{Gingerbread Christmas} Diva Inspirations

Hi everyone,

well we're not having our usual Diva Inspirations Blog Hop this month because it's the holidays and everyone is extremely busy but I am on official break from school...three weeks off...yay!!! sooo I have a card for you today!!! lol

I call this cutie here Gingerbread Christmas because every time I look at this card it makes me think of a gingerbread latte at Starbucks...which I just tried for the very first time the other day and I have to say it was yummy but I think the smell was yummier than the taste...if that makes any sense. lol Next time I'm going back to my Chai latte. ;)

So let me tell you what I used on my card: I used the adorable Santa's Helper stamp and made him Rudolph (thanks to some distress Stickles Glitter). I used the snowflakes from the Verve set Glad Tidings and I used the graph paper stamp with the matching rounded rectangle die (also Verve). I've loved stationary stuff like pens and papers since I was a little girl. Whenever I visited my grandma we'd go to this small cute stationary shop around the corner. It was always my favorite stop sooo when Julee came out with graph paper and the lined paper I could not resist!!! 

It's one of my favorite stamps...plus you can use it for any card, you can layer it...the possibilities are endless!!!

thank you so much for stopping by!!!

Happy Holidays!!!

Sony

Stamps: Glad Tidings (Verve), Santa's Helper (Verve), Graph Paper (Verve)

Paper: Kraft, Yuletide (K&C Company), Chocolate Chip (SU)
Ink: Frayed Burlap (DistressInk), Memento Tuxedo Black, Frost White (ColorBox)

Accessories: Snowflake Tidings A Cut Above Die (Verve), Rounded Rectangle A Cut Above Die (Verve), Crystal Ice Stickles Glitter, Copics, Mini Paperclip, Ribbon, Jute Twine, Button, Pop-Up Dots, White Thread and Sewing Machine, Sponge, Fired Brick Distress Stickles, Nesties

{Razzle Dazzle Christmas} Diva Inspirations

Hi Everyone and Happy Holidays,

I hope all of you had a wonderful thanksgiving with lots of turkey and friends and family. We actually got the entire week off from school which was so desperately needed and even though finals are due next week I've been taken it a little easier this week. It's been great!!! I've been getting 8 hours of sleep, I've been able to cook my own food, no take-out, I did about 3 loads of laundry, I even got to rent and watch movies...I feel like a human again lol.

Oh and thanksgiving was amazing!!! I got to spend it at my rector's house from church. Two other families were invited as well so it was a big group of us and lots of fun. Everyone brought something so we had everything you could hope for...from red cabbage to cheesecake. It was heaven for my tummy!!! And then in the afternoon I took the girls to see the latest Twilight movie...which I have to admit was actually not entirely terrible...I'd probably even go as far as saying that it was the best one of the series yet. While we were at the movies the mom's went to Michaels...which is currently on my list of places to avoid because I'll just end up spending way too much money there. Afterwards all of us just hung out and chatted until it was time to go home and go to bed. The perfect thanksgiving!

So now that I've told you about my week let me talk a little about the card I made yesterday. I got some new Verve goodies recently that I've been dying to put to use so here you go. The stamps I used are all from the Glad Tidings set which is currently sold out...no wonder it is an absolute must-have christmas set. I used the brandnew Snowflake Tidings Die Set to cut out my snowflakes and then I got a little glitter and rhinestone happy and bedazzled my card. :)

Oh and before I forget:

Verve's Black Friday sale will be going on until this Sunday...35% off of selected stamps. Don't miss out on your chance for some new Verve for those christmas cards!!

thanks so much for stopping by and see you again soon for our December Diva Inspirations Blog Hop.

til then...Happy Holidays to you,

Sony

Stamps: Glad Tidings (Verve)

Paper: Kraft, Aqua Mist (PTI), Webster Pages, Black

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Taken with Teal (SU)

Accessories: Snowflake Tidings A Cut Above Die (Verve), Copic Markers, Crystal Ice Stickles Glitter, Rhinestones, Nesties, Grosgrain Ribbon (TCP), Buttons, Unfurry Jute Twine (TCP),  White Thread and Sewing Machine, Pop-Up Dots, Seeing Spots Embossing Folder (Cuttlebug), Deco Fan Border Punch (Martha Stewart)

