Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Verve Diva Inspirations March Blog Hop

First off - WHAT!? March already? ugh. This year is going by way too fast! And second off, Welcome to the March Verve Diva Inspirations Blog Hop!! The Inspiration Team is getting together today to start your month off with a ton of fabulous Verve Inspiration! You'll find the Master Hop List & Links below my project photos and blah blah blah - be sure to stop by and leave some lovin' on each of the blogs - 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. One lucky commenter on the mystery hop spot will win a $30 gift certificate to the Verve Store! The deadline for comment entries is Saturday, March 5. If you're on the right track, you should have made it here from Jen d's blog.

Now, about my project...I have to tell you that I finished this LATE last night. That's not like me. I normally like to work ahead, but March just snuck up on me. February was an absolutely CRAZY month for us and when I sat down last night to create something for this hop I have to admit I had NO mojo! I mean, I was freaking out. I don't know. Maybe it was the pressure of a looming deadline, but I e-mailed my friend Michelle around 8:00, having a mini meltdown, complaining that whatever I came up with was probably gonna look like crap anyway. And then I told her I was just going to go with my old Verve stand-by, Happy Days, and probably drive Julee crazy because I was using it AGAIN (it's probably my most over-used stamp set in my possession) and make a boy card for my son Dean (something that for some reason usually comes easy for me). And ya know what? Julee's just gonna have to deal with yet another Happy Days card in my Verve Gallery, because that darn set did the trick (and some new MME Stella Rose Hattie papers didn't hurt)!! I somehow managed to create one of my favorite cards I've EVER made!!


Seriously, I love this thing! And I don't say that very often about my own work. But this card is PERFECT for Dean. I've started this little tradition with him (he just made 4 yrs old in December) where I create a special card for him every few months and fill the inside with all of my thoughts and feelings and hopes and love for him at the moment - they're little keepsakes that I hope he'll someday treasure. (now I just need to make a cute little box to store them in). So anyway, this card is for him. And that "dare to be different" sentiment from Bountiful Backgrounds is perfect for Dean right now - like lately he's really into taping a feather (torn out of a cat toy) into his hair with scotch tape while he dances hula and wrapping a shell lei (the free ones you get every time you walk into a Hilo Hattie's store) around his head like a haku lei while he paints and each time I ask him a simple yes / no question he insists on answering it with "if I hold up 2 fingers the answer is yes, if I hold up 1 finger the answer is no" and then holding up either 1 or 2 fingers, but sometimes deciding to throw me for a loop and holding up 3 fingers for no apparent reason. These are just a few reasons this sentiment is so perfect.


But I also love all the other little details on this card - the zig-zag stitching and the buttons are pretty standard for me, and I've been know to bust out the pom pom trim from my stash. But do you see all that fun sparkly splatter? That is TOTALLY new for me. I don't usually mess with time-consuming techniques like that - something I have to sit and wait for it to dry. But I couldn't resist. I've had that shimmery paint from Tsukineko for like 2 years and the seal hadn't even been broken! I used an old toothbrush to splatter it on. I cut out the cool retro surf-style frame from Happy Days (stamped in So Saffron on cream cardstock) with my hobby blade and popped it up on dimensionals so it slightly overlapped my flagged sentiment strip, then added that glittery chipboard star I purchased on Etsy (MemrieMare) and called it good. What do you think? Pretty cool boy card, huh? Or is it just me?


So anyway, that was quite a bit of blah blah (sorry)! I wonder how many people actually read all that!? Here's that Hop List you've been waiting for.


1. Julee6. Michelle
2. Betty7. Lynda
3. Dawn8.Shannan
4. Jen d.9. Sony
5. Jen T.10.Susan


And that's not all! There are actually a few other opportunities to win some fabulous Verve prizes this week as well, including participating in a Verve Fan Blog Hop with another $50 and $30 gift certificate up for grabs!! All of the participation and entry details can be found on the Verve Blog. We've got some new Verve coming later this month that's sure to put a spring in your step and a gift certificate just might come in handy! *wink*

Also, since it's a new month, that means Verve's got a new Stamp of the Month to reveal. This month we're featuring Blessings, an elegant set of flourishes and Irish proverbs perfect for St. Patrick's Day, but also versatile enough to be used throughout the year! Blessings is 30% off during the month of March, while supplies last.

