An Anniversary Card and "Before pictures"

I got a new toy this past week, and have been having fun. I made this card with the Spellbinders Grand Labels 4. Of course to use the Grands, I needed a tool larger than my trusty Cuttlebug (who I still remain faithful to of course... :o), so I invested in a Grand Calibur from Spellbinders, and it works beautifully.


I just scored down the middle of the Labels 4 shape, folded it over and covered it with some gorgeous Webster's pages decorative paper. I also used some fabulous Verve images. The beautiful swirly oval is from the new Verve set called Sweet Treats, And I cut it out with the new Cut Above Embossed Oval Die, and I just added some Anniversary sentiments from the set Love Story. I also added some Flourishes, from the set One Person, behind the sentiment. That's it for today's card.

Stamps: Sweet Treats, Love Story, One Person (Verve)
Paper: Ivory (PTI), Webster's
Ink: Onxy Black (Versafine), Vintage Photo (Ranger Distress), Versamark
Accessories: Embossed Oval Die (Verve), Heart, Labels 13 and Grand Labels 4 Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Felt, Button (PTI), Burlap String (May Arts), Pearls and Lace (Kaisercraft), Clear Embossing Powder, Sewing Machine

I have a few more photos to share with you:

I have 3 cards ready to share with you this week, and they were all made right before emptying out my stamp room. The room you can see below was built 19 years ago as a office/guest room, and about 5 years ago, I added the island and the shelves and counter on the North side. Notice the striped wallpaper....YIKES!! It's been there since the beginning, and the walls are peach, although it's hard to see in the photos. Starting today, the whole room is getting a makeover with paint. I've already had 4 can lights installed in addition to my fluorescents, and some lighting underneath my shelves on the north side also. My closet has shelves added to it also.

As soon as this baby is finished (should be by Friday), I'll have some after pictures with all my tools and toys inside. The lazy susans on the island hold my Verve images, Spellbinders dies, inks and markers. Those are all getting painted also, that's why they're still in the room.

Here's a look from the door. The South Side.

The East and North side.

East and South

West (Closet)

Viva la Verve February Week 1

Amber has provided a fabulous sketch for the first week of February. (okay, so it's not Feb. yet, but this challenge is starting off next weeks' sketch challenges). Check it out HERE.


I decided to use some older Verve images this week. The sentiment "fabulous (just the way you are)" is from the set Love's Flower, and was stamped with Smokey Gray Versafine.
I stamped the flower, from the set One Person, with Vintage Cream ink (PTI), cut it out, crinkled it up and added a pearl brad and some Stardust Stickles.

I added some texture to the Circle that is framed with the Spellbinders die Lacey Circles, sewed around each panel, and added some Vellum flourishes that I made using Sizzix's Flourish #9 die. The lace is from Wild Orchid Crafts, and the dp is all Webster's. I also added a border punch along the bottom (I know..not surprised are ya?), with an EK Success border punch.

That about sums this baby up. Be sure to check out the VLV forum over on Splitcoaststampers for all the sketch details.

Have a super weekend my friends!!
Happy Stamping!
Tosh

Stamps: Love's Flower, One Person (Verve)
Paper: Webster's, Ivory (PTI)
Ink: Smokey Gray (Versafine), Vintage Cream (PTI), Antique Linen (Ranger Distress)
Accessories: Circle and Lacey Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Flourishes (Sizzix Flourish #9), Pearl Brad, Lace (Wild Orchid Crafts), Pearls (Kaiserkraft), Embossing Folders (Cuttlebug and Sizzix), Border Punch (EK Success), Sewing Machine, Scor-Buddy

Just Bee~cause

It's Thursday already, and that means it's time for another CCEE Stamper's Challenge. This week Frances is challenging everyone to make a White card. I love making white cards for two main reasons: 1 ~ the paper decision is already made 2 ~ it really makes the image pop!!