{Abundant Blessings} November Diva Inspirations Blog Hop

Hi guys,

who says you can't pair black with brown?! I say rules are there to be broken (once you've mastered them of course) soo my little pattern-happy  card here features some brown DP with lots of black around it. :)

Did you all have a great halloween?? I had a wonderful time...it was so much fun to dress up in a funky costume which let's face it doesn't happen all that often. I went steampunk this year, with aviator goggles, a little jacket and pants, a corset belt, pigtails, red lips, black smoky eyes and torn fishnet stockings. Ha super fun!!

Anyyyway....let's talk hopping shall we?

I'ts November!!!! Which means we (the Diva Inspirations team) has some Verve eye candy ready for you to check out!! 

Take a little peek at each of the fabulous blogs below and leave a little comment love for their Verve-alicious eye candy and you just might win some Vervey goodness of your very own!

1. Julee 6. Lynda 2. Betty 7. Shannan 3. Dawn 8. Sony 4. Jen d. 9. Susan 5. Jen T.

We've hidden a little mystery prize on one of today's hop spots, so be sure to leave a little comment love as you hop around for a chance to win!
Comment Deadline: 11:59pm Mountain, November 7
Prize: $30 gift certificate to Verve


aaand here's what else you should absolutely know:

A new month brings a new Stamp of the Month...
At 40% off during the month of November, Poinsettia Christmas is one splendid deal! And for more savings, check out our Sale page to see which timeless holiday sets are on sale during the month of November! aaaand one more big announcement which all of you have been waiting for:
Save the Date! Our next release is just around the corner! Come countdown to our holiday release by joining us at our Release Party on Friday, November 11 from 9-11pm Eastern in our SCS Member Company Forum. Look for our New Release Spotlight Hops starting Wednesday, November 9 on the Verve Blog!

Unfortunately I won't be able to party with you guys because I'll be at a wedding that day...lol of course who isn't going to a wedding on 11.11.11 right?! Anyway....have a blast at the party with all the other Divas aaand if I don't make it back on here before the holiday....have a wonderful thanksgiving!!!

thanks so much for stopping by,

Sony :)

Stamps: Bountiful Harvest (Verve)

Paper: Avignon (7Gypsies), Amber Autumn Stack (DCWV), Black, Ivory, Dark Chocolate (PTI)

Ink: Frayed Burlap (DistressInk), Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories: Charming Oval Cut Above Die (Verve), Classy Label Cut Above Die (Verve), Brads, Sponges, Linen Thread, Ribbon, Sewing Machine, Kraft thread, Pop-up Dots, Big Scallop CutUps Die (TCP)

{Happy Harvest} October Diva Inspirations Blog Hop

Hi everyone,

my where does the time go....can you believe it's October already?! 

Well let me get right to it because this month we have lots of our Diva Release Team joining us.Take a little peek at each of the fabulous blogs below and leave a little comment love for their Verve-alicious eye candy and you just might win some Vervey goodness of your very own!

1. Julee 9. Charmaine 2. Betty 10. Sankari 3. Dawn 11. Teresa 4. Jen d. 12. Andrea 5. Lynda 13. Tosh 6. Shannan 14. Maureen 7. Sony 15. Amy 8. Susan 16. Laurie 17. Jen Tapler

We've hidden a little mystery prize on one of today's hop spots, so be sure to leave a little comment love as you hop around for a chance to win!
Comment Deadline: 11:59pm Mountain, October 10
Prize: $30 gift certificate to Verve

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and we're doing our part to raise awareness.We've got a special Think Pink SALE, with all in-stock stamps and dies 20% off October 1 - 16. And to sweeten the deal, Verve will donate 10% of proceeds from this sale to the Susan G Komen For the Cure foundation. A little something for you... a little something for the cure!