Now, head on over to Michelle's blog to check out her fabulous Verve creation!!

103 comments:

Nicole said...

Love how you put this together (and I think the Stella Rose papers are my new favorites...I had to buy the 12x12 AND 6x6! LOL). It's soft and dreamy, but definitely still has a masculine feel. Thanks for the inspiration!

Jess Willison said...

This is a great card! So perfect for a little guy!

Dawn Easton said...

Wowzers, Jen! This rocks! You obviously work good under pressure! So many fun details!!!

Laura Pryor said...

This is totally amazing!!! Your papers are awesome but that focal image just blows me away!!! WOW!

Tanya said...

This is totally gorgeous! And wow I am loving those papers!

MelissaS said...

what a great card! I love the papers you used, and the sparkle :)

Vicki Dutcher said...

Yep, I read it all - love that idea of special cards and YES he will appreciate them no doubt! Great masculine card and colors!

Susi said...

What an amazing keepsake for him when he gets older, and for you to look back on with the passing of the years! Everything about this card is wonderful!

Rhonda said...

I'm sure lots of us read the WHOLE thing! cuz we love a good story. What a great idea for keepsakes. This is perfect.

Wanda Cullen said...

LOL...you made me smile with your sense of humor, and yes...I read all your blah, blah, blah! :-) What a great card for what sounds like a super sweet son!

Messy said...

wow...stunning.

Tina said...

i love these colors together so bright and fun..beautiful card

Tina

Amy Kolling said...

I love this color palette here! What a great job of using different DP!!

Vickie Z said...

Definitely pretty cool!!

pmm said...

Definitely a cool dude card! Love it. Your little guy sounds like he is SO fun!

Marisa said...

If complaining helped the process, complain away LOL! Love the DPs you used and you always rock that set. Must be an Island thing LOL! Great card.

Julee (Vervegirl) said...

You're so funny, Jen! I LOVE your Happy Days cards and you can make as many as you want!!! This is awesome! Love the aqua and yellow and all the fabulous details!

Lea L. said...

This card is fabulous!! I love the glittered star accent, and the flourish is fabulous!

dj said...

gorgeous...I love the spritz and the pom pom ribbon...awesome!! Great inspiration piece!!

www.CardsPaperAndScrapbooks.com

dj said...

gorgeous...I love the spritz and the pom pom ribbon...awesome!! Great inspiration piece!!

www.CardsPaperAndScrapbooks.com

Unknown said...

Oh I never would have thought to use that ball fringe on a card but how clever and how perfect! Great colors, love the stitching too.

Michelle Woerner said...

What up dude! This turned out fabulous! Love the sparkly star, the perfect combo of paper, just everything. Big hugs to you!
P.S. email or call anytime in a panic. Seems to be good for your mojo!!

Rochelle Sodipo said...

Oh, this is a treasure!

Gretchen said...

just awesome! I love the splatter and that sparkly star!

Vera Yates (Ling) said...

Jen, this is so gorgeous! Your layering always so amazing!

marilynwillauer said...

Love this card. Like how you layered everything together. Thanks for sharing.

SueB said...

some days feel like time's flying too fast while on others I can't wait for the next season ... I'm such a conflict of states! great card - TFS!

Tosha Leyendekker said...

So, so fun Jen!! LOVE the papers, the colors, the sketch...everything!!

Tina said...

What a cool boy card you made. Wonderful details. Good job!

Luanne said...

I absolutely love this! And I love how you're saving memories for your son. He will love that, (and so will his future wife...lol) I was blessed to visit Hawaii, and I remember Hilo Hattie's! Matter of fact, I think I still have a strand of shells. Thank you for sharing your wonderful memory with us!

Teresa Kline said...

eeeecckkkk, is this ever darling...I luv the star..the patterns and design, just fabulous...have a great day!

enjoy *~*

ChristineZ said...

I fell in love with your card as soon as I saw it and THEN, I read about making these for your little guy - you gave me goosebumps. The focal point is just plain old eyecandy! Love this!

Lynda Benden said...