I collect bee skeps, so as soon as I saw this Impression Obsession image called Heart Hive, at Stamper's Dream, I fell in love. I stamped it onto watercolor paper with Versamark, and colored it with my Tombows. Now, since I was making an all white card, I chose to cut the hive out, because my watercolor paper has a slight ivory hue to it. The bees and hearts were colored with copics, and I added a bit of sparkle to the wings and flower with my Quickie Glue pen, and some Ultrafine transparent glitter. I made the sentiment with the 25pt Curlz Font by JustRite, and added an EK Success Punched border, along with a silk ribbon, silver cord and a button.

That's about sums this card up. Now, be sure to stop by the CCEE Stamper's Blog to see what the other gals have made with the all white theme. We'd also love to have you play along.



Before I end this post, I'd like to share a photo with you. We've been inundated with fog this year, and I thought it looked cool with the heifers eating their morning breakfast. (The reason they're called "heifers" and not "cows", is because they haven't had their first calf yet. They're separated from the milking cows.) btw...this feed alley is about 1/4 mile long...you're looking at about 20 yards. (eta: I just noticed I had typed 1/2 mile instead of 1/4 mile thanks to Angella's comment...Yikes...that would be long!! Glad you said something Angella :o)

Stop by again tomorrow. I'll have an elegant Verve card to share with you.
Happy Stamping my friends!
Tosh

VLVJAN2011 Week #4

Sankari has a fabulous VLV sketch for week 4 of this month! Check it out HERE! I just had to play along!! Check out how you can play along too. There's prizes to be won people!! Verve prizes!! How cool is that!!!

Here's my take on her sketch:

I paper pieced the sweet little chubby bear from Verve's To the Moon set, and popped him up against a dp bg. (all the dp is MME) This set has a huge variety of sentiments, and I chose "sweet little baby". I also paper pieced the kite. I saw recently how a stamper added a ton of buttons on a strip below the image, and I would love to give credit for the inspiration, but I can't for the life of me remember which blog I saw it on. :( But I will say, all of you stampers are a continual inspiration. That's why I adore this part of the crafting world so much. It's filled with so many ideas with color, shapes, embellishments, layouts, styles...I could go on and on. So thank you for sharing your gifts, because I learn so much.

eta: I found the card that inspired me with the buttons. It was made by the uber talented Debbie Carriere. You can see it on her blog HERE. Isn't it just the most charming!?!?!?!?

That's it from me today. The rest of the card is pretty straight forward. I'll just add the supply list at the bottom of this post. Now, head on over to the VLV forum over on Splitcoaststampers to see what everyone is up to this month.

Happy Stamping my friends!! And have a super weekend!!
Tosh

Stamps: To the Moon (Verve)
Paper: Sophie and Quite Contrary (My Mind's Eye), Birchtone Dark (Prism), Ivory (PTI)
Ink: Onyx Black (Versafine)
Accessories: Lacey and Classic Circles, and Large Classic Rectangle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Buttons (PTI), Library Clips (Stampin' Up!), Ornamental die (Tim Holtz Alterations), Sewing Machine, Baker's Twine (Jillibean Soup), Dimensional Tape

A Penguin for Bert

It's my dear friend Bert's (aka: Charlene, aka: LilLuvsStampin) birthday this weekend, and she LOVES penguins. How perfect that she has a birthday during the winter months in the US. Well, since it's Thursday, It's time for a CCEE Stamper's challenge, and Frances has challenged us to make a card with a penguin on it. I decided to make my penguin an Emperor penguin because it just sounds royal, and this is for a VIP!! Thus the yellow under his neck. I also learned something new...I've always colored my penguin's feet a pale orange. Well shoot, they have black feet. I never paid that much attention to penguin details I guess.