And last but not least, a new month brings a new Stamp of the Month...
At 40% off during the month of October, Harvest Blessings is one splendid deal!  thanks so much for stopping by!!! Happy Stamping, Sony Stamps: Bountiful Harvest (Verve) Paper: Kraft, Chocolate Chip (SU), Amber Autumn Stack (DCWV), Songbird (DCWV) Ink: Soft Suede (SU), Memento Tuxedo Black Accessories: Copic Markers, Stickles Glitter, Liquid  Pearls, Ribbon, Metal Gears (Tim Holtz), Hot Glue Gun, Sponges, Paperflower Leaves, Classy Label Cut Above Die (Verve), Embossed Oval Cut Above Die (Verve)

{Peace} Diva Inspirations Blog Hop

Hi guys and 

Welcome to the September Diva Inspirations Blog Hop! I hope you are all doing well, that you who live on the eastcoast survived that hurricane and that you are now full on ready to see some fabulous eye candy. I can say for myself personally that I have never ever been this busy in my life before. This past term (we're in finals at the moment) I took an additional class on top of my regular full-time 6 class-load. I also started interning at my school's studio, doing matte paintings for a short, animated film....aaand just last friday I accepted a two week job on CSI:NY. So yes...I had to basically work overtime last weekend to get as many of my final projects done as I could. I still have to two left to work on....and one of them requires me to actually be at school and present otherwise I get a D in the class. :( Good times!!! But you're not here to read my life's story so let's get movin', you've got a whole lot more to see.... Our Diva Inspirations team and a few special guests from our Release team are here to start your month off right with a littleVerve inspiration! Take a little peek at each of the fabulous blogs below and leave a little comment love for their Verve-alicious eye candy and you just might win some Vervey goodness of your very own! 1. Julee 7. Sony _that's me :) 2. Betty 8. Susan 3. Dawn 9. Andrea 4. Jen d. 10. Sankari 11. Teresa 5. Lynda 12. Tosh 6. Shannan 13. Charmaine We've hidden a little mystery prize on one of today's hop spots, so be sure to leave a little comment love as you hop around for a chance to win! Comment Deadline: 11:59pm Mountain, September 12 Prize: $30 gift certificate to Verve

Autumn SALE! Fall is in the air and we're in the mood for a SALE! During September, enjoy 25% savings on all of our autumn themed stamps! Plus, don't miss our September Stamp of the Month special on Autumn Splendor... At 30% off during the month of September, Autumn Splendor is one splendid deal! wait...it's autumn already?! Yikes...I better get to it and start making some thanksgiving cards!! HAPPY HOPPING!!! Say hi to Susan from me :) Sony

Stamps: Forever in Our Hearts (Verve), Blue Skies (Verve) Paper: Kraft, Lavender Lace (SU), Vintage Shabby (Tim Holtz), Close to Cocoa (SU), Ivory  Ink: Frayed Burlap, Soft Suede (SU), Memento Tuxedo Black Accessories: Prima Flowers, Stickles Glitter, Twill Tape, Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, Nesties, Kraft Thread and Sewing Machine, Sponges, Copic Marker, Score-Pal, Deco Fan Border Punch (Martha Stewart)

{OMG} SFYTT

Hello everyone,

it's the very first Saturday of July...already. Are you ready for summer to start?! I know I am...although I probably won't get to see too much of it...being inside so much all the time buuut this weekend is definitely going to be a ton of fun. Tonight a bunch of my friends from school are going out, to celebrate end of finals (for some) and the beginning of a new term and then tomorrow I'm going to another friends' BBQ and then on monday I have a feeling I'm just going to do a ton of hugging my pillow and catching up on homework in front of the tv. :) My kinda weekend. :)

So let's talk cards tho shall we?!

Guess who our sponsor over at SFYTT is this month: it is My Favorite Things!!! You definitely want to check Jen's Blog for details on the deets, the prize this month aaand that's where you'll also upload your creations.

For my sample here I'm using the Die-Namics Say What Die & Stamp Set aaand can I tell you I LOVE this set?! I really really do and not just because you can do sooo many things with it but because it is also the perfect set for the so hard to make teenager cards. I'm sure you all know exactly what I'm talking about...so this right here, is cool enough even for the "hippest" teenagers. ;)

oh and the sketch...hehe...I almost forgot: love this sketch as well...so much fun. I got a little carried away and did a little more tilting aaand some additional layering but I'm sure you won't mind, right?! :)

Ready for some more eye candy?!

