Lord Have Mercy !

...Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge #47 (MTSC47)

2009-11-10T00:01:00.002-05:00

Happy Tuesday, everyone! You all know that Tuesdays bring a new sketch challenge...but first I wanted to announce the winner of the "Muffin For Christmas" digital stamp set from Whimsie Doodles Stamps. The lucky winner is...#55, Elena! Congrats, Elena! Please email me at mkstampin74@gmail.com, and I will get your email addy to Melyssa. She will send you what you need in order to download the digi set. Thanks for all of the beautiful creations...all of you knocked this one out of the park! I can't tell you how happy all of those entries made me, so a big thanks for all of your participation!

Now for this week's Tuesday Sketch #47:

My Sample :

Viv Holden's Sample :

Now let's see what the amazing Muses have in store for your viewing pleasure this week:

Pam Speidel
Cindy Haffner
Pam Varnell
Julie Lacey
Crystal Birr : sick and will not be making a sample...get well soon, Crystal!
Jackie Pedro
Jessica Diedrich
Shannan Teubner : will not be with us again until after the New Year
Viv Holden (November Guest Muse)

Now it's your turn! Create a card or scrapbook layout using the sketch above, and link your creation below in Mister Linky. Be sure to use the keyword MTSC47 when uploading to a public gallery!

Happy Stamping!

...Clean & Simple Christmas

2009-11-09T00:01:00.000-05:00

I had created this card a few weeks ago for the Verve October Release, and I realized that I had never actually posted it! I hate it when that happens! It worked out pretty good today, though...I didn't stamped this weekend, but I still had a card to post! This clean and simple Christmas card was stamped with the "Star of Wonder" set, and embossed in Silver Embossing Powder. I only used Night of Navy and So Saffron for my color combination, but I did stamp the large focal star on Watercolor Paper.

That's it for me today! Thanks for stopping by! I will see you all again tomorrow with another installment of the Tuesday Sketch Challenge, and I will also be announcing the winner of the Whimsie Doodles Stamps set, "Muffin For Christmas". Until then...

Supplies

Stamps: Star of Wonder (Verve)

Papers: Night of Navy, So Saffron, Watercolor

Inks: VersaMark, So Saffron, Night of Navy

Accessories: mat pack, paper piercer, embossing buddy, silver embossing powder, heat gun, aquapainter, scissors, dimensionals, sponge dauber

...Just Letting You Know

2009-11-07T15:57:00.000-05:00

I will be away from the blog for a couple of days. There are alot of household chores and just as much yard work that needs to be done while I have all of my guys home, so we will be very busy this weekend. Please check back with me Tuesday for the Sketch Challenge, and I will try my best to have something for you on Monday as well.

Thanks for your understanding and support...see you back here in a few days!

...Farm Fresh Friday : Where The Wild Things Are

2009-11-06T00:01:00.002-05:00

Happy Friday, everyone! It's Farm Fresh Friday at The Greeting Farm Blog, and we are celebrating Where The Wild Things Are! We are taking the time today to show some special love to the artwork of Marina Neira as well...and I have chosen to use her creation, Marlene Monkey, for my sample today.

I found these wonderful patterned papers from SEI and We R Memory Makers at one of my local scrapbook stores...and I fell in love immediately. The colors were right up my alley, and the prints were just scrumptious...they jumped right off the shelf and into my basket! teeheehee! This was one of the few times that the patterned papers actually dictated what I wanted to do with a card. Usually I start with a sketch and go from there, but the papers won out this time! I hope you enjoy my watercolored creation!

Now let's see what the other design team members have created for your viewing pleasure:

INTRODUCING:
WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE: a TWO WEEK CONTEST/GUEST DESIGNER SEARCH brought to you by THE GREETING FARM!

Yep, you heard it right! For the first time ever, The Greeting Farm is having a Guest Designer Search to work specifically with the WONDERFUL animal images by Marina Neira! We are looking for someone to work with these adorable critters for our next release through 12/31/09. Are you interested? Here's how to throw your name into this WILDLY awesome contest:

RULES:

*You MUST use a TGF image by Marina Neira. If you do not own any, there are several digital downloads available through the TGF store. Normally it's not like us to use specific images, but because this is a Guest Designer contest, we want to see what you can do using her stamps.

*For this week's CHALLENGE, you must create a "WILDLIFE" themed card using one of Marina's animals. Whatever that means to you is what you should create! We can't wait to see what you come up with!

*Please Upload your creations by WEDNESDAY, November 11, 2009 at 11:59 PM CST into the TGF Galleria>Contests/Challenges>Farm Fresh Fridays>WILD WEEK 1

*This is a TWO WEEK cumulative contest. Although there WILL NOT be a prize this week, there will be at the end of NEXT week's contest. The chosen Guest Designer will receive ALL THREE images by Marina in rubber, plus all digital images by Marina in addition to the December release they will be working with and will be asked to sign a one-month Guest DT contract with TGF.

That's it for me today! Thanks for stopping by! I did NOT get a chance to post my project yesterday...thanks to our new fur baby, Maggie. Apparently, she woke up Wednesday and decided the take a "stupid pill"! LOL! She was totally berserk all day long, and wore me out. I couldn't take my eyes off of her the entire time she was awake, and she only slept for twenty minutes the WHOLE DAY! Needless to say, I was so ready for her to go to bed that night...and I wasn't far behind her either! :) Hopefully I can share that project with you some time this weekend! Until tomorrow...

