Meet the *VERVE* Diva part 11 (Laura) 09/18/08

[scrapnextras]

Hi everyone!

I hope you have enjoyed having the opportunity to meet all the Verve Divas! I have to say and you'll probably agree, I'm in pretty good company! This is my week, and I am looking forward to meeting and playing with you too. So go ahead and ask away!

I also have a challenge for you this week. I challenge you to use tags on your project. I love tags, but don't use them so much anymore, I just collect them. I have collected and hoarded them to extreme, and in fact just this week, I fell under the Michaels coupon spell and bought a tag die set. I am soooo bad. So I decided that would be my challenge: use tags on your project. It doesn't matter how many, 1 is fine, so is 10! Get your Verve on if you have them if not, use whatever stamps you want. Can I tempt you with a prize?

Everyone who plays the challenge will be entered in a random draw to win $15 Verve Bucks!! You have one week to get your card uploaded or linked to this thread. The draw will be made next Thursday, September 25th.

Here's my card: So-Happy-MTVD.jpg
You can also see it here in the gallery.
Use the keyword: MTVD11

OK, I think that just about covers everything. I'm throwing the ball out to you. Stamp or ask questions. It's your turn!

[susanrothbauer]

Gorgeous card! I also have a little stack of tags that I SHOULD use for something but instead they just sit on my desk - they're so cute! I love your shading on these flowers, I was just playing with them this morning. Thanks for a fun challenge.

[Maxell]

I just came over from your blog to say Hi and that your *tag card* is really pretty. I have a few tags I bought when I first started stamping-last year-and have used them maybe a couple of times-I forget about using them. tfs

[pammy jo]

boy i am ready for this one! i have 4 or 5 12 x 12 sheets that are just loaded with tags - i bought them 12 years ago when i first started scrapping. i have used maybe 4 or 5 tags out of those 4 or 5 sheets -- thankfully the colors have come back into style

[giogio]

Really pretty card Laura. Love the details and colors you chose.
I have few tags, so I will play the challenge, I am not too good adding tag in my cards, but I will try.

Just a question for you : What is your favorite stamping technique and what do you consider your style?

Have a great day
Giovana

[scrapnextras]

Originally Posted by susanrothbauer

Gorgeous card! I also have a little stack of tags that I SHOULD use for something but instead they just sit on my desk - they're so cute! I love your shading on these flowers, I was just playing with them this morning. Thanks for a fun challenge.

Susan, I hope this motivates you to find some creative use for them on a card! Love those flowers too..they are so fun to colour and layer. I look forward to seeing what you come up with!

[scrapnextras]

Originally Posted by Maxell

I just came over from your blog to say Hi and that your *tag card* is really pretty. I have a few tags I bought when I first started stamping-last year-and have used them maybe a couple of times-I forget about using them. tfs

Hi Bev! So glad you dropped in! I hope you're up for the challenge...I'd love to see what you do with your tags.

Funny how we "forget" about things. I used to hoard things, and then of course forget, then they go out of style....you know the story. Now I try to dig right in, and feel the best if I actually use it up. Doesn't happen very often though. I usually move on to something newer and forget again!

[scrapnextras]

Originally Posted by pammy jo

boy i am ready for this one! i have 4 or 5 12 x 12 sheets that are just loaded with tags - i bought them 12 years ago when i first started scrapping. i have used maybe 4 or 5 tags out of those 4 or 5 sheets -- thankfully the colors have come back into style

Pammy Jo, you and I are of the same breed! I have so many things from when I started scrapbooking that I have never even opened!! I could start my own sticker store LOL! I can't wait to see some of those tags in your challenge creation!

[scrapnextras]

Originally Posted by giogio

Really pretty card Laura. Love the details and colors you chose.
I have few tags, so I will play the challenge, I am not too good adding tag in my cards, but I will try.

Just a question for you : What is your favorite stamping technique and what do you consider your style?

Have a great day
Giovana

Giovana, so happy you're up for the challenge! It'll be fun seeing how you use them!

My favorite stamping technique...hmm...I like quick simple techniques usually. I love the result of all of them, but I generally stick to pretty simple things. I love the kissing technique, misting with markers to get that watercoloured look, and the faux embossing they did a week or so ago...that's really cool.

