Holiday Diva Dare - Day 7

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Welcome to Day 7 of the Holiday Diva Dare!  It's Charmaine and today is my turn to bring you my take on this month's challenge! 

For those of you who are new to this challenge, here is how it works: Following each release, we will post a theme that we dare you with and you'll then have two weeks to complete the challenge. During those two weeks, the release team will be posting their creations and sharing how they answered the dare!

This month's theme is A Handmade Christmas! The theme is pretty broad and can be interpreted in so many different ways...from a lovingly made card, to heartfelt gifts and homemade decorations! With the Holidays right around the corner, this will be the perfect time to get a jump start on your card and gift making!

So, we DARE you to make a Handmade Christmas card or gift!

When I was thinking about what to create for the challenge, I started thinking of things that my kids could help with since they LOVE to create gifts. . .especially my two oldest.  I came across these adorable ornaments at marthastewart.com made with a pipecleaner and buttons!  They are SO simple and perfect for kids to create!  I don't know about you, but I have a TON of buttons, so the girls had their pick and it was a great way to use up some surplus!  ;) 

So, my answer to the dare was the ornaments and some pretty packaging for the ornaments!  I created the snowman box using a downloadable template, and the Santa box was created with a die.  I stamped each box with the snowflakes from Glad Tidings.  I stamped the snowflakes on the box in white craft ink, then I stamped some on white cardstock in Crumb Cake ink and die cut them using the Snowflake Tidings Die Set.  The sentiment panel uses the frame from Tag Time, a sentiment from Bright Spirits and the Curvy Bookplate Die.  The window in the snowman box was die cut using the Rounded Scallop Frame Die.  The snowman is suspended from the lid of the box.  I added tissue paper to the bottoms of both boxes. 

Hope you've been inspired today!  There's more Diva Inspiration to come, so stop back tomorrow!

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Want to know how you can win some fabulous new VERVE GOODIES?

1. Play along with us and link up your new A Handmade Christmas creation (posted November 18 or later) to the linky widget on the DAY ONE post before 9PM Mountain on Thursday, December 8. One lucky stamper will win a $30.00 gift certificate to the Verve Store. Verve Stamps are not required, but if you've got 'em we would LOVE to see ‘em!
2. For another chance to win, be sure to give the Divas a little shout-out in the comments section as we share our A Handmade Christmas creations. One lucky commenter will win the Verve stamp set of his or her choosing! Winners will be announced on Friday, December 9 right here on the Verve blog.

Now it's YOUR turn! We DARE you to show us your creations!

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Holiday Diva Dare - Day 6

Welcome to the Holiday Diva Dare! I have been so inspired by both the Diva creations and the challenge entries uploaded so far. I hope you have too!

For those of you who are new to this challenge, here is how it works: Following each release, we will post a theme that we dare you with and you'll then have two weeks to complete the challenge. During those two weeks, the release team will be posting their creations and sharing how they answered the dare!

This month's theme is A Handmade Christmas! The theme is pretty broad and can be interpreted in so many different ways...from a lovingly made card, to heartfelt gifts and homemade decorations! With the Holidays right around the corner, this will be the perfect time to get a jump start on your card and gift making!

So, we DARE you to make a Handmade Christmas card or gift!

I answered the dare with an ornament that I created using the tree die from the new Winter Fun Die set and a sentiment from Glad Tidings.

I started with a decorative oval chipboard frame, then added a Classy Label diecut, a paper rosette, a layered felt tree, and a sentiment flag. I attached a rusty jingle bell at the bottom and some ivory vintage buttons at the top. I distressed the chipboard and paper elements with Frayed Burlap Distress ink for a somewhat rustic look.To create the layered felt tree, I die-cut three trees from green felt, stacked them, and then stitched vertically through the center. Press open the seams for a more 3D effect if desired. Fairly quick and easy to make! I think these will work especially well with kraft gift bags or packages wrapped in kraft paper. For the recipient, the ornament can go right from the package to the tree for a gift that keeps giving.

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Want to know how you can win some fabulous new VERVE GOODIES?

1. Play along with us and link up your new A Handmade Christmas creation (posted November 18 or later) to the linky widget on the DAY ONE post before 9PM Mountain on Thursday, December 8. One lucky stamper will win a $30.00 gift certificate to the Verve Store. Verve Stamps are not required, but if you've got 'em we would LOVE to see ‘em!
2. For another chance to win, be sure to give the Divas a little shout-out in the comments section as we share our A Handmade Christmas creations. One lucky commenter will win the Verve stamp set of his or her choosing! Winners will be announced on Friday, December 9 right here on the Verve blog.