Stop by my amazing sisters for some more inspiration:
First of a very hearty and big welcome to Debbie Carriere -she is our fabulous Guest Designer this month and will be featured on Jen's Blog

• Amber Hight
• Amy Sheffer
• Carole Burrage
• Jen Tapler
• Jodi Collins
• Kelly Lunceford
• Kerry Johnson
• Megan Lock
• Susan Liles
• Terri Moore

 thanks so much for stopping by and have an awesome weekend!!

Sony 

Stamps: Say What (MFT)
Paper: Newspaper (SU), Kraft, Real Red (SU)

Ink: Frayed Burlap, Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Say What Die-Namics (MFT), Grosgrain Ribbon (TCP), Divine Twine (TCP), Button, Linen Thread (TCP), Morroccan Border Punch (EK), Sponges, Stickles Glitter, Ribbon (SU), Pop-Up Dots, Cards (OA), Kraft Thread and Sewing Machine, Hot Glue and Glue Gun

{Happy Birthday Dad} Diva Inspirations Blog Hop

Hi guys and Welcome to our July Diva Inspirations Blog Hop!!!

We have a very special treat for you this month as there are several guests from the Release Team joining us in showing off some heavenly Verve today. Take a peek at each of the fabulous blogs below for some  eye candy action and you just might win some Vervey goodness of your very own!

1. Julee 9. Susan 2. Betty 10. Andrea 3. Dawn 11. Charmaine 4. Jen d. 12. Teresa 5. Jen T. 13. Maureen 6. Lynda 14. Amber 7. Shannan 15. Amy 8. Sony We've hidden a little mystery prize on one of today's hop spots, so be sure  to leave a little comment love as you hop around for a chance to win! Comment Deadline: 11:59pm Mountain, July 5 Prize: $30 gift certificate to Verve  Now July is a HUGE birthday month at Verve...since five of us Divas (including the one  and only Julee...aaand me too :) are celebrating our birthdays this month. Yay!!!!  So it's no surprise that the stamp of the month is....drum roll please.... Carpe Cupcake! And at 40% off during the month of July, Carpe Cupcake  is one SWEET deal! BUT that's not all.... A brand new month also brings along a new sale here at Verve! During the month of July, save 20% on all of our birthday stamps! Check out all the birthday goodness on our SALE page. Nooooww to our Gift To You!!! Julee has gathered some of all our favorite things...doilies, My Mind's Eye Paper, Tags, Ribbon, plus a few other goodies and put them in little brown paper packages! And during the month of July, if you order $75 worth of Verve you'll receive one of these goody bags for free!!! There's nothing to add to your cart, you goodies will just magically appear in your order. hehe see what brown can do for you ;) Whew with so many goodies....you'll just have to celebrate with us! :) Happy Hoppin' and a fabulous 4th of July!!!! Sony :) Stamps: Protector (Verve), Happy Days (Verve) Paper: Avignon (7 Gypsies), Newsprint (SU), Kraft, Ivory Ink: Frayed Burlap, Antique Linen (Distress Ink), Soft Suede (SU), Memento Tuxedo Black Accessories: Twill Tape, Nesties, Sponges, Jute Twine, Hot Glue, Glue Gun, Metal Gears (Tim Holtz), Big eyelets (SU), Crop-a-dile II, Pop-Up Dots

{He Cares For You} Diva Inspirations

Hi guys,

how are you? I hope all is well with you. I'm enjoying my last and really only weekend of free time before my next term at school starts back up. I could really use one more week off buuut oh well...what are you gonna do?! At least I did get to go to the beach one day this week aand did I mention that I look a little like a spotted zebra at the moment?! lol yup I guess I forgot to put sunscreen on some parts and/or did not re-apply as often as I should have. It's not too terrible though...nothing some aloe can't fix. :)

Anyway....I'm back with a little Diva Inspiration for you. I got some new Verve a little while ago that I had not had the chance to get inked up yet so I thought today was the perfect day for just that. 

