bunnies Pinterest Board.

Thanks so much for stopping by today! I hope you're inspired! Would love to see any of your Verve creations! Just link me up.  :)

Spring Summer Coffe Lovers Blog Hop

It's time for the Spring/Summer Coffee Lovers Blog Hop! I just love seeing all the caffeinated creations along this hop and can't wait to do a little hopping myself! Verve has been a sponsor since the very first hop, and we're continuing that tradition today, offering up our two new limited edition stamp sets for a participant along the hop. There are oh-so-many fabulous Super Sponsor prizes up for grabs for those who link up a newly created Spring/Summer themed coffee, tea or cocoa project over on the official Spring/Summer 2018 Coffee Lovers Blog Hop post. The linkup is open through June 1, so I hope you have a fabulous week of getting inky!

Our Super Sponsor prize for the hop is the two brand new limited edition stamp sets that just released this morning! We have a limited amount of these sets available for purchase in the shop. They won't be re-ordered so now's the time to snatch them up if you see something you have to have!

Just Like You is a fun, masculine set, perfect for honoring the father figure in your life. A big, hearty coffee mug allows for customization with some of the other stamps in the set. Scroll down to see my first take with the set.

Living on Coffee is a lovely, floral coffee set that includes some beautiful blooms and a host of fun, all-occasion sentiments.

For today's coffee card, I am featuring the Just Like You set. I made this as a card for Mark from the boys. When they were babies, we dressed Kellan in blue and Trevor in green to tell them apart, so I thought Mark would get a kick out of the symbolism behind the two coffee mugs. Plus, with twins, 2 cups minimum are essential for a morning! Haha! I stamped the mugss on white, then stamped different sentiments on each cup and colored with Copics. A third circle for the sentiment finished off the stamping.

The background is designer paper, sponged with pumice stone ink. I wrapped a bit of linen thread around the panel, then layered my circles to complete the layout.

Thanks so much for stopping by today! Happy hopping!

Enabler's List
Stamps: Just Like You (Verve Stamps)
Paper: dp, white, black
Ink: intense black (Hero Arts), pumice stone distress (Ranger), copic markers
Accessories: stiched circle stax (MFT), linen thread

New Digi and Promo Code NSD2018

Hi Verve fans! Happy May! There's a new digi in the shop this morning, perfect for your last minute Mother's Day creations. Anyone else think this year is flying by?  My boys graduate Kindergarten next month and it feels like they just barely started the year!

Before I get to the new digi, I thought I'd let you know we've got a promo code in the shop for you this weekend to celebrate National Scrapbook Day!

Use  gift code NSD2018 for 30% off your entire order
 through May 7, 2018. 

Code must be applied at checkout.  It's an additional 30% off, so you'll save even more on new products and anything in our sale category!  Hooray!

Now on with the introduction... I was in the mood for some spring flowers, so whipped up the Favorite Mom DIGITAL Set with Mom in mind... because Mother's Day is just a little over a week away!  Eeek! But don't panic, if you're a procrastinator like me, I've got you covered with this new digi. {grin}

Our digis are downloadable in a compressed zip file, which you can unzip and use either the pngs or jpegs individually in word processing or photo editing software. If you'd much rather get to the business of creating, I also include a PDF file that is already laid out to print all of the images on one regular 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper. I like to use a laser printer, which allows me to use Copic markers with out bleeding, but inkjet printers will workl for other coloring mediums. If you don't have a printer, you can also send the PDF to a local copy shop to have it printed there.

My first card with this new set uses the May Viva la Verve sketch.  I had a blast coloring the flowers and adding little white gel pan accents. Fussy cutting relaxes me, so this card was a lot of fun to put together. You can read the details over on my blog at Poetic Artistry.

Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful weekend!

April 2018 New Release Spotlights - Day 4 and April Diva Inspirations Challenge

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Hi Verve fans! It's release day! I'm so happy to say that brand new Verve stamps and dies are available for purchase in the Verve shop today!  Hooray! To celebrate the release, we're hosting one last spotlight blog hop, with a pretty awesome prize... the entire April release. Be sure to read to the bottom of the post for the hop list and all the prize details!

Since it's the 10th of the month, we're also combining today's hop with the kick-off to our April Diva Inspirations challenge. I had so much fun getting back in the swing of things last month and checking out all your green creations. This month we're challenging you to show us some handmade sunshine with the color YELLOW! I can't wait to see what you create! Hope you'll play along.

Verve Stamps are not required, but we do love to see 'em. You can enter as often as you like, but must create a new creation for each linkup. You have until May 5 to link up at the bottom of this post for a chance to win the random prize drawing for a $30 gift voucher to the Verve shop.