Now it's YOUR turn! We DARE you to show us your creations!

Holiday Diva Dare-Day 4

Good morning Verve peeps, it is Teresa and I bringing to you my project for the Diva Dare.  We are taking a break from the Diva Dare after today until Monday November 28; to give everyone time with their families.  I hope your Thanksgiving is filled with lots of love.

For those of you that are new to this challenge, here is how it works...following each release, we will post a theme that we dare you with, and you'll have two weeks to complete the challenge. During those two weeks, the release team will post their creations and tell you how they answered the dare!

This month's theme is A Handmade Christmas! The theme is pretty broad and can be interpreted in so many different ways...from a lovingly made card, to heartfelt gifts and homemade decorations!  With the Holidays right around the corner, this will be the perfect time to get a jump start on your card and gift making!

So, we DARE you to make a Handmade Christmas card or gift!

 

I answered the dare with Christmas tags to add to my special Christmas gift wrapping this year.  Half the fun for me is the wrapping, I am using kraft paper, with red, and creams.  

Here is a close up of the tag.  My first gift wrapped for the season is for my MIL, I usually have her gifts ready to go before any others.  The to:/from: is from the O Christmas Tree set.

Here is a photos of a few more of the tags; I have used stitching, buttons, and my beloved glass glitter.  The snowflakes are from the Glad Tidings set and I used the new Snowflake Tidings Die set to cut the snowflakes.  I cannot wait to see what you create!

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Want to know how you can win some fabulous new VERVE GOODIES?

1. Play along with us and link up your new A Handmade Christmas creation (posted November 18 or later) to the linky widget below before 9PM Mountain on Thursday, December 8. One lucky stamper will win a $30.00 gift certificate to the Verve Store. Verve Stamps are not required, but if you've got 'em we would LOVE to see ‘em!
2. For another chance to win, be sure to give the Divas a little shout-out in the comments section as we share our A Handmade Christmas creations. One lucky commenter will win the Verve stamp set of his or her choosing! Winners will be announced on Friday, December 9 right here on the Verve blog.

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You can link up your Handmade Christmas creation on Laurie's post here.

Holiday Diva Dare ~ Day 2

Welcome to the Holiday Diva Dare! For those of you that are new to this challenge, here is how it works...following each release, we will post a theme that we dare you with, and you'll have two weeks to complete the challenge. During those two weeks, the release team will post their creations and tell you how they answered the dare!
This month's theme is A Handmade Christmas! The theme is pretty broad and can be interpreted in so many different ways...from a lovingly made card, to heartfelt gifts and homemade decorations! With the Holidays right around the corner, this will be the perfect time to get a jump start on your card and gift making!
So, we DARE you to make a Handmade Christmas card or gift!
Here's how I answered the dare:

I've enjoyed decorating gift bags and making toppers for them this season. So I thought it would be fun to make a snowflake gift bag with some of Verve's fabulous wintery images!!! You can find a tutorial for the topper HERE. I made the topper first and decorated it with some snowflakes from the Verve sets: Frosty Flakes and Glad Tidings.
I made the sweet little tree by using the new Verve tree diecut from the set Winter Fun, and running it through a crimper.

The Sentiment is from one of the newly released sets, Bright Spirits. I made the medallion using the Tim Holtz Mini Paper Rosettes die along with the 2011 Snowflake Pendant and the Petite Scallop Circle dies by Spellbinders.
See the little snowflake ornament? That was made with the medium snowflake from the Glad Tidings set along with a new Verve die called Snowflake Tidings. And the icicles were made with a Martha Stewart Punch.

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Want to know how you can win some fabulous new VERVE GOODIES?

1. Play along with us and link up your new A Handmade Christmas creation (posted November 18 or later) to the linky widget on the DAY 1 POST before 9PM Mountain on Thursday, December 8. One lucky stamper will win a $30.00 gift certificate to the Verve Store. Verve Stamps are not required, but if you've got 'em we would LOVE to see ‘em!
2. For another chance to win, be sure to give the Divas a little shout-out in the comments section as we share our A Handmade Christmas creations. One lucky commenter will win the Verve stamp set of his or her choosing! Winners will be announced on Friday, December 9 right here on the Verve blog.

Now it's YOUR turn! We DARE you to show us your creations!

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Holiday Release After Party!

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Welcome to our Holiday Release After Party!  Each Monday following a release, we will be bringing you the latest sale info as well as share some eye popping projects made with the newly release stamps!  So, grab a cup of your favorite hot beverage, sit back, and enjoy!