Supplies

Stamps: Marlene Monkey (The Greeting Farm)

Papers: Kiwi Kiss, Soft Suede, Watercolor, SEI, We R Memory Makers

Inks: Tangerine Tango, Kiwi Kiss, Creamy Caramel, Soft Suede, Cameo Coral

Accessories: clear embossing powder, heat gun, aquapainter, nesties, big shot, sewing machine, dimensionals, horizontal slot punch, ribbon, button, linen thread, mat pack, paper piercer, brads

...Verve-day Wednesday

2009-11-04T07:17:00.000-05:00

Here are a couple of other cards that I made using two of the October Verve release sets, Frosty Flakes and Christmas In The Air. Instead of using patterned papers, I created my own using the stamps in the sets and solid cardstock to show how versatile and wonderful they are! Enjoy!

That's it for me today! Sorry for the short post, but it is busy, busy, busy at the Kerin household! I have another hectic day ahead, but I wanted to make sure you had some eye candy to tie you over until tomorrow. I will see you back here then with a special project that I have been working on. Until then...

Supplies for the "Winter Wonderland" Card:

Stamps: Christmas in the Air (Verve)

Papers: Real Red, Kiwi Kiss, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, Watercolor

Inks: Real Red, Kiwi Kiss, Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze

Accessories: sewing machine, clear embossing powder, heat gun, aquapainter, ribbon, sponge dauber, dimensionals, distressing tool, stickles

Supplies for the "Happy Holidays" Card:

Stamps: Frosty Flakes (Verve)

Papers: Not Quite Navy, Certainly Celery, Whisper White

Inks: Not Quite Navy, Certainly Celery

Accessories: mat pack, paper piercer, dimensionals, sponge dauber, brads, button, ribbon, linen thread

...Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge #46 (MTSC46)

2009-11-03T00:01:00.006-05:00

Happy Tuesday, everyone! You know what that means...it's time for another Tuesday Sketch Challenge, and this week I have a couple of special treats for you! First off, I am pleased to announce that our sketch for this week is sponsored by Whimsie Doodles Stamps! We will be showcasing one of the new digital stamps from their new "Muffin Tops" line called "Muffin For Christmas". Special thanks to Melyssa for the sponsorship and digital images...we love these images, girl! Please stop by the store and show them some love!

And as you already know, each month I am be featuring a "Guest Muse" who will be creating a sample for each of the sketches during their designated month. This month's lucky guest is none other than my friend from across the big pond, Vivienne Holden of Crafting Haven!

Here are a few things you may want to know about Viv from the lady herself:

"Hi everyone, I'm Viv. (Vivienne is for when I get told off)! I took up cardmaking about 5 years ago and millions of pounds later, am still as addicted as ever! LOL! I love stamping and colouring images with my Copics or Promarkers. I don't really have a style, unless you can call 'eclectic' a style. I'm so pleased and proud to be asked by Mercy to be her November Muse, and working alongside some wonderful old friends again (And now some new ones, too)."

Now for this Tuesday's Sketch #46:

My Sample (Outside & Inside) :

Viv Holden's Sample :

Now let's see what the other Muses have created for our viewing pleasure today:

Now it's your turn! Create a card or scrapbook layout using the sketch above, and link your creation below in Mister Linky. Be sure to use the keyword MTSC46 when uploading to a public gallery! I also have a surprise for one lucky participant this week! A random winner will be receiving the "Muffin For Christmas" Digi Set from Whimsie Doodles Stamps for FREE! We will announce the winner along with next Tuesday's Sketch Challenge.

Good Luck & Happy Stamping!

...A Merry Little Christmas

2009-11-02T07:08:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday, everyone! I don't know about you, but Daylight Savings always messes with my internal clock! LOL! I was up later than I should have been last night, then woke earlier than I should have...gotta love it! I spent the day with my friend, Pam Varnell, doing a little stamping...so I got a little bit ahead as far as my stamping schedule goes (and that's always a good thing!). With last week's sneak peeks from TGF I didn't get a chance to showcase some of the Verve cards that I had created a while back, so I thought today would be a great time to do so.

I had this multi-teared ornament in mind as soon as I received the new sets, but Betty Wright beat me to the punch! LOL! I stamped two of the ornaments from the "Holly Jolly" set, and added one of the smaller stars from the "Star of Wonder" set. They were stamped in Black Craft Ink on Watercolor Paper, embossed with Clear Embossing Powder, then colored in Rich Razzleberry with an Aquapainter. I carefully cut the ornament out, and added some Pink Stickles to the darker edges for a bit of sparkle. I stamped the pine bough and sentiment from the "Ornamental Christmas" set, and used some of my Cottage Wall Designer Series Papers to add some more color. A piece of Rich Razzleberry Dotted Ribbon was added along with a Celery Button and some Linen Thread.

That's it for me today! Thanks for stopping by to see me! I have some bills to pay, laundry to wash/dry/fold/put away, dogs to bathe, clothes to sort, and a JV football game to get ready for...so I'd better get a shower and get moving if I am going to get everything finished by 5:00! LOL! I'll see you all back here tomorrow with another Tuesday Sketch...you will NOT want to miss this one! Until then...

Supplies

Stamps: Holly Jolly, Star of Wonder, Ornamental Christmas (Verve)

Papers: Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White, Watercolor, Cottage Wall DSP

Inks: Basic Black, Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive

Accessories:mat pack, paper piercer, dimensionals, clear embossing powder, aquapainter, stickles, scissors, ribbon, button, linen thread

...Last Peek Before The Release

2009-11-01T00:01:00.001-04:00

Happy Sunday! Where in the world did October go? I blinked once, and it was gone! Now here we are in November, and that means another release is coming from The Greeting Farm. This last week, the entire design team has been sharing little peeks of the new sets and images that are coming your way TONIGHT following the Virtual Stamp Night/Release Party HERE from 8-10 p.m. EST. But before you go partying and shopping, I have one more sneak peek for you!