For today's card I decided to pair the Sentimental Wishes set with the small outline flower from the previously released Bloom Brighter stamp set.  I stamped the flower three times, then colored with Copics and cut with the coordinating Blooming die set.  I then die cut the square from the Lacey Frames die set three times in white and used a mini ink blender to sponge scattered straw distress ink onto the center of each square, then popped the flowers up on each square for a little dimension.  I did the same sponge treatment with the circle die, then stamped the hello friend sentiment from Sentimental Wishes in the center.  I added some subtle stripes to the yellow and white panels with an embossing folder, then finished off with one of the Lacey Trim Duo border dies and a sweet little bow.

What's in it?
Stamps: Sentimental Wishes, Bloom Brighter (Verve Stamps)
Paper: daffodil delight, smoky slate (SU!), white (Neenah)
Ink: scattered straw (Ranger Distress), pure graphite (Altenew), Copic markers
Accessories: Lacey Frames  Lacey Trim Duo and Blooming die sets (A Cut Above by VERVE), striped embossing folder (Sizzix), glitter glue, taffeta ribbon

Now it's time to get on with the business of hopping!

Be sure to hop on over to the Verve shop when you're done hopping to check out the new products and our April sale.

Want to win some shiny new Verve? Today's prize is a BIG one. We'll be picking a random commenter on one of the hop spots below to win our ENTIRE new release! The April 2018 Release Collection includes Risen Savior, Hope Lifts, Sentimental Wishes, and the Lifted Hope, Lacey Frames and Lacey Trim Duo die sets. So be sure to leave a little comment on all the blogs below to increase your chances! 

1. Julee 5. Laurie 2. Michele (Guest) 6. Marisa 3. Betty 7. Maureen 4. Charmaine 8. Teresa

Comment deadline for our Blog Hop prize drawing is April 15.

Today's hop starts on my blog, Poetic Artistry.  See ya there!

And if you're playing along with our challenge, link up below...

An InLinkz Link-up

April 2018 New Release Spotlight Hops - Day 3

Well, hello! We're so excited to be hopping with you again today for our Day 3 New Release Spotlight Hop! The new sets and dies will be available in the shop TOMORROW, Tuesday, April 10, but while we wait we still have some more blog hopping planned for you  to showcase the new products and also give you a chance to WIN some new Verve! Hooray!

Today our sneaky little spotlight  is shining on the new Sentimental Wishes stamp set and the Lacey Trim Duo and Lacey Frames die sets. Look for an in depth look at this set a little later in this post.  But first, let's get to the giveaway and hop details, shall we?

Want to win some shiny new Verve? We'll be picking a random comment on one of the hop spots below to win today's featured products! So be sure to leave a little comment love on all the blogs on the list below to increase your chances!

1. Julee 5. Laurie 2. Michele (Guest) 6. Marisa 3. Betty 7. Maureen 4. Charmaine 8. Teresa

Comment deadline for prize drawing is Sunday, April 15.

In the spotlight today is Sentimental Wishes. It's a set of 22 clear stamps sized at about 1" to fit your small punches and dies. Tons of occasions are covered, from thinking of you, to sympathy, to birthday, to friendship, thanks and even a coffee break, there's a little saying for just about anything in this set.  Pair it with the square or circle in the Lacey Frames die set, which frame the sentiments beautifully,  to add an elegant touch to your projects.

  

For my card, I pulled out some new papers I picked up at the craft store the other day. The spring flowers and sweet little rain boots were calling my name!  I embossed the praying for you sentiment from Sentimental Wishes onto a circle cut with the Lacey Frames die set.  I fussy cut a flower duo from the paper I chose and popped it up on the edge.  Next I cut the rain boots paper with the Flourished Tag die and cut another tag from white to give it a bit of a bottom mat.  I distressed the edges a bit and then added a seam binding bow.

One look I love with the new dies, is to layer the Lacey Trim Duo borders together.  Here I cut them from white, then layered together and attached a piece of the patterned paper for a background accent.  A little chicken wire dry embossing on a white panel adds some country charm and a bit of texture to finish things off.

If you're still with me, the hop starts over on my blog, Poetic Artistry! Come say hello.

April 2018 New Release Spotlights - Day 2

Well, hello! We're so excited to be hopping with you again today with our Day 2 New Release Spotlight Hop! The new sets and dies will be available in the shop on Tuesday, April 10 and we've got more days of blog hopping planned for you  to showcase the new products and also give you a chance to WIN some new Verve! Hooray!

Today our sneaky little spotlight  is shining on the new Hope Lifts stamp set and coordinating Lifted Hope die set. Look for an in depth look at this set a little later in this post.  But first, let's get to the giveaway and hop details, shall we?

Want to win some shiny new Verve? We'll be picking a random comment on one of the hop spots below to win today's featured products! So be sure to leave a little comment love on all the blogs on the list below to increase your chances!

1. Julee 5. Laurie 2. Michele (Guest) 6. Marisa 3. Betty 7. Maureen 4. Charmaine 8. Teresa

Comment deadline for prize drawing is Sunday, April 15.