I don't know how I would describe my style. I've thought about it, and I think eclectic and embellished is probably the best way. I love clean and simple, and sometimes I go there, but generally I love to incorporate different design elements, layouts, dimension and colours into my creations. I love my embellishments too. A little bling spiffs up even my most boring cards LOL!

Thanks for asking!! Can I throw it right back at you? What are your favorite techniques, and how would you describe your style?

[giogio]

Hmmm Laura, I am in trouble now, LOL. My favorite techniques I would say I like: Paper piercing, paper piecing and Heat embossing.
I always try different techniques, if I have the materials of course, some I like more than others. I would say I am really bad in Dry Embossing, that's why I don't try it, if you check my gallery I don't think I have 1 card with this technique.

My style : I love to embellish my cards a lot, but sometimes I love also Clean and simple.

Thanks for asking, sorry about my English, I hope you understand me, it could be a lot easier if I write in Spanish

God bless
Giovana

[whiterockmama]

Hi Laura. Lovely card you made with the tags! Great challenge idea. I go on and off with tags on cards, so this is a great time to turn it back on again Enjoy reading your blog regularly, even though I don't always have time to leave a comment.

I have a set of questions I've been asking the other divas, so here is your turn at them.

1. Favorite colour(s) to use
2. How did you and DH meet?
3. Favorite food(s)?
4. Favorite things to do with DH?
5. Favorite thing to do with your kids?
6. What things other than stamping do you like to do?
7. Favorite Verve set?

Think I missed a few but I'll break you in easy - LOL Looking forward to getting to know you this week.

[susiestampalot]

hi laura!!! just popping in for a sec...my 4 year old is dying to play on the computer! here's a random question...how tall are you? hahaha!!

[sf9erfan]

Hey Laura! Great challenge. I love tags too. I have a card to post later today.

[scrapnextras]

Originally Posted by whiterockmama

Hi Laura. Lovely card you made with the tags! Great challenge idea. I go on and off with tags on cards, so this is a great time to turn it back on again Enjoy reading your blog regularly, even though I don't always have time to leave a comment.

I have a set of questions I've been asking the other divas, so here is your turn at them.

1. Favorite colour(s) to use
2. How did you and DH meet?
3. Favorite food(s)?
4. Favorite things to do with DH?
5. Favorite thing to do with your kids?
6. What things other than stamping do you like to do?
7. Favorite Verve set?

Think I missed a few but I'll break you in easy - LOL Looking forward to getting to know you this week.

So glad you like my card and my blog! It's always nice to hear!

1. Favorite colours; I love them all, and I love putting unusuall combinations together, but I think I'm drawn more to pinks, yellows and greens. I absolutely loved Purely Pomegranate and So Saffron and Certainly Celery rank pretty high.
2. DH and I met on my 30th birthday. My friend brought him along to party with me at the bar. To this day he'll tell you he was my best birthday present. Some days I agree others.....
3. Favorite food: Steak and seafood (lobster, crab scallops)
4. Favorite things to do with DH. Watch movies. I rarely watch TV or movies, but every once and a while he'll bring me home a sappy one. He seems to love it when I cry!
5. Favorite things to do with my kids; this one is tough because so much of what we do is random or on the other hand so predictable. I have enjoyed watching them in Museums and we went to Heritage Park (in Calgary) a few weeks ago, and I love to see them get excited and interested about something they thought would be boring. Although, I don't like it when they ask me what it was like to use a wood stove, as if I was that old, but I thought my parents lived in the "Olden Days" when I was a kid too!
6. Other than stamping? Is there anything other than stamping? I love to read, but I get so totally engrossed in my books that the world must stop until I've finished it. So I don't pick them up until I have that time...like camping.
7. Favorite Verve set: Floral Whimsy and now Abundant Elegance. They are both huge sets which lend themselves to so much versatility.

Thanks for asking...these were kind of fun, and I love reading all the other Diva's responses too!

[scrapnextras]

Originally Posted by susiestampalot

hi laura!!! just popping in for a sec...my 4 year old is dying to play on the computer! here's a random question...how tall are you? hahaha!!

Oh Susie, I'm reminded of Brad Paisley's song "On Line"!
"But I grow another foot and I lose a bunch of weight everytime I log in"
I love that song, and according to it, I'm 6ft tall.

