10th Anni Verve sary Release Spotlights Day 1

Welcome to our 10th Anni-VERVE-sary Spotlight Hops!  It's such an honor to still be here a decade later bringing new stamps to the world!  Thanks so much for tuning in! Whether it's your very first time joining us or your 10th year of following, we're glad you're here.

We've got a special release that's a fusion of new and classic Verve releasing on Monday, August 28. The release includes 4 stamp sets and 2 die sets. If our peeks inspire and you feel like you just need to have it all, you can pre-order the Anni-VERVE-sary Buy it All Bundle right now at a 30% discount through August 27. In fact, our whole store is on sale right now to celebrate 10 years of Verve!

Over the next few days we'll be shining our creative spotlights on the new Verve sets and dies, giving you tons of inspiration with the new goodies, and a chance to win! Today's hop is spotlighting the Little Ones stamp set and coordinating Little Ones die set.

Kelly blogs at Flutter by atomicbutterfly

Joining us as a Guest Diva for this milestone release is the oh-so-amazing Kelly Lunceford. She's a super talented artist, has a super encouraging heart, and has long been on my list of top 10 inspiring stampers. She joined us as a guest way back in March 2009, and I'm so thrilled to have her joining us again 8.5 years later! She's created an amazing array of cards for this release and I know you're going to love them all! Below is a little bit more about her and a little Q&A about her stamping style.

My name is Kelly Lunceford. I live in Utah with my husband and my 5 amazing children. I have 4 boys and 1 girl that keep me BUSY!  I also contribute my time and talents to the community, the schools my kids attend as well as involvement in my church. I am so excited to be a guest stamper with Verve for its 10th Anniversary! I am an avid papercrafter and I am so happy to be back in the creative community again! Stamping has taken a backseat to raising my kids the last few years, but I am happy to be back reconnecting with the friends I have made over the years and getting to know others! 

 1. How/when did you get hooked on stamping?   I got hooked on stamping after I attended my first Stampin’ Up! Workshop. I had dabbled in it here and there, but I was “all in” after that!

2. How often do you stamp? I stamp almost every day now, which is so refreshing! I love being in my creative space whether I am stamping or not. I like to organize things to keep it easy to find what I need. I have found that I keep my mind in a creative mode if I visit my space often. 

3. What style(s) are you most drawn to creating? I am drawn to pretty much anything, really! I appreciate the artistic world and pretty things, so there is rarely something that I don’t want to try at least once! I like well executed designs with interest and appeal.

4. What do you love most about paper crafting? I love the way I feel while I am creating! Creativity brings me such happiness and joy! There is an adrenaline rush that I feel when the ideas are flowing and my hands are working! I love it when my mind’s eye and hands work together to create something that didn’t previously exist! 

5. What technique or product is currently making your paper crafting heart go pitter patter? I think right now, I am enjoying using watercolors and Oxide Inks the most!

I've also invited six rockstar Diva Alumni to make guest appearances over the next few days. Building a business is a lot like building a family you get to choose yourself, and I am so honored to still consider these amazingly talented designers part of the Verve family. Over the years, each of these wonderful gals blessed Verve with their time and talents and I am forever grateful. Look for some fabulous cards from them sprinkled in over the next few days of hopping! 

My heart is filled with love and appreciation for EVERYONE who has ever been on the design team or been a Guest Diva for us. Thanks for 10 wonderful years of Verve!

Want to win some shiny new Verve? We'll be picking a random commenter on one of the hop spots below to win today's featured products! Leave a little shout out in the comments section on all the blogs below to increase your chances!

1. Julee 5. Marisa 2. Maureen 6. Lesley 3. Betty 7. Christyne 4. Charmaine 8. Kelly (Guest)

Comment deadline for prize drawing is Thursday, August 31.

My card for today pairs the Little Ones set with the previously released  On Occasion set. I love this little frame from On Occasion and thought it was the perfect fit for this sentiment. I stamped the chick from Little Ones, colored with Copic markers and then cut with the coordinating Little Ones Die Set.  The sentiment is stamped inside the frame and then cut with the coordinating Occasion Frame Die.

Sometimes a simple layout is best, so I stuck with a classic aqua polka dot background (a color I think works perfectly for a boy or girl) and accented with a couple black die cut border strips. A little bit of glitter on the chick's beak finishes things off with some pizazz.

Little Ones is a set of 17 clear photo polymer stamps that retails for $24. Some of our most popular plain janes make a re-appearance here in this baby themed set that's perfect for welcoming a little one (or little ones) into the world. As a mother of twins, I've found most baby sets lacking in options for making cards and memory keeping for multiples. Though my twins aren't babies anymore... they're heading off to Kindergarten next week (sniff, sniff)... I have plans to finally scrapbook some of their baby memories with this set.

