WINNERS & Release Week Challenge Links

Thanks to everyone who particpated in our It's a Guy Thing Project Parade! I had such fun looking at all your little tributes to the men in your lives. You're such a talented bunch! And wow, the Divas amazed me once again with their creativity! So many great ideas for masculine projects! Here's a look back at all the fabulous projects the Divas created.

Okay, on with the winners announcement...

Congrats to our 2 lucky participants chosen by Random.org:
21. Andrea Vernagus
35. Deborah Young

They each receive a Verve Stamps set of their choice!

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And our lucky commenter Gift Certificate was hidden on Tosha's post. Congrats to the 12th commenter:
Cheri Howard said...
Sooooo cute (can I use that word for a "manly" gift? heehee) Great inspiration!

She receives $25 in Verve Bucks good for anything at the Verve Stamps Store.

Okay, congrats Andrea, Deborah and Cheri!!! Just send an email to contests@vervestamps.com to claim your prize! If you won a set, please include the name of the set you would like and your full name and shipping address.

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If you're not a winner today, there's lots more chances to win stamps this week.

It's release week at Verve and we've got Release Week Challenges! Play along and complete all 5 challenges for 5 chances to win some Verve, plus a grand prize of our entire release!
June Release Week Challenges Link

And don't forget about the deadline for this month's Viva la VERVE! challenges. You still have until MIDNIGHT CST on Thursday, June 25 to get your entries in. One lucky winner will win our entire release!
Week 1 Link *** Week 2 Link *** Week 3 Link *** Week 4 Link

Have fun and good luck!!! We'll see you back here on Wednesday for the start of our Diva Sneak Peeks and probably some more chances to win Verve!

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Project Parade - Day 11

Hi, it's Charmaine sharing my It's a Guy Thing project for this month's Project Parade! I don't know about you, but I've been LOVING what the Divas have shared so far for the Project Parade. So many great ideas for the men in our lives! :)

For my project, I continued with my husband's wish of filling our entryway with framed scrapbook pages. Now he has three that are his very own! LOL It's funny, but all three of them were created using Verve Stamps! For this frame I used the Protector and Father's Day Plain Jane sets. The papers are Intense Teal from Prism Papers and the patterned paper is from the Lil' Man Collection by Cosmo Cricket.

We can't wait to see what you come up with for this month's Project Parade! To play along, just make a project or card that fits your style and celebrates a man in your life. Verve Stamps are not required, but if you've got 'em, we love to see 'em! Then just add a link to your creation to the Mr. Linky form HERE before 8PM Mountain on Saturday, June 20. 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! Have fun and good luck!

Project Parade ~ Day 10

Hi everyone! It's Jackie here and it's my turn on the Verve Project Parade! Haven't the Diva's done a fabulous job so far? Oh my word....awesome projects!! I decided to alter a frame this time...but let me give you a little background on me....I DON'T ALTER THINGS! LOL! It's not to say that I have never altered anything, but it is really out of my comfort card making zone! I decided I needed to challenge myself a little more, thus the frame! I bought this three tiered frame at Michael's a few months back. It came unfinished with a really ugly ribbon hanger! LOL! I painted it with white acrylic paint and went about working on the individual frames.


This is a picture of the top frame. The DP is from Stampin' Up! and is called Urban Oasis. I used the new set from Verve, Dad's Day and a classic Verve set called Seeing Stars. The sentiment was stamped in Basic Gray (SU!) and punched out with a Wide Oval Punch (SU!). The stars were punched out with two different star punches. (SU!)


This frame holds a picture of both of my girls, Lauren on the right and Sarah on the left. I really wanted a picture of my hubby WITH my girls, but the three just wouldn't cooperate, so I settled on a recent pictures of the girls from my stash instead!