This is "Max"...how flippin' cute is he?!? When I first received these new Twinkle Tots I didn't think that this cutie was going to be a favorite, but I have fallen in love with all of these adorable little ones! Each one has it's own little personality, and each one is a joy to color. I combined this handsome young man with some of my new patterned paper from Scrap Within Reach, and drew the colors from the papers to use as my palette...Night of Navy, More Mustard, and Sahara Sand. The main image was embossed on Watercolor Paper, then colored and shaded with an Aquapainter and Ink Pads. My sentiment panel was created by stamping a sentiment from the "Fly Away" stamp set, then punching it out with the Word Window Punch. I punched the large arrow out using the My Way Punch, then distressed the edges of each piece with a Sponge Dauber. A couple of brads were added to the panel to complete the masculine creation.

That's it for now! Thanks for stopping by to see me, and I will see you back here in a few with a new Verve creation! Until then...

Supplies

Stamps: Max, Fly Away-sentiment(The Greeting Farm)

Papers: Night of Navy, More Mustard, Very Vanilla, Watercolor, Scrap Within Reach DP

Inks: Basic Black Craft, Crushed Curry, More, Mustard, Night of Navy, Blush Blossom, Close to Cocoa, Cameo Coral, Soft Suede, Chocolate Chip, Basic Gray, Sahara Sand

Accessories: mat pack, paper piercer, dimensionals, nesties, big shot, clear embossing powder, heat gun, aquapainter, ruler, marker, white gel pen, scissors, way punch, word window punch, brads

...Crazy 4 Halloween (C4C9)

2009-10-31T00:01:00.005-04:00

Happy Halloween, everyone! It's Saturday, so that mean that it is time another challenge at the Crazy 4 Challenges' blog! Today's challenge is a Very Scary Challenge...create a Halloween card or project. Our fearless leader for this month, Vicki Garrett, has been rockin' out some wonderful dares this month...and this one is no exception!

This is my submission...eerie treats! I filled two clear card boxes with chocolate candies with wrappers that look like eyeballs. I wrapped ribbons around them, then added coordinating tags to each box. These creatures are from Starving Artistamps' set "DoodleFactory Halloween", and were stamped and embossed on Watercolor Paper. I used my Aquapainter and ink pads to color and shade the creepy critters before carefully cutting each one out. I stamped the "happy halloween" sentiment all over a piece Pumpkin Pie and Old Olive Cardstock, then cut them into tags using the Spellbinders' Labels Two Nestabilities. The edges were distressed with Sponge Daubers, and Pewter Jumbo Eyelets were attached to the tags using a Crop-a-dile. To complete the devilish duo, I added the images to the tags using Dimensionals. What do you think...spooky enough?

Now let's see what the rest of the design team has in store for you today:

That's it for me today! Thanks for stopping by, and I will see you all back here tomorrow for the TGF November release. Until then...

Supplies

Stamps: DoodleFactory-Halloween (Starving Artistamps)

Papers: Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, Watercolor

Inks: Basic Black Craft, Elegant Eggplant, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Sahara Sand, Close to Cocoa

Accessories: clear card boxes, ribbon, nesties, big shot, jumbo eyelet, crop-a-dile, silver cording, clear embossing powder, heat gun, aquapainter, scissors, dimensionals, candies

...Farm Fresh Friday Sketch By Me

2009-10-30T06:45:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday, everyone! It's time for another Farm Fresh Friday Sketch...and this one was designed by ME!!! This is "Izzy", and she's one of the new Twinkle Tots from The Greeting Farm that will be released on Sunday night, November 1st. I watercolored this beauty, and paired her with some of my BasicGrey Ambrosia patterned papers. I seem to be on an orange kick...don't know if it's because of Halloween or fall, but I have been using my fair share of the crisp color lately.

Let's take a few minutes to see what the rest of the design team members have created with my sketch for this week:

That's it for me today! Thanks for stopping by, and I will see you back here tomorrow with a project for the C4C challenge. Don't forget to join us in the Farm Fresh Friday challenge, the "This Tot's Got..." challenge, and the "Home Is Where The __ Is" challenge. It is going to be a wild and crazy November release! Join us for our Virtual Stamp Night on Sunday night, November 1st at the TGF Forum at Paper Craft Planet from 8-10 p.m. EST...I can't wait to see you there! Until later...

Supplies

Stamps: Izzy, Hope & Grace-sentiment (The Greeting Farm)

Papers: Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black, Whisper White, Watercolor, BasicGrey DP

Inks: Basic Black Craft, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Basic Gray, Creamy Caramel, Close to Cocoa, Cameo Coral, Chocolate Chip

Accessories: photo corner punch, brads, mat pack, paper piercer, dimensionals, silk ribbon, nesties, big shot, clear embossing powder, heat gun, aquapainter, scissors, stamp-a-ma-jig, image sheet, white gel pen

...Madelynn and Ava

2009-10-29T13:01:00.000-04:00

How much are you all LOVING these new stamps from The Greeting Farm? I think these Twinkle Tots are my favorite images yet! Marie has designed such sweet and adorable images, and they are so fun to color! So with that said, I have two more young ladies to introduce you to today....meet Madelynn and Ava! These stamps were designed specially for our Design Team Coordinator, Jessica Diedrich and her two gorgeous little girls. I hope you like them, girls...they will be on their way to your house in the very near future!