In this set, the former Little Star, Smallest Things, Promoted and Welcome plain janes return, along with sentiments and images from retired sets Hundred Hearts and Practically Perfect. And since I've always wanted a full sized birdie stamp, I've added a body and legs to the bird from Chicks Rule. A chick in a past life, she now lives it up as a duckie, because, let's face it... duck feet are much cuter than chicken feet!  A sweet little baby rattle image and several new sentiments round out the set.

Also in the spotlight today is the coordinating Little Ones Die Set. This set of 3 steel dies will retail for $14. It includes dies to easily cut out the duck, heart and rattle images in the Little Ones stamp set.

The hop starts over on my blog, Poetic Artistry, so click on over there and see my first couple of scrapbook layouts featuring this set. See ya there!

Enabler's List
Stamps: Little Ones, On Occasion (Verve Stamps)
Paper: Bundle of Joy Dots & Stripes (Echo Park), black, white
Ink: Onyx black (Versafine), Copic markers
Accessories: Little Ones Die Set, Occasion Frame Die (A Cut Above by VERVE), border dies (TCP), Nuvo Crystal glitter drops

Project Parade Day 13 - Cupcakes!

Hey everyone, it's Julee here. I've been enjoying this parade so much! I just can't believe the amazing projects the Divas have come up with. Aren't they great? Don't forget that your Egg-stra Special Spring projects or cards are due Saturday, April 4 by 8PM Mountain. {Click here} to link up your creation!

Today's scrumptious project comes from Guest Diva Kelly Lunceford. I didn't think I could love cupcakes any more than I already do until I saw Kelly's awesome project! Here's a little bit about her adorable cupcake toppers in her own words...




As I thought about what I would be making for the Project Parade, my mind was racing. I couldn't decide on the *perfect* project until I was at the grocery store last week on the Easter aisle. I saw the selection of cupcake liners, sprinkles and frosting and the light bulb went on! Cupcakes! Who doesn't love cupcakes?

I have fallen in love with all of the new images from the March release, so I thought it would be fun to combine a few of them for a fun Easter presentation. I used images from the Chocolate Bunnies set, Floral Symphony and Miracles Blossom. I have been making my own cupcake toppers for years now, partly because they are so easy and I love how I can make everything coordinate! Who wouldn't love a plate full of delicious cupcakes with delightful Easter toppers? They only take a little bit of time, but the recipient will know how much they are loved!



You can use toothpicks or sucker sticks, depending on how tall you would like them. I chose to use toothpicks, because the designs I was using are delicate and small. I stamped the various images onto white cardstock using Palette Noir ink. Each image was then colored with an assortment of Copic and Prismacolor markers. Once I had them all colored, I punched them out with various punches. I kept the color palette simple and springy for a cohesive presentation.



The toothpicks are adhered to the back of each topper using a small piece of clear tape. Once you have your cupcakes frosted and sprinkled, simply add your toppers. I chose to use lemon cake and lemon frosting with a simple nest of coconut topped with a trio of chocolate eggs. Yummy! I hope you have fun personalizing your Easter festivities this year!

So have you made your Egg-Stra Special creation yet??? Play along with us for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate to the Verve Stamps store. All you have to do is create an egg-stra special spring project or card and link it up with the Mr. Linky form HERE. Entries will close at 8pm Mountain on Saturday, April 4, so don't be late! Verve Stamps are not required, but we do LOVE to see 'em if you've got 'em!

And we'll be picking one more random commenter during the parade who will win her choice of any Verve Stamps set. So if you see a project you like, be sure to leave some love! :) Good luck and have FUN!

Spotlight on Kelly Lunceford

Welcome to our second March Guest Diva Spotlight!

Today we're celebrating the amazing-ness of Kelly Lunceford{aka atomicbutterfly} from Flutter By Atomicbutterfly. I've been a huge lurker fan of Kelly's since I first joined SCS about 2.5 years ago. She has amazing layout sense and her vintage chic style and muted color palettes just blow me away. Everything she produces looks like it should be on the cover of a magazine. Truthfully, I was a little nervous to even ask her to guest design for us, but I'm so glad she said yes! I'm sure you'll agree that she's got talent oozing from her!

First off, I'll show you one of my favorite projects Kelly made for this release. This little 3x3 card box uses Floral Symphony, and isn't it just fabulous? I adore the soft colored flowers, and the gorgeous attention to detail on every layer. The coordinating cards are just delightful.


Here are Kelly's answers to our Verve-i-view questions:

1. When/how did you get hooked on stamping?
I have been stamping since high school, but didn't really get "hooked" until I attended my first Stampin' Up! workshop in 2000. I placed an order and immediately started creating with my new stamps and inkpads. I still remember my first set and I love it. I think the reason why I got hooked was because of the "stamp set" concept. It was easy for me to create a project and having everything "go".

2. How often do you stamp?
I try and stamp daily, but there are times when the family needs to come first or I am too busy, but I find the more I stamp, the more the creative juices flow. I participate in weekly challenges that help the juices flow as well


3. Tell me about your funniest or most embarrassing stamping related injury?
I have been injured quite a few times over the years. I have been cut with my paper trimmer blade, paper cuts, pin pricks, etc. I can't think of any that were too embarrassing, I guess more dumb luck. Now look, I am going to jinx myself! LOL!