On this frame I used another new Verve set, Protector. "DAD" was stamped in Basic Gray (SU!) and cut out with Curved Rectangle Nestabilities, but before removing it from the die I sponged some Kiwi Kiss classic ink (SU!) around the edges. That is how I achieved the white edge. LOVE that look! The dotted strips came from one of my favorite Verve sets ever, Father Figure. I added some Kiwi Kiss striped grosgrain ribbon as the hanger and I was done! Not so scary at all!! LOL!

Remember, just for playing along with our theme, you'll have a chance to win a Verve Stamp set of your choice! Just link your creation to the Mr. Linky form ON THIS POST before 8PM Mountain Time on Saturday, June 20th. We've also hidden a $25.00 gift certificate to the Verve Store somewhere along the parade for one random commenter. So be sure to check out each day of the parade and give a little shout out!! Good luck and have fun!

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Project Parade ~ Day 9!!!

Hi Verve fans, Lynda here! Today is my day to share with you my project based on this month's Project Parade them of "It's a Guy thing". I am SURE I am not the only woman in the world that has a husband that wouldn't know how to buy a gift unless it jumped in his cart at Home Depot or Gander Mountain!!! LOL!! I have already received my fill of fishing poles, Waders, yard tools, etc... so for this challenge, I took a different route since my husband is different!! LOL!!!

To help him APPEAR to be thoughtful and giving, I made an Origami box along with matching cards for his Dad, Mom, our Son and our Daughter. I felt like an idiot making a card for myself so I'll just do without!! LOL!!! He may not be the best shopper but he is a fantastic Father and a wonderful Husband! LOL!!!

I found the instructions for this box on SCS HERE for one of their Technique Challenges. The instructions are really easy to follow! The decorative paper I used on the box as well as all of the cards if from SU!'s "To the Nines" Collection. The card stock I used were the colors that coordinated with the DP. What I will do is provide a shopping list for each card & the box so you won't get tired of reading while I ramble on!!! LOL!!!

Origami Box Shopping List ~

Stamps ~ Verve ~ Protector (used on the Frame) and World's Best (used for the sentiment inside the label hardware) Ink ~ Sahara Sand, Bravo Burgundy & Chocolate Chip
Paper ~ Sahara Sand, Bravo Burgundy, Sage Shadow and To the Nines DP Other ~ SU! Pewter Hodgepodge, Sticky Strip, Martha Stewart Sage Twill, dimensionals, Square Nestabilities, sponge, Chipboard sheet, glue stick, Scor-pal, Picture of CUTE kids!!!

Here is a closer look at the frame I made with my square Nestabilities and my Verve Protector stamp ~


The 4 cards are all 4x4 and fit perfectly inside the box! Of course the envelopes don't fit but that's ok because I am sure I will be the one sending them and luckily, I know where the envelopes are!!!



Floral Symphony Shopping List ~

Stamps ~ Verve ~ Floral Symphony and Miracles Blossom (the flower pot), Ink ~ Sage Shadow, Pink Pirouette, Sahara Sand, Paper ~ Whisper White, Sage Shadow, Pink Pirouette and Sahara Sand CS and To the Nines DP, Other ~ SU! Scallop border punch, Cotton Candy Stickles, Prismacolor Pencils, Martha Stewart Sage Twill




Whimsy Tree Birthday Wishes Shopping List ~

Stamps ~ Verve ~ Whimsy Tree and Wishful Elegance (Birthday Wishes sentiment inside), Ink ~ Chocolate Chip, Sage Shadow, Paper ~ Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, Sage Shadow and To the Nines DP, Other ~ Prismacolor Pencils, Chocolate Chip grosgrain, Oval Nestabilities, SU! Pewter Hodgepodge buckle, EK Success tree border punch, Dew Drops, dimensionals.