I loved the Mojo Monday 194 sketch and thought it would be just perfect for the Verve set 1 Peter 5:7. 

thanks so much for stopping by,

Sony :)

Stamps: 1 Peter 5:7 (Verve)
Paper: Vintage Shabby (Tim Holtz), Kraft, Rustic Cream (PTI), Aqua Mist (PTI)
Ink: Frayed Burlap, Antique Linen (Distress Ink), Soft Suede (SU)
Accessories: Twill Tape, Rosette CutUps Die (TCP), Nesties, Layered Arches Border Punch (Martha Stewart), Jute Twine, Ribbon (SU), Kraft Thread, Sewing Machine

Mojo 196 & TCP Tuesday 164

Hi guys,

well I'm trying to finally get back into the swing of things...meaning life...and that includes a little bit of stamping which I got around to today...yay. So I kept it relatively simple today...using this week's Mojo Monday sketch challenge and combined it with this week's TCP Tuesday stamp challenge.

I used one of my all-time favorite PJ stamps from the set What a Blast...only thing I did differently is I cut off the pinwheel stamp and replaced it with a 3D pinwheel...hehe. :) Oh and in case you're wondering where I got that cute 3D pinwheel from...I made it...using the Pinwheel CutUps die from the Cat's Pajamas. Gotta love a custom pinwheel right?!            

                                            

oh and there were some questions about what I'm doing, how I did this last term and why I sort of dropped of the planet for a while there soo let me tell you about it:                    

I'm currently studying 3D, computer animation, Visual FX...that sort of fun stuff and my ultimate goal is to become a matte painter. What is a matte painting? Well let me copy and paste the fine wikipedia definition since that one sounds so much better than any of my attempts at an explanation: A matte painting is a painted representation of a landscape, set, or distant location that allows filmmakers to create the illusion of an environment that would otherwise be too expensive or impossible to build or visit. Historically, matte painters and film technicians have used various techniques to combine a matte-painted image with live-action footage. At its best, depending on the skill levels of the artists and technicians, the effect is "seamless" and creates environments that would otherwise be impossible to film.

 I hope that makes sort of sense?? Just think of some of those gorgeous deep backgrounds in Lord of the Rings or Avatar and know that those are actually 2 - 2 1/2D paintings and that's what I want to do. So far I only got 3 out of 6 grades back but so far I've got all B+ which is great, considering I was really forced to prioritize this term and let some classes slack. I'm happy. :)

and here's one of my environment design paintings I did this term:

so yeah that's what I want to do....when I grow up ;)

thanks so much for swinging by!!!

Have a great rest of the week!! I'm heading to the beach tomorrow!! The sun is finally coming out here in LA!!! It's about time!!

Sony

Stamps: What a Blast (TCP)

Paper: Fine and Dandy (MME), Chocolate Chip (PTI)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories: Copic Markers, Pinwheel CutUps Die (TCP), Nesties, Brads, Platinum Liquid Pearls, Stardust Stickles Glitter, Rounded Corner Punch

{Dessert First} SFYTT spin-off

Hi everyone,

I thought this day would never come but it has: finals are coming to an end!! I'm so excited...I was able to catch up on sleep today, I was able to clean my apartment which was soo overdue, I got to cook (yay no more take out) aand I was also able to squeeze in a card!! Can you believe it?! Yeah me neither lol....anyway...I got this adorable stamp set from Your Next Stamp for I believe it was last month's SFYTT challenge and I never got around to getting it inked up so of course that was the very first set I reached for today.

The set is called Double Chocolate Cake and as a known chocaholic how could I resist really?!
I'm calling this card an SFYTT spin off because as you can see I sort of omitted the big center strip and I turned the square into two strips of twill tape wrapping around my paper.

thanks so much for stopping by!!!

Sony



Stamps: Double Chocolate Cake (Your Next Stamp)
Paper: Destination Paradise (M&MBI)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Antique Linen (Distress Ink)
Accessories: Twill Tape, Copic Markers, Lace, Flowers, Mini Library Clips (SU), Nesties, Pop-Up Dots, Glitter Glue (Studio G), Hot Glue, Charming Oval Die (Verve)

just dropping in...