In the spotlight today is a brand new set called Hope Lifts and its coordinating die set, Lifted Hope (sold separately). This set is filled with uplifting sentiments perfect for encouraging those going through a difficult time. The whimsical balloon and butterfly images complement these sentiments perfectly.  And the hope word die included is just perfect for adding a touch of hope to any card or project.

  

If the butterfly in this set looks familiar, it's slightly less intricate and a bit larger than the butterfly in our previously released Sparkly Dreams set (which was briefly retired due to a lost artwork file, but I'm happy to say the lost has been found and it's back among our offerings!).

For my card  using the current VLV sketch I embossed the butterfly from Hope Lifts twice, Cutting the cardstock one with the larger die from the Lifted Hope set and the vellum one with the previously released Butterfly Dreams die set. I love how they layer together to create a beautiful dimension.  Here's a close-up...

If you're still with me, the hop starts over on my blog, Poetic Artistry! Come say hello.

April 2018 New Release Spotlights - Day 1

Well, hello! We're so excited to have some new stamps to share with you and we're kicking off the new release celebration today with our first day of Spotlight Hops!  The new sets and dies will be available in the shop on Tuesday April 10 and we've got four days of blog hopping planned for you  to showcase the new products and also give you a chance to WIN some new Verve! Hooray!

Hopping along with our talented crew of Divas this month is a very special Guest Diva. We're so happy to have Michele Greenwood of Whimsical Creations joining in the fun with us this month! She's got a gorgeous eye for color and a fun style that fuses mixed media with cardmaking in a wonderful way. I know you're going to love her creations. Welcome Michele! Read on for a bit more about her.

Hi, my name is Michele Greenwood. I am a mom to 3 wonderful children, we reside in Toto-land in a very small community. I work full-time outside the home for the 'father of extended stay'; he created Residence Inn, Summerfield Suites, Candlewood Suites, Value Place and now WaterWalk. My job is extremely fulfilling and I'm that one somewhat oddball person that says 'I love going to work'! In my spare time, I enjoy attending boot camp, exercising, reading and of course, creating.

Thank you for having me Julee, it's an honor!

How/when did you get hooked on stamping?
Numerous years ago, I had the joy of being at stay-at-home mom for 2 years. During this time, our neighbor introduced me to scrapbooking. It was fun, but when I discovered the immediate gratification of stamping a card; well, I was hooked and haven't looked back since...um, haven't touched those scrapbooks either! BUT, in my defense, I do document our lives now with Project Life so there will be some memories documented. ;)

How often do you stamp? 
I try to stamp 2-3 times per week; time is always limited, but it feels so good when I can squeeze in the time. GREAT for my mental health too!

What style(s) are you most drawn to creating? 
I am really digging mixed media; I recently created a birthday card - you know one of those mega mixed media cards with ALL the dimension that would never fit in an envelope - yes, I'm loving that! My typical go-to is a multi-layered clean and simple card.

What do you love most about paper crafting? 
Personally, it's so soothing; a nice little escape to do something I enjoy. With 3 kids and a full-time job, it helps keep me grounded (read that to mean sane); but I also love all the people that share inspiration! The crafting community is full of kind, warm-hearted people, the kind of people this world needs.

What technique or product is currently making your paper crafting heart go pitter patter? 
Distress Oxide Inks and venturing into the mixed media realm with lots of layers. Oh, and I must not forget, splattering ink/paint for days! LOL

Thanks Michele! We're so glad to have you with us!

Okay, now shifting our sneaky little spotlight on to new stamps! On today's hop, the Divas are sharing inspiration featuring the new Risen Savior stamp set. Look for an in depth look at this set a little later in this post.

Want to win some shiny new Verve? We'll be picking a random comment on one of the hop spots below to win today's featured set! So be sure to leave a little comment on all the blogs below to increase your chances!

1. Julee 5. Marisa 2. Michele (Guest) 6. Maureen 3. Betty 7. Teresa 4. Charmaine

Comment deadline for prize drawing is Sunday, April 15.

In the spotlight today is a brand new set called Risen Savior. I've been wanting to create a new inspirational Easter set for several years, but with the early Easters and long winters we've been having, I keep missing the proverbial boat. So I decided whether or not this set was ready in time for Easter, it was going to production! It came in just before Easter, so I added it to the store right away without a big fanfare for those who were trying to stamp for the holiday. And now it's time for the fanfare! {grin}

While the set has an Easter theme, many of the beautiful sentiments  in Risen Savior can be used year round for encouraging cards, faith journaling and card ministries. I personally have so many visions of shabby chic creations with speckled eggs, meaningful sentiments and a rugged cross running through my head! Now if I could only find the time for it all! Haha!

Risen Savior is a 6 x 8" set of 16 clear photopolymer stamps. This beautiful Easter set is perfect for your spring time creations, complete with 11 inspirational sentiments, an old rugged cross and speckled egg images.

Okay, I know that was a super long post!  If you're still with me, the hop starts over on my blog, Poetic Artistry! Come say hello.