Up Up & Away Challenge WINNER

Hey Verve fans! It's Julee, popping in again to announce the winner of our Up, Up & Away Ready, SET, Stamp Challenge!  Thanks so much to everyone who played along!  I just loved seeing all your whimsical creations with Up, Up & Away - it's one of my all-time favorite sets I've designed and seeing y'all get it inky just made me smile.  Okay, enough chitchat.  On with the winner's announcement.

And the Verve-alicious winner is  ...

Vera who made this whimsical little clean & simple card.  I just love how she built on the design in the patterned paper, and the teeny little white mat around the perfectly cut out images gives such a professional look.   To finish it off, the Best of Luck sentiment from Great Expectations embossed in white balances the card out beautifully.

Congratulations Vera! Email me at contests@vervestamps.com to claim your $30 gift certificate.

Okay, that wraps it up for this challenge.  Stay tuned (either later today or tomorrow) for the announcement of the next Ready, SET, Stamp challenge!  I'm sure we just might find a STAR or two in our midst! (hint, hint)  ;-)

May Project Parade ~ Day 5!!!!

Hi, it's Lynda! I hope you have been enjoying the AWESOME projects the Diva's have been showing you so far this week!! I sure have!!!

My daughter's birthday is in July and for the past few years, we have had a pool party here at the house for her. We keep it small so I thought it would be perfect to make some goody bags for the girls!

I bought the little canvas bags at Joann's. They are on clearance, 5 for $2.97! For this ensemble, I used the BRAND NEW Relax set, Happy Days and Dude set. I also used the clouds from the Up, Up & Away set. Speaking of Up, Up & Away, don't forget that this month's, Ready, SET, Stamp challenge is to use the Up, Up & Away set! All the details can be found HERE!!!


This will be the invitation. I did not complete the inside yet since I am not sure exactly what to put yet. The DP is from Pink Paislee's 365 Degree Collection. The first thing I did was to print the "You're invited" sentiment from my computer. I then added the Dude sentiment, using Soft Sky ink and then the flourish, using Pumpin Pie. The flowers were cut out and colored using Copics.

Here is a picture of the bag ~

For the bag, I sponged Ranger Frayed Burlap and Antique Linen inks. To get the rough edge, I just tore a scrap piece of CS, laid it where I wanted my "sand" to end and then sponged up to it. I added some Cinnamon Stickles on the "sand" by basically using a pin to dot the Stickles lightly all over the "sand". I then sponged Soft Sky ink for the water. The palm trees, clouds and sun were all stamped using Black Stazon. I colored using my Copics. When you color on fabric, don't go right up to the edges until you see how the ink will absorbe in to the fabric because it will run. DON'T ask me how I know this!!! LOLOLOL!!! I then added some Stickles to the sun and clouds.

Because I can't leave well enough alone, I made a little coordinating keychain using Polyshrink. I stamped the circle flourish from Happy Days on the Polyshrink using Olive Stazon. Stamped the flowers and "You're so" sentiment using Black Stazon and the "Cool" sentiment using Pumpkin Stazon. I cut the piece out and then heated it. Once it cooled I added some Stardust Stickles and tied it on a clip I got at Walmart.

Now it's your turn!!! As with all of our Project Parades, we’ve got some wonderful prizes...and there are two ways to win:

1. Play along with us and link up your new Sizzlin’ Summer Fun creation (posted May 17 or later) to the linky widget on Day One's parade post before midnight June 7th. One lucky stamper will win a $30.00 gift certificate to the Verve Store. Verve Stamps are not required, but we LOVE to see them if you have them!

2. For another chance to win, be sure to give the Divas a little shout-out in the comments section as we parade our Sizzlin’ Summer Fun creations. One lucky commenter during the course of the parade (May 17 ~ June 4) will win the Verve stamp set of their choosing!

