Monday, June 1, 2009

A Sad Goodbye, A Happy Hello

Today I have the sad job of announcing the retirement of one of our fabulous Divas, Laura Fredrickson. We've so enjoyed Laura's one of a kind Verve-alicious creations over the last year and her wonderful personality and gorgeous "why-didn't-I-think-of-that?" style will be missed by all of us. For a recap of the over 100 amazing masterpieces she's spun with Verve Stamps over the past year, check out Laura's Verve gallery. We wish you all the best, Laura! Thanks for all your fabulousness!

When we say goodbye around here, we always like to say hello, too. So please welcome the newest girl to join the Divahood...

Tosha Leyendekker of Stamp Talk with Tosh!!!
After clicking a link on Laurie's blog several months ago, I was completely blown away by Tosha's work. Her style is beautifully crafted, well layered, and pure elegance. The longer I followed her blog, the further in love I fell. Each project is a masterpiece and I'm so excited to have her as the newest member of the Verve Diva family. Below are a couple fabulous projects she's made with our latest release and a little get-to-know ya interview. Welcome Tosha!!!


When/how did you get hooked on stamping? I started stamping about 13years ago after being invited to a Stampin' Up! party. I was hooked and stamped on and off until about 3 years ago when I was introduced to Splitcoaststampers where I lurked for a year until braving my first upload. Since then I stamp almost every day.

How long does it take you to create a project that you're happy with? I wish I were a faster stamper. I'd sure get a lot more done, but a card will take me anywhere from 2-4 hours. Sometimes all day if I have to stew about what embellishments to add or if I want to change the paper or layout.

Project features Sweet on You

I am usually a little messy in my creating. Tell me about your creative space. Very messy....very, VERY messy. I will never show pictures as some of you brave souls have.

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what craft tool would you take with you? Why? My cuttlebug. I use my cuttlebug for practically every project. Of course, then I'd need my spellbinders dies, and embossing folders to go with it...*grin*

What is your biggest source of inspiration? Other stampers and catalogs...I love looking at Pottery Barn and West Elm. They have lovely, trendy color combos and use a variety of textures and shapes.

Project features Up Up and Away

Who in the stamping world do you want to be when you grow up and why? I could never narrow it down to one or two. I've grown so much in the last 3 years by observing many stamping artists with a variety of specialties: whether it be coloring with copics, watercolors, or tombows, or color combo queens and sketch artists.

What is your favorite set from Verve's latest release? Oh, the balloons!! I LOVE the balloons!! I went hot air ballooning over Lake Tahoe 9 years ago and remember it like it was yesterday. I've never done anything since that compares to that experience. In fact, I get to go again this summer and can not wait!! So the balloons speak to me. It could be that they're pure gorgeousness too!!!!

Okay everybody, thanks for stopping by and sharing in our news! Jen del Muro will be here on Friday, June 5 for the kick-off of our monthly Project Parade. You're not going to want to miss it, so be sure to check back and plan some time to play along! Have a fabulously creative week!