WOW Jen, this is AWESOME! The glitter star and spray is just perfect! Love ALL of your details! Great job girl!

ellepaulette said...

This is so lovely and inspiring!! Thank you for sharing your talent with us! Blessings!

kellyisascrapdiva said...

What an incredible card! I love the mix of pattern papers. I am always to afraid to try something like this.

Jen Cuthbertson said...

This is so cute and I loved reading about Dean! He sounds adorable and I love the special card/memories idea!!

Anonymous said...

Cute story about Dean. Kids can
be real characters! Love the
papers that you used on this card.
I'll just bet your little boy will
always be your shining star!

Sherry in MI

kksb said...

Sharp, sharp card. Enjoy all the intricate detailing! Yummy.

Joanne Gilch said...

Yes, some of us read the WHOLE post! Imagine...it was great fun to read about your lack of..., love of....!!!What wonderful creation for your son, Dean.

Shannan Teubner said...

HOLY MOLY this is fabulous Jen!!! Love love love it!

MackieMade Paper Creations said...

Love it! This is my first time visiting your blog! I look forward to revisiting! Great job!

Debbie Carriere said...

I think this is an awesome card!!! Perfect for a boy. I love your tradition, too - so sweet :)

Lorus! said...

I read it all and all I can say is WOW!!! This is what you came up with when you didn't have the mojo! This is such an incredible card! And I love the idea of using it for special memories for your son. Sweet, sweet idea!

Anonymous said...

That card is definitely thinking "outside the box"! It is truly unique!

Jeannette B.

Anonymous said...

Yes, Jen, I read all that and it was all wonderful!! The card is the bomb!! He will love it so much! I adore fun cards like this one! Your son ROCKS to get this one! (He sounds so cute!)
Sharon

Betty Wright said...

Jen, this is wonderful and the cut work detailing on that frame is wow fabulous! Love the sparkly star!

Darlene said...

I just really love how you pulled all the elements together. All the different patterns, textures, etc that you chose really fit well together. Nice job !!!

Leslie said...

Jen I so know what you mean about March sneaking up on you...how did that happen?? But WOW! You are amazing under pressure. This is an awesome card.

Anthonette said...

Hi Jen,
I love the goodies on this card: glitter, pompoms, and buttons. Beautiful!

Eileen said...

Great card. Love the paper.

jengd said...

Wonderful card! I love the fact that it could go to a man or a woman (or boy or girl of course!)

Cassie_lu said...

love the splatter on behind the sentiment

Linda L said...

Loooove that sparkly star Jen and the mix of fun patterns.

Terri W said...

I love the frame inside the solid circle! And how you're using the card is a great idea!

terri at digitaldesigns dot us

Lisa said...

Great Card, love the colors!

scrappingnana said...

Great card for a guy. Love all the dimension and details. TFS

Kathy Mc said...

WOW ~ wish I could create as well as this when I don't have any MOJO. This card is a definite keeper with all the special embellishing. Happy Days are here again…but it's perfect.

Ravengirl said...

I read every word of that! I don't know how Julee would ever be sick of fabulous creations that come from your hands! Love your description of the cards that you make for your son!

terriavidreader (IN-USA) said...

Great card. What a lovely idea too.

Unknown said...

This is gorgeous. I love all the different patterns.

KanataNewf said...

Simply gorgeous. Love all the details.

Clare said...

very cute card! Love the colors!

Jerry said...

I read it all and admire your creativity. I too buy something on sale and am so pleased when I finally try it. Nice.

Anonymous said...

Great masculine card! Paper, layout/design and colours all go so well together!

Detra said...

Wow! You guys are really selling these stamp sets today with your beautiful and unique cards. Love this one. tfs.

Kris Turner said...

Very cool card for your little guy! Love the idea, too. TFS

Marsha said...

I read it ! Yes, cool card.

Melissa said...

I LOVE all your blah, blah...!!!! This card is abso-freakin'-lutely perfect for a little man. I'm sure he will treasure all of the cards when he gets older - what a great thing for you to do. :)

irishgalkelly said...

Jen,
I just had to laugh as I have a 5 yr old son too. They are funny little men! Perfect sentiment, I'd say. Love the splatter, colors, and many details. Awesome card!!