Okay, time for more eye candy. Here's another ADORABLE project that Kelly made with Chocolate Bunnies. I just love this little box. A total work of art! And those buttons.... eek! This project is cute, cute, CUTE! Okay, intermission over, back to the questions...

4. How long does it take you to create a project that you're happy with?
It takes me about an hour to an hour and a half these days to get something that I am happy with. I have realized that the slower I take it, the better my projects end up!


5. I am usually a little messy in my creating. Tell me about your creative space.
I absolutely love my creative space. It is a place where I can go and stamp and be inspired. My creative space is combined with my family room, so it is nice to be where the family is, but also doing what I like to do. I also am messy when I create. I find that my creativity really gets going once I have all of the colors, supplies and embellishments all around me. Sometimes a design will just come together and take an unexpected turn depending on what is out. Even though I make a mess while I am creating, organization is still important to me. Everything has a place and it all will eventually make it back! I have my work space set up so I can sew, do my needle art or paper crafting.

6. If you were stranded on a deserted island, which craft tool could you not live without? Why?
Hmmm....that is a tough one. Maybe a paper trimmer because it seems useful. I am not very creative with this one.

The last project I have to share of Kelly's just makes me sigh. I love the softness of this baby card that features Practically Perfect and Little Star. And the perfect amount of sponging on each layer gives it a hint of a vintage look. Just stunning!

So let's wrap up this Verve-i-view:

7. What is your biggest source of inspiration?
The world around me. I try and find inspiration everywhere; from the colors in nature to an ad in a magazine. It is nice to carry a notebook so that ideas can be jotted down before they are forgotten.

8. Who in the stamping world do you want to be when you grow up and why?
Wow! This is a fun one. I have been inspired by so many people. This person isn't necessarily in the "stamping" world, but in the papercrafting world in general: Becky Higgins. She has inspired me for so many years and I absolutely love her style, her take on life and also her success in the industry.

9. What is your favorite set from this release?
Can I say all of them! LOL! I guess if I had to pick one it would have to be Practically Perfect!

So, basically, Kelly ROCKS, right?!? If you want to see more of her gorgeous Verve-i-ness, check out her Guest Diva Gallery HERE. That wraps up our Guest Diva Spotlights for this month. Tune in next week for a new challenge and the kick-off to our Verve Project Parade.

Sneak Preview - Beautiful Kindness & Circular Sayings

Good morning, Verve Fans! I hope you enjoyed yesterday's preview of Practically Perfect. If you missed it, you can check it out HERE. Today we have even more eye candy for you! This time we're previewing two sets - Beautiful Kindness and Circular Sayings - both are sets you're sure to fall in love with. Ready?

From Diva Amber Hight:

Verve has gone and done it again! Another release full of unbelievable stamps! My jaw dropped just a little more each time I pulled a set out of the box! This set, Beautiful Kindness, has got to be at the top of my list! Look at those butterflies! I'm in such a spring/butterfly mood lately that it just really made me smile to see this set.

I started with a piece of Regal Rose (SU!) cardstock and added a piece of Lemon Tart (PTI) that I ran through my cuttlebug. I stamped the sentiment in Regal Rose on Whisper White and then layered it on a piece of Kiwi Kiss cardstock. The border punch I used is from SU! The butterflies were cut out and mounted with mini glue dots! I also added some Kiwi Kiss corduroy brads as an after-thought and love them there!






From Diva Shannan Teubner:

Just when I thought Julee couldn't make me love another butterfly more than Fluttering By...here comes Beautiful Kindness! I've been in such a shabby-chic mood lately, and these butterflies were just perfect for that. I can see them being retro, funky, clean and simple, and elegant...versatility is everything I love in a stamp set! With 3 images and 3 sentiments, this set is definitely going to stay close to my desk. I also used a sentiment from Circular Sayings, which is a fantastic set to add to your Verve collection.



From Guest Diva Kelly Lunceford:

I don't think it is any secret how much I love butterflies. I am always on the "hunt" for a great butterfly stamp set. I couldn't be more thrilled with the new Beautiful Kindness set. It fulfills all of my requirements. Not only does it have darling butterflies, but inspiring and thoughtful sentiments. It is a set that I will reach for again and again!














Like what you see? Well, this Verve-alicious set could be coming home to you! Just leave us a comment with the answer to the following question (see below) by Sunday March 8 at Noon (Mountain Time) and you could be the lucky winner! Winners will be announced at our release party on Sunday night (it starts at 8 PM ET in the Verve Forum on SCS—so mark your calendar NOW)! And for even more chances to win Verve goodies, be sure to participate in this week’s Mojo Monday sketch contest on the Mojo Monday Blog. Thanks for stopping by!


Your Question: What's your favorite color combination?