In reality, I'm a whopping 5'0". My 11yo is already up to my temples, and lets me know it all the time. I hope she passes me in height, but not too soon!

[scrapnextras]

Originally Posted by sf9erfan

Hey Laura! Great challenge. I love tags too. I have a card to post later today.

Michelle, I can't wait to see it! I love your stuff!

[whiterockmama]

Originally Posted by scrapnextras

6. Other than stamping? Is there anything other than stamping? I love to read, but I get so totally engrossed in my books that the world must stop until I've finished it. So I don't pick them up until I have that time...like camping.

Thanks for your quick reply. Always fun to get to know the people behind the names and faces

I had to laugh when I read this as I'm the same way. Usually only read on summer and Christmas vacations as I can get a book done in a week instead of two or more months! Life stands still for me if I get a good one, and I pay dearly then next few days as I'm up till 1:00 a.m. reading - thus I try not to get into a good book too often during our hectic school, sports, piano etc. schedules. Shannon got me into Pillars of the Earth by Ken Fowlett and it was an AMAZING book!! Yes, too many late nights up and my DH was joking that he was tired of sharing his bed with another man - LOL!

So, treading on dangerous ground....do you have any books you'd recommend?

[scrapnextras]

Originally Posted by whiterockmama

Thanks for your quick reply. Always fun to get to know the people behind the names and faces

I had to laugh when I read this as I'm the same way. Usually only read on summer and Christmas vacations as I can get a book done in a week instead of two or more months! Life stands still for me if I get a good one, and I pay dearly then next few days as I'm up till 1:00 a.m. reading - thus I try not to get into a good book too often during our hectic school, sports, piano etc. schedules. Shannon got me into Pillars of the Earth by Ken Fowlett and it was an AMAZING book!! Yes, too many late nights up and my DH was joking that he was tired of sharing his bed with another man - LOL!

So, treading on dangerous ground....do you have any books you'd recommend?

Oh I LOVED Pillars of the Earth. I read it over Christmas last year and it was fabulous. Great insight into the development of the institutions we know today. I really enjoyed it. I find myself living mentally in the book as I'm reading it. Do you find that? This one especially took me along and I found myself living in the 15th century LOL!

I haven't read much lately. Duma Key by Stephen King was a good read...if you like Stephen Kind I would recommend it. I really enjoy all kinds of books. About a year ago I got started on the Wheels of Time series, and in 2 months I read all eleven books, each a good 500 page read. The twelfth and final book is supposed to be done in 2009. When it comes out the world as I know it will stop. It was a fabulous fantasy saga...long but I loved every word. So if you like that kind of story...it's by Robert Jordan.

[sf9erfan]

Yahoooo! What a fun challenge! Here is mine Laura.

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/ga...&ppuser=103425

[sf9erfan]

Originally Posted by scrapnextras

Oh I LOVED Pillars of the Earth. I read it over Christmas last year and it was fabulous. Great insight into the development of the institutions we know today. I really enjoyed it. I find myself living mentally in the book as I'm reading it. Do you find that? This one especially took me along and I found myself living in the 15th century LOL!

I haven't read much lately. Duma Key by Stephen King was a good read...if you like Stephen Kind I would recommend it. I really enjoy all kinds of books. About a year ago I got started on the Wheels of Time series, and in 2 months I read all eleven books, each a good 500 page read. The twelfth and final book is supposed to be done in 2009. When it comes out the world as I know it will stop. It was a fabulous fantasy saga...long but I loved every word. So if you like that kind of story...it's by Robert Jordan.

I loved Pillars too!!! As for my favorite Stephen King book -hands down The Stand! I just loved that one

[scrapnextras]

Originally Posted by sf9erfan

I loved Pillars too!!! As for my favorite Stephen King book -hands down The Stand! I just loved that one

Another Stephen King fan! I loved the Stand, but it's been years since I read it. I think it might be one to pick up again. Have you read the Green Mile, Rita Hayworth and The Shawshank Redemption or the Gunslinger series? I think they are my favorites. And these books would appeal to anyone, even those who don't like the horror/occult or fantasy that King is so well known for.

[scrapnextras]

Originally Posted by sf9erfan

Yahoooo! What a fun challenge! Here is mine Laura.

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/ga...&ppuser=103425

An absolute beauty Michelle! Love it!