Madelynn

Ava

I used Jen del Muro's Sketch For You To Try from last Saturday for Ava's card, because I loved the huge focal panel. It was perfect for these larger images, and it even showcased my patterned papers as well...LOVE me some SFYTT! :)

That's it for me today! My oldest son's varsity football game has been moved back to tonight due to some nasty weather headed our way tomorrow night, so we will be eating an early dinner then traveling to the away game...gotta love Thursday night football! LOL! I still have alot to get finished before we head out, but I want to thank you for stopping by. I will see you back here tomorrow with another Farm Fresh Friday...it's a sketch! Until then...

Supplies for Madelynn's Card:

Stamps: Madelynn (The Greeting Farm)

Papers: Real Red, Old Olive, Watercolor, Bo Bunny DP

Inks: Basic Black Craft, Baja Breeze, Real Red, Old Olive, Bashful Blue, Blush Blossom, Cameo Coral, Sahara Sand, Really Rust, More Mustard, Close to Cocoa, Basic Gray

Accessories: mat pack, paper piercer, dimensionals, ribbon, silver snowflake, button, silver cording, clear embossing powder, heat gun , aquapainter, black marker, ruler, nesties, big shot

Supplies for Ava's Card:
Stamps: Ava (The Greeting Farm)

Papers: Barely Banana, Ruby Red, Whisper White, Watercolor, The Paper Studio DP

Inks: Basic Black Craft, Blush Blossom, Creamy Caramel, Cameo Coral, Basic Gray, Barely Banana, Ruby Red, Mint Melody (retired)

Accessories: mat pack, paper piercer, dimensionals, clear embossing powder, heat gun, aquapainter, scissors, stickles, black marker, ruler, nesties, big shot, trio flower punch, silver brad, mini glue dot

...TGF Sneak Peek ~ My House

2009-10-29T00:01:00.002-04:00

This is my sneak peek for one of The Greeting Farm's November releases called "My House". This set includes two of the cutest little houses you have ever seen, and several sentiments to coordinate with them. I paired this watercolored hosienda with some patterned papers from the Hawaii Papaya Designer Series Paper pack. The only embellishments I used were a piece of Chocolate Felt Ribbon and a kiwi button from the Button Bouquet collection.

If you think this is cute, and you would like to see more creations using this wonderful new set...then you need to check out the rest of the TGF design team:

Now you didn't think that we could have a release without having a contest for the adults, did you? Whether you're young or young at heart, we have a chance for you to win this fabulous new set! We are excited to announce the "HOME IS WHERE THE ___ IS" challenge. You fill in the blank...WHERE, WHAT, or WHO reminds you of home?

Here are the rules:

*Create a card, project, or layout that shows us your idea of what home is to you.
*You will have until Sunday, November 1st at NOON CST to get your submission into the Galleria.
*You MUST USE TGF stamps.
*Place your entry in the TGF Galleria>Contests/Challenges>Home Challenge.
*The TOP TWO submissions will be chosen and announced at our VSN/Release party on Sunday, November 1st at the TGF Forum at Paper Craft Planet @ 8PM EST.
*The GRAND PRIZE winner will win the ENTIRE NOVEMBER RELEASE!
*The RUNNER UP will win the "My House" set.

That's it for me today! Thanks for stopping by, and I will see you back here tomorrow for another Farm Fresh Friday...it is a very special one to me! {hint, hint} Until then...

Supplies

Stamps: My House (The Greeting Farm)

Papers: Tangerine Tango, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Watercolor, Hawaii Papaya DSP

Inks: Basic Black Craft, Tangerine Tango, Dusty Durango, Kiwi Kiss, Old Olive, Summer Sun, Chocolate Chip, Soft Suede

Accessories: mat pack, paper piercer, dimensionals, large oval punch, scallop oval punch, hearts punch, clear embossing powder, heat gun, aquapainter, ribbon, button, linen thread

...It's a Verve Christmas

2009-10-28T00:01:00.000-04:00

I am loving these new stamps from Verve! Christmas is my favorite time of year, and these sets are my favorite seasonal sets so far! This first card showcases "Holly Jolly". I usually go for non-traditional colors when it comes to color combinations, but I leaned toward a more traditional look for this one. I combined Real Red, Old Olive, and Kraft to create this fun and festive card. How do you like my custom patterned paper on the olive panel? I think I used every stamp in the set to make it! LOL!

This second card focuses on my favorite set from this last release...O Christmas Tree. Another clean and simple card that immediately draws your eye to the watercolored wreath...gotta love those poinsettias! No custom patterned paper, but who needs it with that gorgeous wreath, right? {wink}

That's it for me today! Thanks for stopping by, and I will see you back here tomorrow with another TGF sneak peek. Until then...

Supplies for the "Holly Jolly Christmas" Card

Stamps: Holly Jolly (Verve)

Papers: Kraft, Real Red, Old Olive, Very Vanilla

Inks: Old Olive, Real Red, Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa

Accessories: dimensionals, sponge dauber, mat pack, paper piercer, chocolate marker, ribbon, linen thread, hodgepodge hardware

Supplies for the "Merry Christmas" Card

Stamps: O Christmas Tree

Papers: Night of Navy, Bravo Burgundy, Whisper White, Watercolor, Patterns Pack III

Inks: Garden Green Craft, Bravo Burgundy (Craft & Classic), Night of Navy (Craft & Classic)

Accessories: nesties, big shot, clear embossing powder, heat gun, aquapainter, scissors, dimensionals, ribbon, hodgepodge hardware, mat pack, paper piercer

...Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge #45 (MTSC45)

2009-10-27T00:01:00.003-04:00

Happy Tuesday, everyone! You know it's time for another sketch challenge, but I have a couple of announcements to make before we get started. This is going to be a lengthy post today, because I am showcasing a TGF preview! I will be posting Silke's card first, and then giving you all the details about my card after my sample.