Thanks for stopping by today. Be sure to check out what the other CCEE Stamper's have to share with ya.
Happy Stamping my friends!!
Tosh

Stamps: Circular Sayings (Verve), Elzybells
Paper: Joy ride (Cosmo Cricket), Black and White (PTI)
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento)
Accessories: Octagon, Circle, and Circle Scallop Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Button (PTI), Quickie Glue Pen, Glitter, Border Punch (EK Success), Ribbon, Scor-Pal, Copics, Silver pearls, Black Embroidery Thread

Diva Dare

There's a new challenge going on over at the Verve Blog. On the Friday following each release, we'll post a theme we'll dare you with, and you'll have two weeks to complete the challenge. During those two weeks, the release team will post their creations and tell you how they answered the dare!

I created an encouragement box for my baby girl who goes off to college next Fall. For more details and to see what's inside the box, head on over to the Verve Blog.


Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope you've had a fabulous week so far!!
Happy Stamping!
Tosh

Stamps: Sweet Treats, To the Moon, Love Notes, Blue Skies, Feel the Sun, To Risk, Psalm 121:1-2, Hebrews 11:1, 1 Peter 5:7
Paper: Twinkle, Twinkle Little Boy (My Mind's Eye), Brown and White (PTI), core'dinations
Ink: Onyx Black and Vintage Sepia (Versafine), Red Brick (Versamagic)
Accessories: Dies: Classy Label and Embossed Oval (Verve), Labels 5 Classic Oval and Rectangle (Spellbinders), Styled Labels and Tattered Florals (Tim Holtz Alterations - Sizzix), Scribbles Swirls (Sizzix), Copics, Star Dust and Frosted Lace Stickles, Quickie Glue Pen, Glitter, Rhinestones (Kaisercraft), Memo Pins (Tim Holtz Idea-ology), Pearl Brad, Chipboard, Dimensional Tape, Paper Doilies, Organza Ribbon, Lace

To the Moon

It's Friday!! And not only is the weekend finally here, but I have the honor of hosting the Viva la Verve sketch Challenge over at Splitcoaststampers in the Verve Forum this next week.
I'm so excited.

Click HERE for all the details on how you can participate.

For My card, I used three new Verve sets: To the Moon, Love Notes, and Sweet Treats, along with the Jotted Heart Die, and the Sweet Scallop die. I found some cute little mini-bags at our new Hobby Lobby, and thought it would be cute to use with this sketch and include a tag inside.

The rest is pretty simple. I've listed the supplies below.
Thank you so very much for stopping by. Be sure to check out the Viva la Verve sketch challenge found Here. We'd love to have you participate!!

There's a new challenge going on over on the Verve Blog. Each month, you'll be challenged with a new theme. Click on the badge to see what this new challenge is all about!! Laurie has a gorgeous example to share with you today.

Stamps: To the Moon, Sweet Treats, Love Notes
Paper: Sophie (MME), Ivory (PTI)
Ink: Onyx Black (Versafine), Vintage Photo (Ranger Distress), Red Brick (Versamagic)
Accessories: Jotted Heart and Sweet Scallop Die (Verve), Mini Paper Bag, Buttons (PTI), Border Punches (EK Success), Burlap String, Twill, Spica Pen, Flower (Wild Orchid), Sewing Machine

Stamper's Dream Hop with JustRite Day 4

Have you all been enjoying JustRite week with the Stamper's Dream Team? I know I've enjoyed seeing what all these gals, and our fearless leader Michelle, have been sharing!! Quite the creative bunch, I tell ya!!

Well, today's the last day, and I have one more card to share with you. Have you noticed there's been a surge of red/black cards lately? Well, I have, and I must have gotten the bug, cause before I knew it, I was reaching for this gorgeous black/white dp by Best Creation Inc. I thought it would work beautifully with the JustRite image from the set The Greatest Joy Borders and Centers Ovals.

Since it's Thursday, I've incorporated the CCEE Stamper's challenge with this card. The challenge this week is to "Go Wild", as in the shape of the card. Frances challenged us to have odd angles in our card shape, so I used the Labels 6 Nestabilities die (Spellbinders), as a template for my scalloped corner. To frame the sentiment, I just used the Classic and Scalloped Classic Ovals (Spellbinders). Lastly I added a bit of embellishments with a Wild Orchid Rose, some swirl flocked ribbon, some black fibers, and some Twinkle Trim that I got at Hobby Lobby.