[whiterockmama]

Originally Posted by scrapnextras

Oh I LOVED Pillars of the Earth. I read it over Christmas last year and it was fabulous. Great insight into the development of the institutions we know today. I really enjoyed it. I find myself living mentally in the book as I'm reading it. Do you find that? This one especially took me along and I found myself living in the 15th century LOL!

I haven't read much lately. Duma Key by Stephen King was a good read...if you like Stephen Kind I would recommend it. I really enjoy all kinds of books. About a year ago I got started on the Wheels of Time series, and in 2 months I read all eleven books, each a good 500 page read. The twelfth and final book is supposed to be done in 2009. When it comes out the world as I know it will stop. It was a fabulous fantasy saga...long but I loved every word. So if you like that kind of story...it's by Robert Jordan.

Thanks for the book leads - always good to get some diff. authors to read. What are the Wheels of Time series about? Have you read any of Ken Fowlett's other books? My copy of Pillars said there is a sequel to Pillars of the Earth. I'm going to check for it this weekend as I too was thrown into that book and was ready to do William in myself! So many twists and turns - it was a fabulous book. I have always loved Wilbur Smith books. Think my favorites were the series on Egypt. Ahhh, the mommy balancing act....too much I want to do and too little time to do it!!

[whiterockmama]

Originally Posted by sf9erfan

I loved Pillars too!!! As for my favorite Stephen King book -hands down The Stand! I just loved that one

Have you read any of his other books, Michelle? As I told Laura, there is a sequel to Pillars I'm going to hunt for this weekend. No clue if it is Hardback or soft yet, but I plan on finding out!

Your card is a beauty! That set is on my wish list for sure!

[scrapnextras]

Originally Posted by whiterockmama

Thanks for the book leads - always good to get some diff. authors to read. What are the Wheels of Time series about? Have you read any of Ken Fowlett's other books? My copy of Pillars said there is a sequel to Pillars of the Earth. I'm going to check for it this weekend as I too was thrown into that book and was ready to do William in myself! So many twists and turns - it was a fabulous book. I have always loved Wilbur Smith books. Think my favorites were the series on Egypt. Ahhh, the mommy balancing act....too much I want to do and too little time to do it!!

Hmm..the Wheels of Time. It's an epic fantasy, (Did you like Harry Potter?) but picture a time within perhaps a hundred years before Pillars of the Earth. There is a child born who is to be the one who fights against the Dark Side, and the story is of him and his friend's journey to the final battle. That is a very simple summary; there is magic, evil, and of course well written characters that you love and hate. It's different than most stories I've read, but the setting closer to a gothic romance novel if you need something to judge it by. It has quite a cult like following.

[Maxell]

Here is my card-made a *3fer* as I needed to cover some challenges.

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/ga...8999?si=mtvd11

[whiterockmama]

Originally Posted by Maxell

Here is my card-made a *3fer* as I needed to cover some challenges.

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/ga...8999?si=mtvd11

Very well done!

[scrapnextras]

Originally Posted by Maxell

Here is my card-made a *3fer* as I needed to cover some challenges.

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/ga...8999?si=mtvd11

Gorgeous Bev! Love the way you incorporated the tag...so fun!

[Vervegirl]

Originally Posted by scrapnextras

I really enjoy all kinds of books. About a year ago I got started on the Wheels of Time series, and in 2 months I read all eleven books, each a good 500 page read. The twelfth and final book is supposed to be done in 2009. When it comes out the world as I know it will stop. It was a fabulous fantasy saga...long but I loved every word. So if you like that kind of story...it's by Robert Jordan.

Woohoo! Another epic fantasy enthusiast. I can't believe you read them all in 2 months! You must have been non-stop reading! I started the series about a year ago, read the first book, then started Verve and haven't gotten back to it! I think I'll listen to it after I finish the current book I'm listening to on my iPod.

[Vervegirl]

Oh, I forgot to ask my question. What did you want to be when you were a little girl?

[va.sunshine]

oh Laura, I do hope I have time to play this weekend. Now, I only have time to stop and read a few comments and get back to school work. I have enjoyed getting to know the divas. Lets see a question:

1. how early do you put up your Christmas tree?

2. do you fix Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner?