You will notice that there are a couple of Muses missing from the line-up this week. Jackie's daughter has the flu, so she hasn't been able to get any stamping done over the weekend. Shannan will be taking a stamping break until after the first of the year in order to spend some much-needed time with her family. We love you, ladies...and we will miss you! (Jackie...you'd better not get sick, girl! I need you back here next week! LOL!)

This week's Tuesday Sketch #45 :

Silke Ledlow's Sample:
My Sample and TGF Sneak Peek :
This is my sneak preview for one of the five new little Twinkle Tots from The Greeting Farm that will be released on November 1st. Her name is "Lottie", and I combined her with some of my favorite Fancy Pants Designs Patterned Paper...gotta love those colors! How's that for cute? What's more...we have not one, but THREE contests beginning TODAY in the TGF Galleria! We are so excited to announce that these contests are designed especially for the little ones. ***CALLING ALL KIDS***!

Here are the THREE categories for the "This Tot's Got..." contest:

"This Tot's Got...BLING": Kids (ages 0-13) are to create a card or project using bling.
"This Tot's Got...COLOR": Kids (ages 0-13) are to color their little hearts out using crayons, markers, pencils, paint, copics...Just COLOR it up!
"This Tot's Got...A STORY": Kids (ages 0-17) are to create card or project based on their FAVORITE CHILDREN's BOOK.

And here are the RULES:

Create a card or project, based on the THEME and AGES above.
Kids will have until Sunday, November 1st, at NOON CST to enter the above three contests.
Projects MUST use TGF stamps.
ANY child can enter to win.
Upload your projects to: TGF Galleria>Contests/Challenges>This Tot's Got> one of the 3 categories listed above.
Remember, the winners for these contests will be selected at RANDOM.
Winners will be announced on Sunday November 1st during our release party/VSN to WIN THEIR CHOICE of one of the new Twinkle Tots!

In addition to these wonderful contests and spectacular November release, we will also be having a Virtual Stamp Night on November 1st at the TGF Forum at Paper Craft Planet from 8:00-10:00 p.m. EST...come join us in the fun! We will also be welcoming a new Farmer to the design team...Kim Nath.

Now let's see what the other Muses have created for our viewing pleasure today:

Now it's your turn! Create a card or scrapbook layout using the sketch above, and link your creation below in Mister Linky. Be sure to use the keyword MTSC45 when uploading to a public gallery. Happy Stamping!

...Little Paper Shop Sketch

2009-10-26T16:05:00.001-04:00

This is my submission for the Little Paper Shop's Challenge #39 for today. I used one of the beautiful Miss Anyas from the "Dressy" set along with some new paper I got from SEI. I added some "grass" to the focal panel before attaching the watercolored image with Dimensionals. The sentiment was from the "Sentiments" set (retired) from The Greeting Farm, and was punched out using circle punches.

That's it for today! Thanks for stopping by, and I will see you all back here tomorrow with another installment of my Tuesday Sketch Challenge! Until then...

Supplies

Stamps: Miss Anya Dressy, Sentiments (The Greeting Farm)

Papers: Old Olive, Soft Suede, Tangerine Tango, Very Vanilla, Watercolor, SEI Patterned Paper

Inks: Basic Black Craft, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Soft Suede, Tangerine Tango, Dusty Durango, Kiwi Kiss, Old Olive, Blush Blossom, Cameo Coral, So Saffron

Accessories: mat pack, paper piercer, scissors, dimensionals, brad, clear embossing powder, heat gun, aquapainter, circle punches (1-1/4, 1-3/8, 1-1/2), sponge dauber, circle scissors plus, twine

...You Give Me Strength

2009-10-25T16:42:00.000-04:00

This is my submission for a couple of challenges this past week at SCS; the Ways To Use It Challenge #241 (Patched Up!), and the Inspiration Challenge #203 (Anthropologie). I chose to use the colors in these Blush Grove Tights as my starting point, then added stitching between my pieces of patterned paper to create a patchwork look. The patterned papers were from K & Company, and the bird was from the Birds and Blossoms Diecut set. The sentiment was from the Verve set, "Believe", and was stamped in Soft Suede Ink. I added some paper piercing to the focal panel and the large Sage Shadow Cardstock panel, then added some Rhinestones above the sentiment and in place of the bird's eye. I used the Scallop Edge Border Punch on the horizontal Melon Mambo Cardstock panel, then tied some So Saffron Grosgrain Ribbon around it. All of the panels were attached to each other and the So Saffron Cardstock base using Dimensionals.

That's it for me today! Thanks for stopping by, and I will see you again tomorrow with another creation! Until then...

Supplies

Stamps: Believe (Verve)

Papers: So Saffron, Melon Mambo, Sage Shadow, K & Company

Inks: Melon Mambo, Soft Suede

Accessories: mat pack, paper piercer, ribbon, scallop edge border punch, birds and blooms die, big shot, sponge dauber, sewing machine, rhinestones, dimensionals

...Believe Blog Hop

2009-10-24T11:00:00.001-04:00

Be sure to scroll down to the next post to see my Crazy 4 Challenges card!

Welcome to the Verve Believe Blog Hop. If you’ve just happened across my blog, you’ll want to start back at the beginning (http://poeticartistry.blogspot.com/) and hop your way along. Today we’re hopping for the Cure, sharing projects from a new set Verve just released called Believe. This set was designed in honor of breast cancer awareness, and Verve is donating $10 from the sale of every Believe set to the Susan G Komen For the Cure Foundation. We believe that we can make a difference. We believe that each day should be celebrated, each moment cherished, and that every little thing we can do in the fight to find a cure matters.