*grin*...I couldn't decide which angle I liked better when editing the photos, so I decided to use both.


That's it for my card today. Head on over to the following Dream Team Blogs for some fabulous inspiration!!

Michelle, Christina , Amy , Lea, Kim

JustRite Week Dream Hop Day 3

It's day 3 of the Stamper's Dream JustRite hop, and the girls have been showing some awesome stuff I tell ya. I'm continually inspired by all their work. This truly is a Dream Team. Today, I'm sharing a card I made by combining two sets again. I used You're So Sweet 2" Round Borders and Centers, along with set You Inspire Me.

The sentiment was stamped with Onyx Black Versafine, and the decorative JR Frame was stamped with Vintage Sepia Versafine. Their framed with Circle and Circle Scalloped Nestabilities (Spellbinders) I also added a large scalloped border with the Jumbo Scalloped Die-namics by MFT. For the rest, I'll just include them in the supply list at the bottom.

Be sure to check out with the other gals have to share today.

Michelle, Teresa, Lea, Christina, Amy

Thanks so very much for stopping by. I hope you are having a fabulous week.
Happy Stamping!
Tosh

Stamps: You're So Sweet 2" Round Borders and Centers, You Inspire Me
Paper: White (PTI), Ella Blue Collection (g.c.d studios), Doily
Ink: Onxy Black and Vintage Sepia (Versafine), Antique Linen (Ranger Distress)
Accessories: Circle and Circle Scallop Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Rhinestones (Kaisercraft), Vintage Button (Bazzill), Ribbon (PTI), Floral Trim (BoBunny), Jumbo Scalloped Die-namics (MFT), Border Punch (EK Success), piercing tool, Viva Decor Transparent Gel, Glitter, Sugar Pick (Jillibean Soup)

A Dream Hop with JustRite

Hello my friends!! This whole week Stamper's Dream is featuring some of the newest JustRite images. For today's card, I chose to use images from two new sets: You Inspire Me, and Fancy Nested Frames. The flourishy image (new word...just made it up :) was stamped with Frayed Burlap Ranger Distress Ink, and the "Thank You" sentiment was stamped with Eggplant VersaMagic. I framed the sentiment image with Labels 5 and a Petite Oval Nestabilities Die (Spellbinders).

The dp from Webster's Pages Triple Pack collection: Seaside Retreat, Garden Gala, and Nature's Storybook. I also added Frayed Burlap Stickles to a Sizzix Swirl die, and some Frosted Lace Stickles to the Wild Orchid Flowers. The pearls are Zva Creative, and the border was made with an EK Success Punch.

That about sums up my card for today. Be sure to check out what the other girls have to share.

Michelle , Cindy , Kim , Teresa

Look out world!!

Happy Monday!! Woo-Hoo!! It's the start of a new week, and I hope it's a grand one. It's also the start of something new with Verve. For those of you who missed our release party last Friday night, there’s an after-party going on over on the Verve Blog today. Head on over to see some of our favorite Diva creations with the new release!

First, though, let me share today's card with you. Julee designed a new set called To the Moon, and it has the most precious animal images. I used the giraffe on today's card, and I thought it would be fun to frame three of them in the Classy Labels Die for a set of triplets. Isn't the sentiment "Look out World" just too fun? They're all colored with Copics, and I added some textures to the bg dp with some Cuttlebug and Sizzix embossing folders. The rest is pretty explanatory, so head on over to the Verve Blog to see what cards are the favorites so far with this release.


The January 2011 Stamp Collection includes all of the STAMPS in the Verve January 2011 release, bundled together for a limited time. Each stamp set is packaged individually, but by purchasing them all together you save 15%! Collection price is good through January 31, while supplies last.

Please note: A Cut Above dies are sold separately and NOT included in this collection.

Thanks so much for stopping by. Be sure to visit each day this week. I have some more fun things to share with some new JustRite images.