Lillian Child said...

I love the idea of making keepsake cards for generations to enjoy - fabulous!

Denisse said...

Fabulous! I love the small details...like the zig zag and the sparkle on the star brings it all togheter.

Crafty Math Chick said...

Very cool card Jen - love the combination of the paint spatter with the 'dare to be different' sentiment. Love the sparkly elements and that pretty color combination too.

Rachel B said...

Absolutely fabulous! I love the paint and the pompom trim! So fun!

Jeane said...

another great male card. love how you used sparkles on the card which by the way rarely found in male cards. Love the gorgeous pompoms too...if you don't mind asking, where did you get those pompoms?
hugs...

Charlotte said...

Great card! Love the pom-pom trim!

Amy Sheffer said...

Woweeeee, Jen! Love this SO much!! Beautiful

Audria Torian said...

I love this so much! It is amazing how much our kids inspire us! I love the message--to any kid!

Heidi said...

Jen- man, ok, I have to be honest here I have a page of your cards (pictures) to case and now I am going to have to add this one. This is awesome!

Janet's Joy said...

Love all the special touches in your card!

Ashley Newell said...

Fabulous card!

imsteelefullofscrap said...

Great card the colors are wonderful and love the shinny star

irishgreensue said...

Well, Jen, I LOVE it - the perfect card for a teenager - your papers ARE so right for this !

Keva said...

Wow..I love all of the different patterns on this card. Really cool!

PatS said...

WOW! I love all your DP combinations. Your selections really make this card stand out. All the layers and embellishments are wonderful! Can you tell I just love everything about your design!

Heather said...

what a fun card, and perfect for a boy! Those papers are great and the black trim adds such playfulness. And what great memories your little guy will have when he gets older and has all these cards from you. I love it.

sammi said...

Wow, this is fabulous! What a funky mix of papers, and that trim is awesome!

Cindy Lou said...

Awesome card! Love your DP's, your layers, the wonderful textures, everything! Thanks for sharing :)

Sue D said...

Great card--I like how you put all the patterned paper together.

Jan Garber said...

I was not a "bling" person until recently myself! I have not been told to "step away from the glitter" quite yet! It is so great to see a bit of sparkle used on a masculine card! Love it!

Debbie Gaydos said...

Love, love, love everything about this card. The stitching, the layers, the AWESOME little swooshy frame, cut out so beautifully! PERFECT. What a keepsake for him! Thanks for the inspiration!

Whitney, everybody knows that! said...

this is a beautiful card!

Maria Matter said...

Gorgeous Jen, love this design with these colors & fun elements!!

Basement Stamper said...

you blow me over with your beautiful masculine designs. I always adore the colors you pick!

Carla said...

I love this sweet idea! And the card!!

Elizabeth S. said...

Oh this wonderful! I love all your details. Such a terrific idea to make cards for your son every few months and writing in them that he will be able to cherish and will always feel your love.

scrapsnsuch@gmail.com said...

That shimmery paint is worth the dry time! Great card with so many layers and elements.

Radha said...

I will!!!

DARE TO BE D..
every time I read this every time I laugh so much power...!!!

My Creative Therapy said...

I think we are all so self critical! We have no problems complimenting others, and your card is great by the way, but we have a hard time finding positive words for our own sometimes. Your card is a beauty and seems like it was worth the "mini meltdown"...after all who hasn't had one in their craft room??? LOL

Pam Speidel said...

PERFECT card for your little guy! And I thoroughly enjoyed reading about him and your sweet tradition of creating cards with memories as a keepsake he'll treasure. ♥ As always, you're an inspiration Jen!

Luana said...

Really cute!

Bonnie said...

So many elements yet not busy. Visually pleasing. Super card.

Marianne C said...

I actually did read all that and you are so right about your card - it is Divalicious! Your little guy is so lucky to have such a great mom!

Michele said...

Ths is a very fun card, and I like how you put it together...the design is so awesome!! The color choices and masculine-ness of it is perfect as are all the little details. Love it!!

Thanks so much!!
Michele R.(CA)
LuvkittysFandF at Gmail dot com
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