I decided to keep it sweet and simple with my "Believe" card...I wanted to showcase this beautiful set, not some sort of patterned paper or embellishment. I sponged and pierced the edges of the Pretty In Pink Cardstock base, then stamped the sentiment in Jet Black Staz-On Ink. For the focal panel, I collage-stamped the two ribbons and the smallest flower from the set in Pretty In Pink Classic Ink onto a Whisper White Cardstock. I then cut the panel into 1" squares, sponged the edges, and rearranged them randomly on the Basic Black Cardstock mat. The only embellishments I added were a piece of Black Grosgrain Ribbon and three Black Brads.

Thanks for hopping by! Next up on the hop is…JEN TAPLER. Oh, and we’ve got a special gift hidden along our hop for one lucky commenter, so if you see something you really love, give a little shout out and you just might win a $30 gift certificate to Verve!

Supplies

Stamps: Believe (Verve)

Papers: Pretty in Pink, Basic Black, Whisper White

Inks: Pretty in Pink, Jet Black Staz-On

Accessories: mat pack, paper piercer, sponge dauber, ribbon, brads

...Crazy 4 Geometric Shapes

2009-10-24T00:01:00.008-04:00

This is my sample for the C4C8 challenge at the Crazy 4 Challenges Blog, and geometric shapes are the order of the day! I've included an oval, a square, and a rectangle in my creation for today. The beautiful poinsettia and sentiment were from the new Verve set "Blessed Christmas", and the patterned papers were from Fancy Pants Designs. I added piercing along the edges of the patterned paper panels, then tied some Riding Hood Striped Ribbon around the long, horizontal panel. The layered poinsettia was stamped three times on Watercolor Paper, embossed, then colored with ink pads and an Aquapainter. Each layer was cut out and attached to the next using Dimensionals, while the sentiment was stamped and embossed directly onto the Whisper White Cardstock focal panel. After adding three Silver Brads below the sentiment, each panel was attached to the Baja Breeze Cardstock base using Dimensionals.

Now let's check out what the other C4C design team members have to share today (I'm sure you will not be disappointed!):

Thanks for stopping by today, and I will see you again tomorrow! Until then...

Supplies

Stamps: Blessed Christmas (Verve)

Papers: Baja Breeze, Riding Hood Red, Whisper White, Watercolor, Fancy Pants Designs DP

Inks: Basic Black Craft, Riding Hood Red, Always Artichoke

Accessories: clear embossing powder, heat gun, aquapainter, mat pack, paper piercer, ribbon, brads, scissors, dimensionals, nesties, big shot

...Farm Fresh Friday : Punch Drunk

2009-10-23T00:02:00.001-04:00

Be sure to scroll down to the next post to see my Verve Sneak Peeks for today!

It's Friday, so that means it's also time for another card showcasing the amazing stamps by The Greeting Farm (TGF). This week's Farm Fresh Friday challenge is entitled "Punch Drunk & In Love With TGF". We were to use at least two different punches on our creations, so I chose to use the Photo Corner Punch and Small Star Punch to create a Christmas Tree! I also used the Large Oval Punch and the Scallop Oval Punch for my sentiment. Vivi was stamped and embossed on Watercolor Paper, then watercolored with ink pads and an Aquapainter. The patterned paper was from TGF's Merry, Merry paper pack, and the sentiment was from the Keep Cozy set.

That's it for the card, but I have a couple of announcements to make in regards to TGF. First up...starting Tuesday, October 27th, the TGF Design Team will be showing some sneak previews of some of the new stamps coming out. We will also be holding a Virtual Stamp Night (VSN) at the TGF Forum from 8:00-10:00 p.m. EST on Sunday, November 1st...you will NOT want to miss it! I will be giving you more details as the day approaches. Until tomorrow...

Supplies

Stamps: Vivi, Keep Cozy (The Greeting Farm)

Papers: Melon Mambo, Basic Black, Watercolor, Garden Green, Summer Sun, Chocolate Chip, Merry, Merry DP

Inks: Garden Green, Summer Sun, Chocolate Chip, Melon Mambo, Basic Gray, Close to Cocoa, Blush Blossom, Basic Black Craft

Accessories: clear embossing powder, heat gun, aquapainter, white gel pen, mat pack, paper piercer, punches (large oval, scallop oval, photo corner, small star), dimensionals, sponge daubers

...October Verve Sneak Peeks : Day Four

2009-10-23T00:01:00.002-04:00

It's Friday, and Day Four of the Verve October Sneak Peeks...so are you in the Christmas mood yet? You should be! But just in case you aren't, I am showcasing TWO more sets that will be available to purchase tonight! Ready to take a look?

O Christmas Tree

For this first peek, I used two of the sentiments and the small poinsettia to create my very own coordinating patterned paper on the Garden Green Cardstock panel. The sentiments and bloom were stamped in Chocolate Chip Ink in a random pattern using a Stamp-a-ma-jig and Image Sheet. The edges were pierced with a Mat Pack and Paper Piercer, then they were sponged in Chocolate Chip Ink with a Sponge Dauber. A piece of Chocolate Felt Ribbon was added, then the panel was attached to the Kraft card base using Dimensionals.

I stamped the tree three times on the Very Vanilla focal panel using the Masking Technique, then sponged the edges of that as well. I created the sentiment panel by stamping the sentiment on chocolate on vanilla cardstock, and cutting it out with my Big Shot and Classic Circle Nesties. A couple of Brown Brads were added above the focal panel to complete the card.

