Encouraging Words: Day 5

Hello friends, it's Teresa bringing to you day five of the encouraging words project parade. I so much want to encourage others, so this was a truly exciting project for me, I have a very special friend who will be receiving this gift. Hi Kim, I hope you are encouraged and know you are very special to me.

I found this small easel at the dollar store and thought it would be perfect holding 4 x4 encouraging cards. I made seven different cards, one for each day of the week. I also made this 4 x4 box to hold everything. I have to agree with Amber, Julee has brought to you the best stamps around for encouragement. I used Miracles Blossom for the box tag and Happiness Found for the card on the easel.

Stamps used in clockwise order, starting in the upper left:
Psalm 121: 1-2, Happiness Found, Hebrews 11:1, and Philippians 4:13

I used the fabulous dp from My Mind's Eye 29th Street Market Collection. I used lots of bling, a gorgeous red ribbon, SU baja breeze ribbon, buttons, and scoring. I wanted each card to be uniquely different and personal. I hope you can play along with us and make someone 's day with a encouraging word. I really enjoy looking at every one's creation.

Stamps used in clockwise order starting from the top left:
1 Chronicles 16:34, Happiness Found, Matthew 11:28, and 1 Peter 5:7

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So, now it's your turn! We'd love for you to play along with us and show us your card or project focused on encouraging words or friendship. Verve stamps are not required, but if you've got 'em, why not show 'em a little love? ;) And, as with all of our project parades, we've got prizes!

To enter, just link up your creation focused on encouraging words or friendship to the Mr. Linky widget on the DAY 1 POST before midnight MST on Sunday, October 18. One lucky stamper will win a $35 gift certificate to the Verve Store. And for another chance to win, be sure to give the Divas a little shout out in the comments as they parade their fabulous creations inspired by this month's theme. One lucky commenter during the course of the parade (Oct 5 - 17) will win their choice of any Verve set. Have fun!

April Viva la Verve!

Happy Friday, Everyone! I just wanted to post a little reminder for those of you following along with our April Viva la Verve! sketches. The final April sketch has been posted, so you have until next Thursday to get your five April cards posted to be eligible to win our next release!

If you're new to Viva la Verve! you can play along too, you'll just have to hurry. A new sketch with a {twist} is posted every Friday on our SCS forum. There is no specific due date for each week, but you must have all of that month's sketches with a {twist} uploaded and linked to the Champions thread by the Thursday following the posting of the last sketch to be eligible for the prize. Verve Stamps are NOT required, so stamp to your little heart's content!

Here are the links to this month's sketch threads...

VLVAPR01 - VLVAPR02 - VLVAPR03 - VLVAPR04 - VLVAPR05

My sample card is for VLVAPR04, with a twist of create your own DP. I used the flowers from Miracles Blossom and a sentiment from Circular Sayings.

What's In It?
Stamps: Miracles Blossom, Circular Sayings (Verve)
Paper: Baja Breeze, Elegant Eggplant (SU!)
Ink: Baja Breeze, Rose Red, Elegant Eggplant, Kiwi Kiss (SU!)
Accessories: blender pen, rhinestones, glitter/diamond glaze mixture for sparkle on flowers, American Crafts ribbon, sponge

Okay, that's it for now, folks. Be sure to tune in next week for the start of another Verve Project Parade! Until then, Happy Stamping!

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Project Parade Day 14 - The Last Hurrah!

Have you been having fun watching the Divas kickin' it Easter style? I don't know how many times my jaw has dropped when I've tuned in over the course of the parade. Today is the last day of our parade, and I have a special little project that Guest Diva Jodi Collins made. Can you say ADORABLE? Couldn't you just pinch her DD's little rosy cheeks?

But, oh, I'm getting ahead of myself! First off I've got a winner to announce!

Vickilyn said...
These are adorable!! I still need to get some of those March sets!!

Congrats Vickilyn! You’re the lucky winner of any Verve Stamps set of your choice (up to $24 value)! Please send an email to info@vervestamps.com with your set choice and shipping address to claim your prize!