Happy Stamping!!
Tosh

Stamps: To the Moon (Verve)
Paper: Kraft and Ivory (PTI), Campfire (OA)
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento)
Accessories: Classy Label Die (Verve), Copics, Kraft Ribbon (SU!), Buttons (PTI and The Girl's Paperie), Border Punch (Fiskars), Burlap String (May Arts), Embossing Folders (Cuttlebug and Sizzix), Sewing Machine

VLV Sketch ~ The Smallest Things

Charmaine has a fabulous sketch for ya'll to try over at the Verve Forum found HERE.
So, I thought I'd use it to showcase one of Verve's new Plain Janes that's going to be released tonight. It's called The Smallest Things and is a quote by Winnie the Pooh that I think is spot on!! There's not much explaining to do about this card. No fancy techniques, just some embellishing. Oh, I should let you know, that the sentiment is framed with a new Verve Die called Classy Label Die. I so love the shape!!!!

Be sure to join the Divas over for the Verve Release party tonight. Julee has once again outdone herself. I know I say that all the time, but seriously, these sets are fabulous must haves!! You also still have time to comment on the Spotlight posts that the Divas have been sharing the past three days. By doing so, you'll have an opportunity to win a fabulous Verve prize.

Stamps: Smallest Things Plain Jane (Verve)
Paper: White, Lilac House (Fancy Pants)
Ink: Onyx Black (Versafine)
Accessories: Classy Label Die (Verve), Border Punch (EK Success), Pearls and Rhinestones (ZVA Creative), Butterfly Punch (MS), Flower (Prima), Crystal Drop Leaves, White Satin Ribbon (PTI), Silver Cord, Sheer Loop Ribbon, Sewing Machine

Verve Spotlight Hop Day 3 ~ To the Moon and Emery PJ

I can't believe it's already the last day of Verve Spotlights!! It's gone by so fast, and the divas have once again shown the versatility of Verve stamps!! I've loved hopping along seeing everything they've created, and I hope you have too. For today's card, I'm featuring the Emery Plain Jane, and the set To the Moon. I love this sweet little elephant, and the other wonderful little animals and sentiments Julee has included in this set.

I started by stamping the frame included in the set and die~cutting it with Labels 12 Nestabilities and square dies. The frame is popped up a bit with dimensional tape. I also added some of the stars included in this set.

For sweet little Emery, I Paper Toled, and Paper Pieced him, as well as adding some Pumice Stone (Ranger Distress Ink) distressing to him. He's a whopping 4 layers, and I cut along the lines of his trunk to make it more dimensional. I love this little guy! The kites were also paper pieced and popped up with dimensional tape. Lastly, I added a little fence line with a Martha Stewart border punch.

Tomorrow, January 7, Verve is releasing all these new sets and dies! And because a new release is something to celebrate, we’ve hidden a prize on one of the participating blogs! Just leave a little comment love as you hop around to be entered into a drawing to win that day’s featured stamps! The deadline for comment entries is 6PM Mountain Friday, January 7. Winners will be announced at our release party on Friday night - so leave a little love and win big this Friday!

Here's the hop list in case you've missed some.
Thanks so very much for stopping by!!

Julee
Charmaine
Amber
Amy
Laurie
Teresa
Jackie
Debbie (guest designer)
Sankari
Andrea
Tosh ----> you are here :o)
Piali (guest designer)
Maureen

Stamps: To the Moon, Emery PJ (Verve)
Paper: Gray (PTI), Marjolaine (Basicgrey)
Ink: Onyx Black (Versafine), Pumice Stone (Ranger Distress)
Accessories: Labels 12 and Square Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Border Punch (MS), Dimensional Tape

Verve Spotlight Hop Day 2 ~ Love Notes

Woo-Hoo!! It's day two of the Verve spotlight hop, and we're focusing on the set called Love Notes!! I tell ya, this set is chalk full of fabulous fonted sentiments, and two...count them...two images with dies to match!! I chose to use the heart image and coordinating Jotted Heart die for my card today. I also used three of the included sentiments and hearts. Sweet!! I used a Martha Stewart Border and Corner punch to frame the hearts, added some silver cording, rhinestones, and a bit of sewing.