Frosty Flakes

This is one of my favorite cards for the week. This is the smallest set to be released this month, and contains three various-sized snowflakes and a sentiment. The sentiment was stamped in Always Artichoke Ink in the lower right-hand corner of the Kraft card base, and all three of the snowflakes were stamped on the Baja Breeze focal panel. I stamped and embossed all three flakes in white, then went back and added more of the smallest in baja ink to fill in some of the holes. The focal panel was matted with Always Artichoke Cardstock, then the top edge was pierced with a Mat Pack and Paper Piercer. A piece of Baja Breeze Striped Ribbon was added, then I created my own "icicles" to use at the bottom of the panel as a border punch substitute. So what do you think?

That's it for me today! Don't forget that the Divas are sharing more sneak peeks at the Verve Blog. You will not want to miss the release of the 7 new sets, so join me and the other Divas at the Release Party tonight at 9:00 p.m. EST! You can win FREE stamps by playing along with the Release Week Challenges, and you can also download the Winter Mittens Digi Set for FREE. Until later...

O Christmas Tree Card Supplies

Stamps: O Christmas Tree (Verve)

Papers: Kraft, Chocolate Chip, Garden Green, Very Vanilla

Inks: Chocolate Chip, Garden Green

Accessories: mat pack, paper piercer, sponge dauber, stamp-a-ma-jig, image sheet, ribbon, dimensionals, circle nesties, big shot, brads

Frosty Flakes Card Supplies

Stamps: Frosty Flakes (Verve)

Papers: Kraft, Always Artichoke, Baja Breeze

Inks: VersaMark, Baja Breeze, Always Artichoke

Accessories: embossing buddy, white embossing powder, heat gun, dimensionals, stickles, mat pack, paper piercer, ribbon, sponge dauber, crystal effects, dazzling diamonds, wax paper

...October Verve Sneak Peeks : Day Three

2009-10-22T00:01:00.003-04:00

Happy Thursday, and welcome to Day Three of the October Release Sneak Peeks for Verve Stamps! We're still celebrating Christmas, and I have TWO more samples to share with you today...so let's get started!

Christmas In The Air

I simply adore this sentiment that accompanied this fun and whimsical set. I also loved the one-of-a-kind snowflakes...and there are several sizes to choose from included in the set. I used the smallest of the flakes on the Baja Breeze focal panel, then the next size up on the Old Olive panel. The sentiment was stamped first with Chocolate Chip Ink, then I used Baja Breeze Ink to create a shadowed or embossed effect (you can see it better by clicking on the picture to get a larger view). I added some faux-stitching around the focal panel using a Mat Pack, a Paper Piercer, and a Chocolate Chip Marker. The edges of the olive panel were distressed using a Heidi Swapp Distressing Tool, Old Olive Ink, and a Sponge Dauber. The striped patterned paper was from Bo Bunny, and was matted with Old Olive Cardstock. The only embellishments used on this were Aged Copper Hodgepodge Hardware and Chocolate Felt Ribbon.

Holly Jolly Christmas

How can you not love Christmas ornaments? And these are simply phenomenal...great designs and several to choose from! You all know how much I love non-traditional colors used for Christmas cards, and this card is no different! I stamped this fabulous striped ornament on Watercolor Paper with Basic Black Craft Ink, then embossed it with Clear Embossing Powder and a Heat Gun. I used an Aquapainter along with Bermuda Bay and Melon Mambo Inks to color and shade it. The holly was stamped, embossed, and colored in the same manner, but it was cut out and attached to the ornament using Dimensionals. The edges of all the panels were pierced using a Mat Pack and Paper Piercer, but I used a Black Marker to create faux-stitching on the bottom two panels. The sentiment, "happy holly-days", was stamped in Staz-On Black Ink, then a piece of Melon Mambo Dotted Ribbon and Black Brads were added to complete the card.

That's it for me today! Don't forget that there will be 7 new sets released immediately following the Release Party @ 9:00 p.m Eastern this Friday, October 23rd. All the Divas are sharing sneak peeks each day this week at the Verve Blog, too. There are some Release Week Challenges at the Verve forum that you can play along with for a chance to win some FREE STAMPS. There is even a Winter Mittens Digi Set that you can download for FREE...so go check it all out! Until later...

Christmas In The Air Card Supplies

Stamps: Christmas In The Air (Verve)

Papers: Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Baja Breeze, Bo Bunny Patterned Paper

Inks: Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Baja Breeze

Accessories: aged copper hodgepodge hardware, mat pack, paper piercer, chocolate marker, sponge daubers, dimensionals, distressing tool, felt ribbon

Holly Jolly Christmas Card Supplies
Stamps: Holly Jolly Christmas

Papers: Bermuda Bay, Melon Mambo, Watercolor Paper

Inks: Basic Black Craft, Bermuda Bay, Melon Mambo, Going Gray

Accessories: dimensionals, mat pack, paper piercer, black marker, brads, ribbon, clear embossing powder, heat gun, aquapainter, scissors, sponge dauber

...October Verve Sneak Peeks : Day Two

2009-10-21T00:07:00.001-04:00

Happy Wednesday, everyone...and welcome to Day Two of my sneaky peeks at the new October releases from Verve! I know you all are going to love the gorgeous new images that debut this Friday, October 23rd! There will be 7 new sets released immediately following the Release Party @ 9:00 p.m Eastern. All the Divas will be sharing sneak peeks each day this week at the Verve Blog, and also on their individual blogs. There are some Release Week Challenges at the Verve forum that you can play along with for a chance to win some FREE STAMPS, and there is even a Winter Mittens Digi Set that you can download for FREE...so check it all out!

Today I have the pleasure of peeking TWO new set for you...Star of Wonder and Blessed Christmas! Yep, you guessed it...it's Christmas time in the neigh-Verve-hood! LOL! Now on to the sneaky peeky!