First, how about we give away a prize?  It's always good to start a Monday by giving away some shiny new Verve, right?  :-) 

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It's time to announce the random winner from our Post Release Blog Hop!

Lynn wins the ENTIRE NEW RELEASE from Verve! Congrats Lynn! Email Katrina at contests@vervestamps.com with your shipping address to claim your prize. Winners from our first three days of hopping can be found on this thread in our forum. Now for the juicy SALE info!  During the month of November, enjoy a 20% savings select holiday stamps and dies, plus don't miss our Stamp of the Month special! And now for your viewing pleasure, we have compiled our favorite creations using the newly released stamps!  Created by Amy Sheffer using the Bright Spirits stamp set. Created by Andrea Ewen using the Bright Spirits and Glad Tidings stamp sets, along with the Lovely Marquee, Snowflake Tidings, & Love Birds dies. Created by Charmaine Ikach using the Bright Spirits and Glad Tidings stamp sets along with the Snowflake Tidings die set. Created by Jackie Pedro using the Santa's Helper stamp set along with the Rounded Scallop Frame Die. Created by Julee Tilman using the Bright Spirits and Hope Perches Plain Jane sets along with the Winter Fun and Love Birds die sets. Created by Laurie Schmidlin using the Bright Spirits set and Winter Tree Plain Jane. Created by Maureen Plut using the Bright Spirits set along with the Lovely Marquee die and Winter Fun die set. Created by Sankari Wegman using the Bright Spirits set. Created by Teresa Kline using the Bright Spirits set and Lovely Marquee die. Created by Tosha Leyendekker using the Time to Blossom Plain Jane. Thanks so much for joining us here today!  We hope you leave here inspired!  Make sure to stop back by this Friday, as we will be kicking off our Holiday Diva Dare!

Winter Project Parade ~ Day 13

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Hi there!  It's me, Laurie...and I'm here to wrap up the "Triple Play" Winter Project Parade!  Haven't the projects the Divas have shared these past few weeks been wonderful?  If you find yourself in need of some creative gift ideas, then look no further!  You will find it all - from tags and gift holders to beautifully decorated ornaments!  To see all of the ideas shared, scroll down or click HERE.

For my project, I kept it pretty simple...as I plan on making several of these ensembles to give away this Christmas!

I started by adhering buttons to a scented candle using my hot glue gun.  I then created a small box to set my candle in.  The background is stamped with the small snowflake from Glad Tidings.  The wreath (also from Glad Tidings) was stamped and colored in with Copic markers.  I then used two of my Lg. Classic Circle Nestabilities dies to cut the wreath out.  To finish it off, I added some string and a scarlet button in the middle.  I then tied it all up with some Baja Breeze grosgrain ribbon!

Here is a close-up of the wreath.  I added a bit of Stardust Stickles to the leaves!  Mmmm, mmmm...I do love me some sparkle!  :-)

To compliment the gift, I created a matching 4" x 4" square card.  I used the tag image (from Glad Tidings)  along with the Sweet Scallop Tag die as the main focal point.  I used the same color/button theme as I did on the candle & holder.

If you haven't had a chance yet to play along with us...don't worry, there's still time!!  Here are some of the details...

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---- One lucky contestant who plays along with the Triple Play Challenge, will receive the entire January Release AND will be our Guest Diva for the month of January!!! WOOHOO!!!


---- As always, we've hidden a little prize along the parade. A lucky random commenter on one of the official Parade posts (11/17 through 12/7) will receive a $25 Verve gift certificate!!

--- View all the challenge and prize details and submit your Triple Play Challenge projects using the official Project Parade Entry Form and check out all the details of this month's project parade!!!!

Winter Project Parade ~ Day 12

Happy Friday, everyone!  It’s Mercy here to share my Triple Play Project Parade, but I just wanted to remind you about another release hop today!  The new sets are amazing  and the Diva's have some wonderful samples to show you.  For the complete blog hop list head on over to Julee's blog.....