Because of You Birthday Wishes Shopping List ~

Stamps ~ Verve ~ Because of You and Wishful Elegance (sentiment), Ink ~ Bravo Burgundy, Sage Shadow, Paper ~ Shimmery White, Sahara Sand and Sage Shadow CS and To the Nines DP, Other ~ Square Nestabilities, dimensionals, Burgundy Swarvoski Crystals, Photo Corner Punch, Scallop Square Punch (SU!), Mellow Yellow Shimmerz, blender pen


Up, Up and Away...Shopping List ~

Stamps ~ Verve ~ Up, Up and Away, Ink ~ Bravo Burgundy, Sahara Sand, Sage Shadow Paper ~ Whisper White, Sahara Sand, Bravo Burgundy and To the Nines DP, Other ~ Martha Stewart fine clear glitter, dimensionals, square pewter brads from We R Memory Keepers, EK Success border punch

So, how would you like to play along with us? Do you have a special guy in your life (Dad, Husband, Grandpa, etc...) that you'd like to create a project for? This is the time to do it! To play along, just make a project or card that fits your style and celebrates a man in your life. Verve Stamps are not required, but if you've got 'em we love to see 'em! Then just add a link to your creation to the Mr. Linky form in --->{THIS}<--- post before 8PM Mountain on Saturday, June 20. 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! Have fun and good luck!

Project Parade - Day 7

Hi everyone, it's Amy here today with Day 7 of our "It's A Guy Thing" Project Parade. I'm so excited to share my project because it's been rattling around in my brain begging to get out for weeks!

Before I share my project details, I'll confess that when I first saw Sweet on You, I completely missed the whole candy connection: Thanks 100,000 Times Over = 100,000 Grand candy bar, I Love You to Pieces = Reese's Pieces, etc. Rather than blame it on my ditziness (I certainly wouldn't want to offend all the other Divas who also missed the connection - there were a few of us smacking our heads - you know who you are, ladies! *giggle*), I'm blaming it on the fact that I was totally distracted by the idea of doing something puzzle-related as a play on the "I Love You to Pieces" sentiment.

So that's what I have to share today - a custom photo puzzle for my daughter to give to her sweet Daddy for Father's Day. To start, I chose a photo of them together as they were heading out to their annual Father-Daughter Valentine's Dance, and ordered a custom photo puzzle online. There are numerous online vendors for these puzzles. You just upload or email your digital photo, then choose from some different options for size and number of pieces. For a smaller, DIY version, you could easily adhere your photo to lightweight chipboard (think cereal box weight) and die-cut it with one of the puzzle dies on the market (Cuttlebug and Spellbinders both come to mind).

The one I ordered comes in a drawstring bag, so I've put together a box that will double as a gift box and storage box:



For the box, I started with an inexpensive 30-piece store-bought child's puzzle from Target that I already had on hand. I covered and decorated the box top with papers from Stampin' Up's Parisian Breeze collection. Then I used the box bottom as a template and made a new bottom out of the same Parisian Breeze dp. To strengthen it a little, I added white chipboard panels to the inside, both on the bottom and the four sides, then layered on some coordinating dp to dress up the chipboard a little. (In case you're wondering, the reason I did it this way was that I found if I covered both the box bottom and the box top, they fit together so snugly that it was difficult to get the lid off.) This photo shows how the top and bottom fit together:



It's always helpful to have a picture of the puzzle to look at, rather than doing it blind, so I've included the picture in a pocket on the front...



... and again in the bottom of the box, where I also included a sweet sentiment from Dad's Day.



I'm hoping this will be something my husband and daughter will enjoy doing together, and when she outgrows it, it will still be a wonderful keepsake.

Remember, just for playing along with our theme, you'll have a chance to win a Verve stamp set of your choice! Just link your creation to the Mr. Linky form on the Verve Blog Day 1 post before 8 pm MT on Saturday, June 20. We've also hidden another $25 gift certificate somewhere along the parade for a random commenter. So be sure to check out each day of the parade, and leave lots of comments along the way! Have fun and good luck!