For the hearts I used Viva Decor Transparent Gel and pink glitter. The border around the hearts was blinged up a bit with my Quickie Glue pen and some Transparent Glitter. I also added Frosted Lace Stickles to some of the lacy border flowers.

eta: The card measures 4 1/4"x8 1/8" and to make the lacy border I started with a 4x8 piece of cs.

This Friday, January 7, Verve is releasing some fabulous new sets and dies! To countdown to the release, we’re putting on a series of mini blog hops Tuesday through Thursday of this week to preview the new sets! And because a new release is something to celebrate, we’ve hidden a prize on one of the participating blogs each day! Just leave a little comment love as you hop around to be entered into a drawing to win that day’s featured stamps!

Laurie
Tosh -----> you are here :o)
Piali (Guest Designer)

Teresa

Amy
Julee
Charmaine
Amber
Sankari
Debbie (Guest Designer)
Jackie
Andrea

Deadline for comment entries is 6PM Mountain Friday, January 7. Winners will be announced at our release party on Friday night - so leave a little love and win big this Friday!

Stamps: Love Notes (Verve)
Paper: Ivory, State of the Heart (MME)
Ink: Onyx Black (Versafine), Antique Linen (Ranger Distress)
Accessories: Jotted Heart die (Verve), Border Punch (MS), Rhinestones (Kaisercraft), Viva Decor Transparent Gel, Glitter, Silver Cord, Frosted Lace Stickles, Sewing Machine, Quickie Glue Pen

Verve Spotlight Hop Day 1 ~ Swirling Hearts

It's hard to believe 2011 is here already. How exciting!!
Well, I'm excited to share a card I made for Verve's first release of the new year too.

The diva's will be sneak peeking for the next 3 days, some of the most darling and charming images. Here's the first of three cards I get to peek this week.

Today, I'm sharing a card that I made with the charming and elegant image that fits the Vintage Oval die Verve released last month. Isn't it beautiful? It has swirls and swirls of hearts and is appropriately named Swirling Hearts. I stamped the frame and sentiment with Smokey Gray Versafine, and added some sparkle to the hearts with my Quickie Glue Pen and some Ultra fine Glitter.

For the layout, I used Amber's VLV Sketch for January Week one. Check it out HERE. I just adore the 4 panels. I used "Once Upon a Springtime" dp by Graphic 45.

Lastly, I added a couple of buttons with silver cord and some silver pearls and lace ribbon. I also sewed around the panels and added an EK Success punched border along the bottom.

This Friday, January 7, Verve is releasing some fabulous new sets and dies! To countdown to the release, we’re putting on a series of mini blog hops Tuesday through Thursday of this week to preview the new sets! And because a new release is something to celebrate, we’ve hidden a prize on one of the participating blogs each day! Just leave a little comment love as you hop around to be entered into a drawing to win that day’s featured stamps!

That's it for my peek today. You're not going to want to miss what the other Diva's have to share, so be sure to check them out. Here's a list for you to follow:

Andrea

Sankari

Jackie

Teresa

Piali (Guest Designer)

Tosh ---> You are here :o)

Debbie (Guest Designer)

Amber

Charmaine
Laurie
Julee

Deadline for comment entries is 6PM Mountain Friday, January 7. Winners will be announced at our release party on Friday night - so leave a little love and win big this Friday!

Stamps: Swirling Hearts (Verve)

Paper: Ivory and Gray (PTI), Once Upon a Springtime (Graphic 45)

Ink: Smokey Gray (Versafine), Pumice Stone (Ranger Distress)

Accessories: Vintage Oval Framed Die (Verve), Pearls, Lace, Buttons (PTI), Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Scor-Pal, Border Punch (EK Success), Glitter, Quickie Glue Pen, Sewing Machine