I must admit that when Jen announced the theme for this month’s Project Parade I was freaking out.  I had nothing pop into my mind, nor did I have any clue as to a place to start!  LOL!  I finally had an idea hit me the day after the theme was announced, so I set to it…after all, who DOESN’T like homemade muffins? :)

I headed to my gift wrapping stash and grabbed some tissue paper, silver cording, and ribbon to create this special and one-of-a-kind gift.  I stamped the largest and smallest snowflakes from the “Glad Tidings” set in Riding Hood Red and Celery Ink onto the outside of the tissue paper.  I layered the Banana Nut muffin in parchment paper then the stamped tissue paper, and I tied a piece of Sleigh Ride Ribbon around them.  I stamped the tag from the same set in White Staz-On Ink onto a piece of Riding Hood Red Cardstock, and used the new Sweet Scallop Tag Die to cut it out.  To add some depth, I went over the outside of the snowflake with a White Gel Pen.  I added a Silver Eyelet and some Silver Cording to the completed tag, and also put a Rhinestone Stone in the center of the snowflake.  I tied it loosely to the Sleigh Ride Ribbon to complete the muffin pack.

The simple 3X3 Riding Hood Red card was created by stamping one of the sentiments from the same set in White Staz-On Ink above the strip of patterned paper from Memory Box’s Spiceberry paper pack.  I added a row of piercing on the top edge of the patterned paper, then created three small snowflakes using my Big Shot and Spellbinders’ snowflake dies.  I added some sparkle by using Crystal Stickles, and gave each flake a Button and Silver Cording center.

That’s it for me!  Now it’s YOUR turn!

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---- One lucky contestant who plays along with the Triple Play Challenge, will receive the entire January Release AND will be our Guest Diva for the month of January!!! WOOHOO!!!
---- As always, we've hidden a little prize along the parade. A lucky random commenter on one of the official Parade posts (11/17 through 12/7) will receive a $25 Verve gift certificate!!
--- View all the challenge and prize details and submit your Triple Play Challenge projects using the official Project Parade Entry Form and check out all the details of this month's project parade!!!!

Winter Project Parade ~ Day 11

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Hi there everyone!  It's Jackie here and before I get to my Triple Play Project Parade post, I just wanted to let all of you in on some more Verve fun.....The new release hop starts today!  The new sets are amazing  and the Diva's have some wonderful samples to show you.  For a list of hoppers, just head on over to Julee's blog.....

 

I don't know about you, but I am in awe of all of the inspiring projects we've seen from the Diva's so far on this Triple Play Project Parade!  When Jen told us this month's theme was Triple Play, I immediately thought of a trio of gift card holders.  I know I am always looking for fun ways to package up (boring) gift cards and this year I've found my answer!  So let's get to it!

 

I purchased a few of these Altoid style tins online and they make PERFECT gift card holders!  I prettied them up with some gorgeous Echo Park Wintertime dp and three new release winter sets from Verve, Glad Tidings, Merry Wishes and Vintage Oval Frame.

I stamped the Vintage Oval Frame three times in Dark Chocolate on white cardstock.  Inside each frame I stamped three different sentiments in Not Quite Navy ink.  I then took the smallest snowflake from Glad Tidings, inked it in Dark Chocolate, stamped off once on scrap paper and then stamped it over the sentiment.  I LOVE the way this looks!  I then used my trusty Vintage Oval Frame Die (I heart my dies) and cut out all three frames.  Each tin was covered in coordinating patterns from Echo Park Wintertime.  I love the beautiful blues and browns in this paper.  Lastly I stamped and cut out six of the smallest snowflakes from Glad Tidings and added two to each tin.  A few adhesive rhinestones (which were colored with Copics) finish them off!

Here are all three......

The decorated inside without the gift card........Hey, I'm a last minute shopper!  LOL!

 

Now, it's your turn!

---- One lucky contestant who plays along with the Triple Play Challenge, will receive the entire January Release AND will be our Guest Diva for the month of January!!! WOOHOO!!!

---- As always, we've hidden a little prize along the parade. A lucky random commenter on one of the official Parade posts (11/17 through 12/7) will receive a $25 Verve gift certificate!!

--- View all the challenge and prize details and submit your Triple Play Challenge projects using the official Project Parade Entry Form and check out all the details of this month's project parade!!!!

Winter Project Parade ~ Day 10!!!

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Here we are, day 10 of Verve's Winter Project Parade! Haven't the Diva's provided some wonderful inspiration so far?! Since the theme for this month's project parade is "Triple Play", I have a little gift set that includes 3 pieces. I have made a snowman ornament with a coordinating gift box and card.

The container is a paper mache cylinder that I got at Joanne's for $1 some time ago. I covered it with decorative paper from Echo Parks, Wintertime Collection. Boy do I LOVE this paper!!!On the cylinder, I glued on a string of pearls that I got from Hobby Lobby for CHEAP and added Kaiser Craft purple rhinestones on one of the trees as well as the snowflakes around the top. Details on the lid and card will follow.