Project Parade - Day 6

Oh my goodness!! This is my first parade and I'm so excited!! Well, not really my first parade. *grin* I was in a marching band in Jr. High and High School, so I've been in many a parade. But....this is my very first Verve Project Parade and I can't wait to show you what I've come up with. The theme this month is *It's a Guy Thing*. FUN!! I love making guy projects! Now, since my husband is a total farm dude, and LIVES in Levis, I thought it would be fun to make a *pocket* gift holder. It's not really a bag, and it's not a box, so I don't know what to really call it. I LOVE the new Verve release *Sweet On You*. The sentiment *Thanks 100,000 times over* fit perfectly with 100 Grand candy bars, and that's one of my husbands favorites!! Woot! So I thought, why not make a Levi Pocket and stuff it with 100 Grand Bars.

Now, what guys pocket doesn't contain a wallet? I couldn't leave that out, so I added a wallet with two cards to put inside: A laminated photo of us when we were in Alaska 3 years ago, and a *massage* gift card that I made with my JustRite Fonts 50 Trompe Script Upper and Lowercase, and 25pt Brayton Fonts. The wallet is Suede Brown Dark (Prismatics), was dry embossed with the Cuttlebug embossing folder Tiny Mosaic, and then heat embossed with Clear ep (JudiKins).

The Sweet On You sentiment was stamped with Walnut Stain (Ranger Distress Ink) onto Kraft (Prism), and then heat embossed with clear ep 3 times. I then placed it in the freezer for 10 minutes, cracked the glaze and added some more Walnut Stain to the cracks and rubbed it off.
(This is called a Cracked Glaze technique)

I designed the pocket gift holder to look like a Levis pocket complete with the red tab. It says *Dad* for two reasons. One, *Husband* was too long. *grin* And two, my husband is *dad* to my two kids and husband to me, so I thought it was okay to combine that side sentiment with the massage gift card and photo. The *Dad* sentiment is from the set Dad's Day and was stamped with White Craft ink onto Real Red cs (SU). I also sewed the Levis *V* down the center. If you click on the photo, it will enlarge it and you will be able to see it better. I added Antique Gold brads to the corners and ink distressed it with Tea Dye (Ranger Distress Ink)

Now, for the kerchief, I just inked up the Perfectly Paisley Cuttlebug Embossing Folder with Faded Jeans (Ranger Distress Ink), ran it through my cuttlebug, sewed around the edges, wrinkled it up a bit, and stuffed it in the pocket.

So, how would you like to play along with us? Do you have a special guy in your life (Dad, Husband, Grandpa, etc...) that you'd like to create a project for? This is the time to do it!

To play along, just make a project or card that fits your style and celebrates a man in your life. Verve Stamps are not required, but if you've got 'em we love to see 'em! Then just add a link to your creation to the Mr. Linky form in --->{THIS}<--- post before 8PM Mountain on Saturday, June 20. 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! Have fun and good luck!

Project Parade--Day 5!

Well, it's me, Susan here. How are ya'll liking all the "Father Knows Best" projects so far? LOL! Really, the project doesn't have to be a "father/dad" thing. Jen came up with a great way to encompass all the men in our lives by officially calling this Project Parade "It's a Guy Thing". I think "Boys Will Be Boys" would have suited it as well! But for me, I wanted to create something fun that my girls could give to their dad. They loved this idea and are almost certain he will share it with them! I was in Target buying some totally unrelated stuff, but had this project on my mind. I had thought up a completely different idea, but wasn't crazy about it when I passed the soda aisle. "DAD's" Rootbeer immediately came to mind, however they didn't have it. Neither did our local grocery store.

So I settled on this little four-pack of Boylan Old Fashioned Soda (I've never heard of it either, but what dad doesn't like to try new drinks?). I thought it was cool that it still had the word "boy" in the name of it and I liked the writing on the bottles.