Okay, now back to the adorable little cheeks! Isn't this Easter frame pure CUTENESS? Jodi plans to take a photo of her daughter all dolled up on Easter morning and give it to her mom. What a perfect little gift. I absolutely love all the gorgeous little details on this project. The wavy border, the rhinestones, the ribbon, the colors, all work in perfect harmony. And that little sentiment treatment in the corner? Divine! Jodi stamped a flower from Miracles Blossom in the center and then stamped over it with the Happy Easter sentiment from Chocolate Bunnies. These are layered on some Nestabilities circle die cuts in chocolate and regal rose, and then she added little tabs of ribbon all around the back of the circle to form a flower shape.

What's In It?
Stamps: Practically Perfect, Chocolate Bunnies (sentiment) and Miracles Blossom (the flower behind the sentiment) (Verve Stamps)
Paper: Regal Rose (SU!), Chocolate Chip (SU!), Choice White (Taylored Expressions), Sweet Always Designer Series Paper (SU!)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Wood Frame (Darice), Circle and Scallop Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Valet Ribbon Originals (SU!), Regal Rose Grosgrain Ribbon (SU!), Rhinestones (unknown), Dotted Wave Punch (EK Success), Copic Markers and Dimensionals

Today is the last day of the parade, so that means it's the last day for all you procrastinators (like me!) to get your inner Diva on and win some VERVE! One lucky participant will 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 (that's tonight!) Verve Stamps are not required, but we do LOVE to see 'em if you got 'em!

Thanks so much for visiting us for another parade! We had a blast and hope you did too! Stay tuned on Monday for a very special Verve announcement, plus the winner of the Project Parade drawing!

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!

Project Parade - Day 11

Hi everyone, it's Michelle! Have you all been enjoying all the Diva's Egg-stra special projects so far??? I sure have!

CHECK OUT THIS COOKIE! Yep, that's a cookie. I was at my local bakery a couple weeks ago buying my DH's birthday cake and hanging from a wire were dozens of these Spring/Easter cookies. The more I stared at them, the more I realized they were a PERFECT match for the new flower designs in this month's sets!! Even down to the flower pot. So, how could I resist? LOL!

For my projects, I used my FAV new set, Miracles Bloom. I colored the blooms and pot to match the colors in the cookie using Copic Markers then painted with Angel Wings Shimmerz. The paper from DCWV Citrus Pack had the perfect colors and I used a piece of Tangering Tango with a kraft base.

This card is 5 1/4" square and I used a variety of Nestabilities dies to create a recessed kind of a look. Both blooms, the pot and the frameare popped up on dimensionals. The sentiment is from Chocolate Bunnies and is stamped on the matching yellow DP. I then stamped another bloom at the end and colored it to match the main image. The ribbon is Persimmon craft seam binding by Martha Stewart.

I also made a tag to match for the cookie! These are so super easy to make and they pack quite a punch! I just trimmed around the stamped sentiment with a bit of room at the top and bottom, then punched the top with my SU Tag punch. Add a bit of sponging, some scraps from the card and done!

I would love to say that this cute ensemble went to my son's preschool teacher, like it was intended. BUT... I totally lost control and took a huge bite from the cookie the other night (what can I say?). Have to tell you, it wasn't as good as it looked. I gave the rest to the boys as a special after dinner treat! Of course they LOVED it!! They said it was the BEST COOKIE EVER! I think it sure is the VERVIEST cookie ever.

So do you want some new Verve??? Play along with us during our Project Parade 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! Verve Stamps are not required, but we do LOVE to see 'em if you've got 'em!

And to put a little spring in your step, we'll be picking five random commenters over the course of the parade who will win their choice of any Verve Stamps set. There are still a few winner left to choose...You never know which Diva will be drawing, so if you see a project you like, be sure to leave the girls some love! :) Good luck and thanks for stopping by!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Project Parade Day 10 and a Winner!!