We can't wait to see how you make your summer sizzle, so GO CREATE!!! :)

Ready, SET, Stamp: Up, Up & Away

Hi there, Verve fans!  I hope May is treating you well!  Last month I started a new Ready, SET, Stamp monthly challenge where I challenge you to use a specific stamp set. This month's challenge is to use one of my personal favorites from 2009... Up, Up & Away. This set has a touch of modern whimsy mixed with a hint of old-fashioned goodness. It's great for so many occasions, and tons of fun whether you prefer coloring or paper piecing.

For my sample card, I paired Up, Up & Away with a sentiment from the Enjoy set and Jen del Muro's Sketch For You To Try from this past Saturday.  I love how easy this circle balloon is to paper piece.  I simply punched a 1.25" circle, sponged a little around the edges and layered onto the stamped image with dimensionals.  Easy Peasy.  These fun Bo Bunny Flower Child papers seemed perfect for the whimsical feel I was going for, and I finished off with a sparkly mixture of diamond glaze and glitter on the clouds.  My finished card size is 4.5" square.

For more inspiration, be sure to check out the fabulous cards from our Divas in the Up, Up & Away Design Team Album, and you can also check out cards uploaded by customers in our SCS gallery.

Contest Details:
To play along, submit a link to a new card or project using Verve's Up, Up & Away set before 6PM Mountain on Monday, June 14 and we'll pick a winner to receive a $30 gift certificate to the Verve Store!

Click the red link that says "click here to enter" at the bottom of this post for the entry form. Please type your name or screen name in the Caption or Title field, then choose the link and photo you'd like to enter. If you're linking to a blog, please link directly to the specific blog post where your card is posted, and not your general blog url.}

Note: If you have problems linking to SCS, try entering the link to your card, then choosing From File instead of From Web. Then just browse to where your picture is saved on your computer to get your thumbnail.  Keyword for uploading to online galleries is:  VSBalloon

Okay, good luck and have fun! 
Stay tuned this Monday for the start of our monthly project parade!

Project Parade Day 1: Divine Details

Welcome to the Verve Stamps July Project Parade. This is Day 1 of "Divine Details," a theme that is a little different than those in the past. The idea for this theme came from being asked "How do you come up with your designs?" and various other "How did you do that?" type questions. This month the Verve Divas are going to break down their design processes and ideas, using Verve stamps. We hope that you will come back each day and play along with us, too.

For me, the start of a project is in the layout. That's not to say that what I start with is what I end up with, but I generally use this as my starting point. From there, I move on to which stamps I am going to use and then what paper(s) will best match those stamps. I like to mix and match stamp sets. Usually I stick with the same company's stamps, as these are most often the same style of stamps and will coordinate very easily. As for the papers, I like to mix and match all different brands and styles. Many times combos come from circumstance. I will pull out a few scraps and see what might work together. I know that a lot of people dislike 2-sided papers because they feel it is a waste of one side, but I love them. They are perfect for cardmakers that only uses small pieces at a time, and more often than not, they coordinate perfectly.

For this card, I flipped through my sketch book and combined a few elements from some of my favorite sketches. I try (emphasis on TRY) to switch up shapes, especially for main panels. I combined 2 of my favorite stamp sets from Verve, Up, Up & Away and Circular Sayings. Finally, my paper choices came from the colors that I wanted to use: Blue, Green and Kraft. The designer paper is from October Afternoon's Ducks in a Row collection, and is double sided.

Divine Details I used on this card:
-Paper piecing and popping up the balloon. I always think that dimension helps to make a "Wow" card. Detail pic of the dimension on this card...

-Using various shapes on my panels, and popping them up. I used Nestabilities on the main panels, as well as using the scalloped scallop punch on the thinner horizontal panel.
-Adding coordinating embellishments without overwhelming the rest of the card.
-Layering and matting panels. This is a very simple way to add interest to your card. Just think of how different this card would look if the main image panel was not matted with the white circle!
-Sponging and stitching. Neither of these is terribly obvious on this card, which also means that I did not overdo it. The stitching is done on the long vertical panel that the ribbon is attached to. I sponged the Kraft main image panel's edges, just to give it a little more definition.

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 shows us your Divine Details. 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, August 1. 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 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 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 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!