Here is a picture of the snowman ornament. I made a little charm for his hat using the largest snowflake from the new Glad Tidings set, Timber Brown Stazon, Polyshrink and some lavender Stickles.
Here is a closer look at the little charm ~
Here is a picture of how cute and cozy he looks inside his home!!!
A closer look at the container ~
Here are the details on the lid. I covered the outside edge with brown Bazzill CS. I found the best way to adhere the paper to the paper mache is to glue it so I used Elmer's glue. I then cut a large circle of Bo Bunny brown polka dot paper that ALMOST covered the entire lid. I then added a large white snowflake that I cut using my Spellbinders die. On top of that I added a Spellbinders Lacey Circle cut from purple Bo Bunny DP. I then cut a smaller Spellbinders snowflake from white glitter paper and then stamped the largest snowflake from Verve's Glad Tidings on white CS using Cocoa Memento. I cut out the center portion of the snowflake, added some purple rhinestones and tied the same charm (on the snowman's hat) in the center using brown bakers twine. Oh and I did add purple Stickles on the back of the charm to add some shine!!! Here is a closer look ~
For the little notecard. The card is 3x3 and was cut from the same Brown Bazzill CS I put around the outside of the container lid. I then stamped the tree from Verve's Christmas in the Air set on the same purple Bo Bunny DP using Cocoa Memento ink. I added another snowflake charm, rhinestones and SNOW!!! LOL!!!


Here is the inside which I used one of the awesome sentiments and snowflakes included in the Glad Tidings set! Sorry this post is so long...I got a little carried away!!!! LOL!!!
Now, it's your turn!

---- One lucky contestant who plays along with the Triple Play Challenge, will receive the entire January Release AND will be our Guest Diva for the month of January!!! WOOHOO!!!

---- As always, we've hidden a little prize along the parade. A lucky random commenter on one of the official Parade posts (11/17 through 12/7) will receive a $25 Verve gift certificate!!

--- View all the challenge and prize details and submit your Triple Play Challenge projects using the official Project Parade Entry Form and check out all the details of this month's project parade!!!!

Winter Release Project Parade ~ Day 9

Can you believe it's the last day of November already? WOW! 2010 is almost done. Well, since the theme for this month's project parade is "Triple Play", I have three projects to share with you. I decided to decorate a frame ornament, the gift bag to put it in, and a card to go with the gift.

First, here's the card: All the images I used are from the Glad Tidings set. I'm a sucker for snowflakes!!

I started off die cutting the frame with Spellbinders' Labels 2 Nestabilities. For the inner frame, I just turned the Label die 90 degrees. I then sponged the edges with Aquatic Splash VersaMagic Ink. The back panel has the snowflakes stamped with Versamark on them. I used Irridescent Ice embossing powder on them, but if you don't have a glittery ep, just add some glitter to your transparent ep to get the subtle sparkly effect. Here's a close up of the snowflakes.

The sentiment was stamped with Onyx Black Versafine, and I added some White Opaque Vivadecor gel dots with glitter around the frames. Lastly, I added some silk ribbon with silver cord, an antique button, tiny blue rhinestones, and some scoring, piercing, and punching to the border.

Now, for the ornament frame:

Frames are an easy gift. I just took this birdcage ornament that I got from Pottery barn, and added the Glad Tidings Snowflake and Christmas Blessing images to the 2" circle frame. The recipient can either replace the stamped piece with a photo, or leave it as is. I thought it would be fun to add a little gift inside too, so I sewed a little organza bag and added some Hershey Kisses. I thought the blue foil fit perfectly with my color theme.

Finally, the gift bag:

I stamped the tag image and sentiment with Onyx Black Versafine, and diecut it with the new Sweet Scallop Die. I then sponged the edges with Aquatic Splash Versafine, and added some blue glitter to the flake with a Quicky Glue Pen. I again stamped the snowflakes onto the bag with Versamark and added the Irridescent Ice ep. Here's a closer look at the flakes and tag:

To top off the bag, I added some satin ribbon, silver cording, and a button.
I love all the sparkle with this project. It really pops irl!! Hope you've enjoyed the projects I've shared with you today.

Now, it's your turn!

---- One lucky contestant who plays along with the Triple Play Challenge, will receive the entire January Release AND will be our Guest Diva for the month of January!!! WOOHOO!!!

---- As always, we've hidden a little prize along the parade. A lucky random commenter on one of the official Parade posts (11/17 through 12/7) will receive a $25 Verve gift certificate!!

--- View all the challenge and prize details and submit your Triple Play Challenge projects using the official Project Parade Entry Form and check out all the details of this month's project parade!!!!

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