Before I get going with my project, I have in my hand the envelope announcing the winner for Best Actress....ooops, sorry, that's next month. But I do have the name of a Random Winner from the posts made over the past three days!!

katy said... I just love this, these would be great to make for my students.March 27, 2009 8:53 PM

Congratulations Katy! You've just won your choice of a Verve stamp set (up to $24 value)!


Now onto the next order of business! It's Laura, and it's my day on the Verve Egg-stra Special Easter Project Parade! I have to say all the projects have been so fun and Easter-y, I've been lovin' every minute of it! Now it's my turn to share! I've had my little project done for a while now, and I'm so glad I finally get to share it! I love cool cards and these little stair step cards are just so cute! I had never done one before, although I loved all the one's that inspired me, so I decided it was time to make and Egg-stra Special Easter card!



I pulled out three sets for this card; Floral Symphony, Miracles Blossom, and of course Chocolate Bunnies! I stamped and coloured in the flowers and bunnies, and arranged them so it would appear as though the bunnies were hiding amongst the flowers. The big "eggs" in the background are cut with oval nestabilities, strategically placed so the sentiment from Chocolate Bunnies will show through.

The front, lower panel is tied with grosgrain ribbon and "Happy Easter" from Chocolate Bunnies is popped up over a pink oval. I stamped an coloured a set of Easter eggs to embellish and that's about all there is!


You can find the instructions for the stair step card here. And just a note, as you are making this type of card, you want to pay attention to the height of the items you attach so that it doesn't go beyond the size of envelope you want to use. My "eggs" ended up being too high, so I'll need to search out a 6"x6" envelope!!


So do you want some new Verve??? Play along with us during our Project Parade 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! Verve Stamps are not required, but we do LOVE to see 'em if you've got 'em!


Have a Happy Tuesday, and we'll see you tomorrow for another Egg-stra Special Easter Project on Parade!

Project Parade - Day 6

Hello and welcome to Day 6 of the Egg-stra Special Spring Project Parade! Before I get started I’d like to announce one of our random winners!

Tricia, come on down! You’re the lucky winner of any Verve Stamps set of your choice (up to $24 value)! Congrats Tricia! Please send an email to info@vervestamps.com with your set choice and shipping address to claim your prize!

Now back to your regularly scheduled Project Parade. Can you believe the amazing projects the divas have shown you so far? When Jen told us the theme for this month, I knew exactly what I wanted to do. I saw these pieces that Keri Lee Sereika did in person back in February, and I've been itching to try my hand at them.  Whaddyathink?

And she was right....it was super easy! First, I cut a piece of cardstock to fit inside the necklace blank, and then I stamped the image from Miracles Blossom onto it in Brilliance Graphite Black. After coloring the image with Copic markers, I sponged the edges with Close to Cocoa ink to distress it a bit. Once that was done, I glued the image down into the blank and filled it up with Ranger's Crackle Accents. I had to come back a few times to "refill" because the glue shrinks as it starts to dry, but after a good night's rest it was dry and beautifully cracked like you see here! I am still pretty tickled with it...I hope you like it, too. :)

So do you want some new Verve??? Play along with us during our Project Parade 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 and link it up with the Mr. Linky form HERE. Entries will close at 8PM Mountain on Saturday, April 4! Verve Stamps are not required, but we do LOVE to see 'em if you got 'em!


And to put a little spring in your step, we'll be picking five random commenters over the course of the parade who will win their choice of any Verve Stamps set. You never know which Diva will be drawing, so if you see a project you like, be sure to leave the girls some love! :) Good luck and have a fabulous day!

Project Parade Day Three ~ Spring Card Set

Hi everyone! It's Jackie here and it's my turn to take a walk down the project parade!! Every Spring I make one or two sets of cards that I donate to the silent auction fundraiser that is put on by my girls' elementary school. The project parade came at the perfect time for me to make a set!

I am always on the lookout for packaging for my sets and while blurfing last week, I came across this tutorial by Lauren Meader. What I loved about the set of cards she created was that they were not the normal A2 sized cards. These cards are 2 3/4" x 4". I even made the envelopes!! The packaging was made using Lauren Meader's Captured Card Case Timeless Template, and holds eight of these cards with the eight matching envelopes.