Star of Wonder

This first card showcases one of the gorgeous sentiment fonts that is included in this month's release. I embossed it in Black Embossing Powder, then sponged around it to create a twilight landscape. I stamped one of the smaller stars in the set onto the bottom portion of the Old Olive panel to create my very own coordinating patterned paper. I wanted to keep the card pretty simple, so I went sparingly on the embellishments: Silver Brads, Old Olive Ribbon, and an Olive Button tied with Linen Thread.

Blessed Christmas

This is one of my other favorite sets this month, so I was ecstatic to find out that the sneak peeks for both sets were going to be on the same day! Yet another extraordinary sentiment that was embossed in Black Embossing Powder, and a simple-yet-striking cross that was also embossed in black. I stamped off the cross twice to create the two shadowed crosses in the background, then watercolored the third to feature on this clean and simple card. The flower in the center was created by punching out So Saffron Cardstock using the Trio Flower Punch, then the edges were sponged before being attached to the cross. I added piercing around the focal panel and three Silver Brads to complete the card.

That's it for me today! Thanks for stopping by, and I will see you all again tomorrow with another look at some of the new and delicious sets for the October Verve Release. Until then...

Star of Wonder Card Supplies

Stamps: Star of Wonder (Verve)

Papers: Elegant Eggplant, Old Olive, Whisper White

Inks: Old Olive, Basic Black Craft, Elegant Eggplant

Accessories: dimensionals, mat pack, paper piercer, clear embossing powder, heat gun, brads, ribbon, button, linen thread, sponge daubers, nesties, big shot

Blessed Christmas Card Supplies

Stamps: Blessed Christmas (Verve)

Papers: Sage Shadow, Basic Black, Whisper White

Inks: Basic Black Craft, So Saffron, Sage Shadow

Accessories: dimensionals, mat pack, paper piercer, clear embossing powder, heat gun, aquapainter, scissors, trio flower punch, brads

...Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge #44 (MTSC44)

2009-10-20T00:01:00.002-04:00

Happy Tuesday, everyone! Sorry I have been MIA lately, but I have been fighting off a horrible case of bronchitis since last Thursday. I had been coughing so hard that I actually pulled a couple of muscles in my back and neck But thanks to muscle relaxers and lot of rest, I am well on the road to recovery. So...not only is it time for another sketch challenge, but it is also October Release Week at Verve! We are having a blast with the gorgeous new images that debut this Friday, October 23rd! Verve will be releasing 7 new sets immediately following the Release Party @ 9:00 p.m Eastern. The Divas will also be sharing sneak peeks starting today at the Verve Blog, and also on their individual blogs. There are some Release Week Challenges at the forum that you can play along with for a chance to win some FREE STAMPS, and a Winter Mittens Digi that you can download for FREE...so check it all out!

Now for this week's Tuesday Sketch #44:

Silke Ledlow's Gorgeous Sample:

My Sample:

This is my sneak peek for Verve's new set called "Believe". I wanted to stay with a pink theme since this set was for Breast Cancer Awareness, so I combined Pixie Pink and Chocolate Chip. The patterned paper was actually created using the large flower image from the set, while the two smaller blooms were watercolored to create the layered flowers on the focal panel. I added some faux-stitching and sponging to the large background panel, and used a White Gel Pen to highlight the centers of some of the large blossoms. The card was finished off with Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon, Chocolate Chip Gingham Ribbon, a White Button, and Linen Thread.

Now let's see what the other Muses have created for our viewing pleasure today:

Now it's your turn! Create a card or scrapbook layout using the sketch above, and link your creation below in Mister Linky. Be sure to use the keyword MTSC44 when uploading to a public gallery. Happy Stamping!

...Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge #43 (MTSC43)

2009-10-13T00:01:00.003-04:00

Happy Tuesday, everyone! It's time for another sketch challenge, but I wanted to announce the winner of the "Up, Up, Away" stamp set from Verve. The lucky winner is...#72, Peggy McCurry! Congrats, Peggy! Please send your shipping info to my email address provided in the sidebar, and I will get your set right out to you. Thanks for all of the beautiful creations...you ladies ROCK!

Now for this week's Tuesday Sketch #43:

My Sample:

Silke Ledlow's Sample:

Now let's see what the other Muses have created for our viewing pleasure today:

Now it's your turn! Create a card or scrapbook layout using the sketch above, and link your creation below in Mister Linky. Be sure to use the keyword MTSC43 when uploading to a public gallery. I will be checking out each submission, so don't be surprised if I contact you about being a guest designer for an entire month of Tuesdays!

Happy Stamping!

...Encouraging Words Project

2009-10-12T00:01:00.001-04:00

Happy Monday, everyone! It's time for our September "Encouraging Words" Project Parade over at the Verve Blog. I have a very close friend who has been going through a rough patch lately, so I decided to alter a door hanger, and create a 3X3 coordinating card for her. I used the "Happiness Found" stamp set on the hanger, and the "Wishing You" set on the card. Let's take a look at each part of this project!

Door Hanger:

3X3 Coordinating Card (Outside):
3X3 Coordinating Card (inside):

I also have the random winner of my blog candy giveaway! The lucky commenter is...#28, MARISA! Congrats, Marisa! You have four days to contact me with your shipping address...Thanks! That's it for me today! Be sure to visit the Verve Blog for a chance to win some prizes, too! Thanks for stopping by, and I will see you back here tomorrow with another installment of Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge.

Supplies

Stamps: Happiness Found, Wishing You (Verve)

Papers: Very Vanilla, Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, Ambrosia (BasicGrey)

Inks: Basic Black Craft

Accessories: door hanger, acrylic paint, sponge brush, file set, rhinestones, label four nesties, big shot, apron lace border punch, clear embossing powder, heat gun, scissors, mat pack, paper piercer, dimensionals