Hiiii everyone,


I just wanted to drop in to say hi and tell you all that I'm still alive...even though that's a barely with the little amount of sleep I've been getting lol. As you probably know by now...this term is just kickin' my butt left, right and sideways and I haven't been able to get any stamping time in whatsoever buuut we're in homestretch mode at school, only 3 weeks left I think.... which means that my little 1week break is coming up (although I'm taking another class at another school next term which starts in two weeks but that's another story).
Anyway I will be back then with some stamping creations...
but in the meantime I thought I show you some of the things that have been taking up all my time:

here is my forgotten temple environment design, this one was painted in Photoshop

and here is my 3D model of an RAH-66 Comanche helicopter I modeled for my midterm

did I mention every single rivet on this thing was modeled? Oh yeah

and then this is an earlier work in progress shot of a 3D character I'm modeling/sculpting in ZBrush; I'm currently working on her face and who would have thought this to be soo difficult?! Right now she looks like she's had a bad case of botox lol I'm gonna have to fix that.

oh and then here is a very rough, lose and quick thumbnail of an idea for another environment design I had last night:

okay this is about all I have for you for now. Thank you so much for being patient with me. I really hope I'll be able to get some stamping time in again soon. After all this designing, 3D computer stuff I'm really looking forward to just getting crafty again. :)

Sony

standby for SFYTT

Hi guys,

I just wanted to drop in and tell you that it's SFYTT time today aaaand I'm in the thick of midterms so I've been pulling two allnighters in a row...which also means I haven't had a chance to create anything with today's sketch quite yet. I need a little nap and then I'll get to it so please come back a little later on today...I promise I'll have my sample for you ready by then.

Okay but real quick before I get back to work: this month's sketch challenge is being hosted by Your next Stamp and they even have an amazing discount for all you SFYTT fans out there!!! Don't miss out on this!!! There are some cute cute stamps at your next stamp!!

hope to see you back here soon,

Sony :)

{Easter Greeting} Diva Inspirations Blog Hop

Hi everyone,

I don't know about you all but my life has been absolutely crazy lately but let me officially welcome you to our May Diva Inspirations Blog Hop. The Diva Inspirations team has created some fabulous Verve eye candy for you all to start your month off right....and you want to be sure to leave comments along the hop because there is a little mystery prize hidden on one of the blog hop spots today!!!

here's the lineup:

1. Julee 8. Sony 2. Betty 9. Susan 3. Dawn 10. Teresa 4. Jen d. 11. Andrea 5. Jen T. 12. Charmaine 6. Lynda 13. Maureen 7. Shannan

Comment Deadline: 11:59pm Mountain, May 5
Prize: $30 gift certificate to Verve 

In May Verve is featuring the sentiment set, Dare to Be. With 5 uplifting and encouraging sentiments, this set is perfect for graduation, congratulations or just a little pick me up. Or pair it with the To the Moon, Chicks Rule or Lucky Ducky sets for perfect little love notes to tuck into a lunchbox.
And at 40% off during the month of May, Dare to Be is a pretty big deal!


I'm posting an Easter card I had made and just hadn't gotten around to posting featuring the sets Easter Joy, Egg-stra Special, Wishful Elegance and Sweet Treats.

I know I've kept you all way too long already so without further ado I will direct you to Susan's Blog!!! Please tell her hello from me!!!


til next time,

Sony

Stamps: Easter Joy (Verve), Egg-stra Special (Verve), Wishful Elegance (Verve), Sweet Treats (Verve)
Paper: Quite Contrary (My Mind's Eye), Baby Girl Nursery (DCWV), Vanilla, Kraft
Ink: Antique Linen (Distress Ink), Tea Dye (Distress Ink), Soft Suede (SU), Taken with Teal (SU), Mountain Rose (Adirondack), Crushed Curry (SU)
Accessories: Classy Label Die (Verve), Embossed Oval Die (Verve), Platinum Liquid Pearls, Pop-Up Dots, Jute Twine, Twill Tape, Morrocco Edge Border Punch (EK Success), Non-Stick Craft Sheet (Ranger Ink), Mini Mister (Ranger Ink), Sponges, Nail File (for distressing), Heat Gun