The picture on the left is a close up of the box itself. The picture on the right is of the entire set of cards. I used the retired Haiku Designer Series Paper from Stampin' Up! It just screams spring to me! The flower is from Verve's new beautiful set called Miracles Blossom and the sentiment is from another new Verve set called Circular Sayings. The ovals were cut with the Oval Nestaiblities and the scalloped border was done with the Stampin' Up! Scallop Edge Punch. I added some Star Dust Stickles to the outside edge of the tulip for some sparkle. I used Taylor Van Bruggen's Cupcake Sketch #60 for the cards and the box.

So do you want some new Verve??? Play along with us during our Project Parade 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 and link it up with the Mr. Linky form HERE. Entries will close at 8PM Mountain on Saturday, April 4! Verve Stamps are not required, but we do LOVE to see 'em if you got 'em!

And to put a little spring in your step, we'll be picking five random commenters over the course of the parade who will win their choice of any Verve Stamps set. You never know which Diva will be drawing, so if you see a project you like, be sure to leave the girls some love! :) Good luck and thanks for visiting!

Sneak Preview - Floral Symphony and Miracles Blossom

Hey there Verve fans! It's the 5th and final day of previews for the upcoming Verve Release! Like what you've seen so far? We have some more fabulous eye candy for you today!!

From Jen Tapler:

If you're a long-time Verve fan, you know that Julee does flowers like nobody's business!! And these two floral sets are some of her best yet! You won't believe how many different combinations of individual and grouped flowers and stems these two beautiful sets will give you. Now I'm sure at some point in one of my early math classes I learned some kind of formula for actually calculating the number of combinations you can get based on the number of each element you have...but it's been awhile since I've had to think that hard. I tried just counting, but I gave up at 20 with Miracles Blossom. That's right. I know there are at least TWENTY different combinations of "floral arrangements" using the stamps in Miracles Blossom. And you'll get 5 more combinations with Floral Symphony!!! Now that's a lot of floral variety!! And you know both sets include the perfect sentiments as well!!

I decided to use some of those combinations to create a tag and plant cutting bag for a Spring planting gift box. The cardboard box from my stash was covered with American Crafts DP and I added some Chocolate Chip ribbon to wrap it up. The tag, actually a page from a Maya Road chipboard album, was decorated with the "Where hope grows, miracles blossom" sentiment (it's hard to see in the pic) and a flower/stem combination. I used a Big Shot die to cut out a bag to hold a cutting from a Hawaiian Ti plant (a good luck plant in Hawaii, thought by natives to ward off evil spirits and to be a symbol of divine power) . I added some ribbon, hemp twine and a button to a flower pot and the gift is ready for giving!


From Bethany Paull:
Have you been getting these couple of days of sun that are shining down on me? It makes me so ready for SPRING! And on top of that, would you just look at the inspiring new stamp sets being released by Verve just in time to enjoy with this great spring like weather!? For this simple, happy creation, I stamped the flower stems in Old Olive and the tulips in Rose Romance. Then I stamped the tulips again and cut them out to adhere with pop dots, and that yummy, swirly sentiment is done in cool caribbean. The circle patterns are two rows of Doodlebug paper frills lined up together. And that ribbon is my favorite...FREE! It came tied on to my shopping bag on a recent trip to the mall. Recycle, reuse, go green! Butterfly punch by Martha Stewart, patterned paper Urban Prairie by Basic Grey.

From Jen del Muro:
When I think of Easter, I think of soft pastels, hopping bunnies and fuzzy chicks, along with jellybeans and other various goodies. So, when I got this set, I made myself think outside the box and used non-traditional colors to create this Easter Gift set. The black cardstock sets off the palette of kraft, pink and green. The Basic Grey DP incorporated all the colors and brings the project together. Of course, I couldn't go without a little something on the "traditional" side of things. For this, I used a soft green polka dot ribbon.



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 flower or plant? (Mine is tuberose, which was in my head lei, or haku, at my wedding - the scent of tuberose instantly reminds me of my beach wedding)