I went ahead and used the same color scheme they had going on with it (worked for them, right?) and drew my inspiration from the original packaging--layout and all! I used two new stamp sets--Dad's Day and Up, Up and Away, and two older sets--Snowflake Splendor and Seeing Stars (one of my all time favorite Verve sets) and simply made panels to cover the sides. Anyway, this project didn't take hardly any time at all. The most time was consumed looking in the two stores up and down the soda aisle for the DAD's Rootbeer! Do they even make it anymore?

So, how would you like to play along with us? Do you have a special guy in your life (Dad, Husband, Grandpa, etc...) that you'd like to create a project for? This is the time to do it!

To play along, just make a project or card that fits your style and celebrates a man in your life. Verve Stamps are not required, but if you've got 'em we love to see 'em! Then just add a link to your creation to the Mr. Linky form in --->{THIS}<--- post before 8PM Mountain on Saturday, June 20. 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! Have fun and good luck!

Project Parade - Day 4

Hey y'all, it's Shannan here! I hope you're enjoying the Project Parade so far...I know I am! I have to admit, when Jen announced this month's theme, I was a little scared! If you don't know why, just check out the name of my blog. *grin* I don't "do" boy things very often...it's wayyyy out of my comfort zone! But I was brave and gave it a shot, and I'm excited that I did!

When I was at my LSS last week, I stumbled upon this cool stuff called Sophisticated Finishes. It's a two-part process that involves painting a surface with a Metallic Surface finish (I used Copper), and then applying an Antiquing Solution (I used Patina Green) to areas to create a cool finish. Off to the store I went to look for something to antique! I happened upon this unfinished wood cube with inserts for photos, and it is on a little turntable so it spins. I thought it would be a perfect addition to my dad's desk.

 After the antiquing process (which I have the urge to do on all non-moving objects at this point), I went to work on the inserts for the cube. They measure just over 3 1/4" square, so I cut some Classic Cream cardstock to size and then decorated them with my stamps. For the first square, I stamped the second generation image of the background from the Protector set in Distress Tea Dye ink. I repeated that image until the entire square was covered. Then I stamped Whimsy Tree in Distress Walnut Stain (stamped off once), and added the sentiment from Dare to Be You in Walnut Stain full strength.The edges were then sponged with Tea Dye and then Walnut Stain.

The next square was stamped with the "another name for love" stamp from World's Best. I then stamped the frame from Dad's Day in Tea Dye ink, and the sentiment in Walnut Stain, and finished by sponging the edges.

For the third square, I inked up the "DAD" image from Protector in Tea Dye, and then created a pattern from the strip of dots from Father Figure in second generation Tea Dye. The sentiment is also from Father Figure, and I stamped it in Walnut Stain before sponging the edges.

The last square is probably my favorite. I stamped the Dad image from Protector repeatedly in second generation Tea Dye to create a background. Then I added the sentiment (my favorite!!) from Dad's Day in Walnut Stain before sponging the edges.

Once I finished all four of the inserts, I glued some Natural Jute along the bottom of the box, along the trim. I also covered the top with the same jute, wrapped in a square pattern working from the edges to the inside.

All in all, a very manly, rustic gift that took me about an hour and cost less than $10 to create! I'm pretty proud, if I do say so myself. *wink*

So, are you ready to play along yet? Everyone is welcome! Just make a project or card that fits your style and celebrates a man in your life. Verve Stamps are not required, but if you've got 'em we love to see 'em! Then just add a link to your creation to the Mr. Linky form in --->{THIS}<--- post before 8PM Mountain on Saturday, June 20th. 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, don't forget to leave a little love in the comments of each post! Have fun and good luck!

Project Parade Day 3 - It's a Guy Thing

Hi everyone, it's Michelle! So sorry I am late in posting this. I thought my posting day was Tuesday. Oh well, it happens -LOL! Welcome to Day 3 of the Project Parade -It's a Guy Thing.