A Sad Goodbye, A Happy Hello

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

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

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


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

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

Project features Sweet on You

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

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

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

Project features Up Up and Away

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

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

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

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Sneak Preview - Day 3

Happy Friday, Verve Fans! It's Shannan here, wavin' howdy from Texas. Today is the final day of the Sneak Previews for our May Release, and boy, did we save the best for last! Ok, well at least my favorite, anyway. *wink* We have previews for two more sets today - Up, Up & Away and Dare to Be You, both of which will be available to order tonight (May 22nd) after the Release Party in the Verve Forum. Let's get the eye candy started, shall we?


From Diva Lynda Benden:

Oh my gosh, can I tell you how much I LOVE the NEW Up, Up and Away set?!?!? When I saw it, I immediately thought how perfect bright, primary colors would look on the balloons and then I started my card and ended up using blue and brown!!! LOL!!! I will definitely use primary colors in the future but for today’s Father’s Day card, the blue and brown are perfect! I wanted a masculine feel so I pulled out one of my favorite SU! DP collections, Parisian Breeze. I used the Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip and Whisper White CS that matched the striped DP. The layout is from Julee’s Mojo Monday sketch #87. The tree (I stamped it one time and then masked it in order to stamp the second), the clouds (stamped using Baja Breeze ink and then I added fine clear Martha Stewart glitter) and hot air balloon (balloon was paper pieced, basket colored with Prismacolor pencils) are ALL included in the new Up, Up and Away set! On the inside, I added the NEW Plain Jane ~ Happy Father’s Day sentiment using Chocolate Chip ink.


From Diva Jackie Pedro:

I may sound like a broken record, but Julee has done it again with these fabulous new sets! For today's card I used the new set Up, Up and Away along with a sentiment from Dare To Be You. I used just ONE of the Three hot air balloons from the set! Not only is this set beautiful, but I think it is also whimsical at the same time. I really wanted to capture the whimsical nature of this set so I used some fun papers to get the look I wanted. This set would be perfect for so many occasions....graduation, birthdays, thinking of you....the possibilities are really endless!


From Diva Amy Sheffer:

I'm especially excited to preview Up, Up & Away! A while back I was browsing home decor catalogs when a trio of hot air balloon wall hangings caught my eye. There was something so sweet and magical about the balloons, and, as we stampers so often do, I thought "wouldn't that make a cute stamp?" I shared the idea with the Divas, and Julee ran with it. I don't know how she does it, but once again, she's created a set with the perfect balance between whimsy and elegance. I couldn't be happier with "my" hot air balloons! This set will be perfect for so many occasions - congratulations, pick-me-up, encouragement, even baby and travel. The other set we're previewing today is Dare to Be You. The title sentiment, Dare to Be You, jumped out at me as a fantastic message for a new graduate. Paired with the balloons, it makes a great send-off for someone entering "the real world"! If only life were always blue skies and smooth sailing (or should I say smooth floating?). I hope you'll fall for these two sets every bit as much as I have!

From Diva Shannan Teubner:

Sometimes when you see a stamp set, a special little magic happens...your mind immediately sees exactly what you want to create with it. That's what happened when I saw Up, Up and Away. I could picture a group of balloons floating through the air together, so I thought I'd create that scene on paper. All it took was a little masking (save those masks...you can re-use them!), coloring, liquid applique, and voila! Exactly how I pictured it. I didn't want the card to be too fussy, so I let the images and colors do all the work here. The sentiment from Sweet on You went with it just perfectly. I love the time and effort that Julee takes to make all of her sets so versatile. I can see using these balloons for all sorts of occasions!

So, how would you like to win these two new Verve sets? We have one of each set (Up, Up & Away and Dare to Be You) to give away to one lucky reader! All you have to do is leave a comment with your answer to the following question before 8 PM Eastern on Friday, May 22nd!

What is the most adventurous thing you've done with your family?

We hope you'll join us for the release party tonight, May 22nd at 9pm Eastern in the Verve Forum. The sets will be shown in their entirety during the party, and afterwards will be available to order from The Verve Store. We hope see you there!