I love making masculine cards! I even made up a couple "man rules" I try follow when making them!! Silly, I know but I thought I would share them with you anyway. Here goes:

1. I stick to darker colors (browns, reds, blues)

2. No FRILLY ribbon, flowers or embellishments (I have to remember this card isn't for me -LOL!)

3. I use stars -when I have the urge to use a flower, I use a star!! Before even starting my card, I break out my 3 sizes of star punches-heehee!

4. I use brads -hey, I got to use some embellishments right?!?

I have 3 Father's Day cards to share with you, all using simple layouts. Two of these were even made from the same cardstock, pattern paper and punched stars -making it super easy to do 2 cards at the same time. The card above uses the Protector set and the sentiment is from last year's release Father Figure.

The next card uses one of the super cute balloon images from the Up Up and Away set. I stamped the #1 Dad from the Dad's Day set inside the balloon. I outlined the balloon with some copic markers and sponged the edges of the panel with the nestie still on it. There is a piece of burgundy burlap string wrapped below the brown tafetta piece.

My last card also uses the DAD stamp from Protector and the sentiment is from the World's Best set. The DP is SU!s retired Wanted -love the rust and black colors!

Everyone is welcome to play along! Just make a project or card that fits your style and celebrates a man in your life. Verve Stamps are not required, but if you've got 'em we love to see 'em! Then just add a link to your creation to the Mr. Linky form in --->{THIS}<--- post before 8PM Mountain on Saturday, June 20th. 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! Have fun and good luck!

June Project Parade-Day 2!

Hello, hello! Hope everyone's weekend is going wonderfully! Mine has gone by TOO FAST, as always:)

My project for this months Project Parade, It's a Guy Thing, is this layout I made of my sweet husband, Billy. He makes me happy every day of my life and I am still so amazed that I have this incredible man to share my life with. It's good to capture those thoughts and hold on to them for those days that don't go quite right. I

I used alot of fun Verve stamps for this layout. That's what's great about Verve, alot of the sets are really versatile and work well together!

The kraft paper with black dots and the saffron colored dp are from a digital paper pack from The Digi Chick, the paper is called "Our Story".

The "Best Husband Ever" stamp is from "Dad's Day". I stamped the sentiment in the oval frame and cut the frame out. It's mounted on dimensionals. I also stamped a sentiment from "Feeling Groovy" on the saffron colored panel. One of my favorite little sentiments ever! The "I'm so blessed" sentiment on the title is from "Because of You" and then I also used the hearts border from "Hearts on Fire" randomly around the edge of the layout. I'm not sure if you can see all the details good enough of this photo so I also took some close ups.

So, how would you like to play along with us? Do you have a special guy in your life (Dad, Husband, Grandpa, etc...) that you'd like to create a project for? This is the time to do it!

To play along, just make a project or card that fits your style and celebrates a man in your life. Verve Stamps are not required, but if you've got 'em we love to see 'em! Then just add a link to your creation to the Mr. Linky form in --->{THIS}<--- post before 8PM Mountain on Saturday, June 20. 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! Have fun and good luck!

Project Parade Day One: It's a Guy Thing

Welcome to this month's Project Parade! Our theme this month is "It's a Guy Thing: Celebrating the Men in Our Lives!" Yes, it's just like last month, but this time with a more masculine theme. The project that I have for you today would make a great Father's Day or Father's Birthday gift. The wooden photo holder was picked up at Michael's for about a dollar. After I got done with it, this is what it looked like...



I covered it with pattern paper that I Mod Podge'd and then sanded. I then added the sentiment (from Dad's Day) inside the oval die cut (Nestabilities) and added buttons in black, gray and brown for my embellishment. This was a very simple project that I am sure...I mean I hope...any (especially MY) guy will love.




We can't wait to see what you come up with for this month's Project Parade! To play along, just make a project or card that fits your style and celebrates a man in your life. Verve Stamps are not required, but if you've got 'em we love to see 'em! Then just add a link to your creation to the Mr. Linky form below before 8PM Mountain on Saturday, June 20. 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! Have fun and good luck!