3. what is your favorite cookies to bake or eat at the holidays?

thanks....I will be back before the weekend is out, have a great weekend everybody! *~*

[scrapnextras]

Originally Posted by Vervegirl

Oh, I forgot to ask my question. What did you want to be when you were a little girl?

I grew up in the 60's & 70's, (graduated Class of 80) and Women's Lib was really big and the first space flights were the most exciting thing on earth. I wanted to be a Pilot then an astronaut...since back then that was the order that it was done. It was very typically a "man's" job and I wanted to break those barriers. When I was in high school girls were not "allowed" to take auto-shop or mechanics, I did take wood shop, but it really busted my butt back then that we were discriminated against because of our sex.

I ended up in banking and now I'm a "traditional" stay at home mom...how's that for a turn a bout? There was also a height issue with the pilot thing, but that was another battle LOL!

[scrapnextras]

Originally Posted by va.sunshine

oh Laura, I do hope I have time to play this weekend. Now, I only have time to stop and read a few comments and get back to school work. I have enjoyed getting to know the divas. Lets see a question:

1. how early do you put up your Christmas tree?

2. do you fix Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner?

3. what is your favorite cookies to bake or eat at the holidays?

thanks....I will be back before the weekend is out, have a great weekend everybody! *~*

Hi Teresa! I look forward to seeing the results of your weekend play time!

1. I used to put the tree up about the 2nd week of December, but with kids now, it usually goes up the end of Nov - 1st week of December. Whenever my dh is home from his rotation to participate in the festivities.

2. I've done both and neither depending on our families. When our kids were really little, I found it so much easier to have family in than to pack up all the crap you need with a baby and a toddler. Now the girls are older, so whatever seems to work for the family, I'm easy.

3. I don't bake, but as a kid, I remember Mom made the best shortbread cookies in the world. She made tons around Christmas time and put them in the freezer in ice cream pails. The freezer was just outside my bedroom, and to this day I prefer my shortbread cold!!!

[MelodyGal]

I just discovered this forum and what fun it is to get to know some of you gals a little better. Hi, Laura! Congratulations on your Diva status. Yours is a great challenge. I love tags, too, and you just don't see them much anymore. I took the challenge, and here it is: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/ga...0&ppuser=83955.

[whiterockmama]

Bit quiet here so I thought I'd ask a few fun questions:

1. If you were an animal, which one would you be and why.
2. If you were stranded on a dessert island, which 5 stamping supplies
would you HAVE to have there.
3. Any funny stories you can tell us about your kids?

Also, for any Ken Follet fans, the sequel to Pillars of the Earth - World Without End - will be out in paperback this October. Only catch is it will be $24 -- that's the Canadian price the bookstore gave me today so it will be less in the US. Apparently it is a very long book -- hope so as as that is a rather high price for a paperback! Hoping Costco will carry it!

[shorty419]

I've been a fan of your gallery Laura, and am excited to see you are part of the Verve team.

Here's my card for your challenge:

K Silhouette

[Stampin' Annie]

Looks like a fun challenge, Laura! I used lots of tags when I first starting stamping, but now I have a pile that just collects dust. It will be fun to pull some out and see what I can do. I'll be back later in the weekend to post.

A couple of questions for you:
1. Are there any stamping purchases you've made that you now regret?
2. Do you still dress up for Halloween, and if so, what are you going to be this year?

[steubner]

Originally Posted by whiterockmama

Bit quiet here so I thought I'd ask a few fun questions:

1. If you were an animal, which one would you be and why.
2. If you were stranded on a dessert island, which 5 stamping supplies
would you HAVE to have there.
3. Any funny stories you can tell us about your kids?

Also, for any Ken Follet fans, the sequel to Pillars of the Earth - World Without End - will be out in paperback this October. Only catch is it will be $24 -- that's the Canadian price the bookstore gave me today so it will be less in the US. Apparently it is a very long book -- hope so as as that is a rather high price for a paperback! Hoping Costco will carry it!

The hardback is 1,000 pages.
I haven't read it yet...I need to re-read Pillars first.

[steubner]

Originally Posted by scrapnextras

Oh Susie, I'm reminded of Brad Paisley's song "On Line"!
"But I grow another foot and I lose a bunch of weight everytime I log in"
I love that song, and according to it, I'm 6ft tall.

In reality, I'm a whopping 5'0". My 11yo is already up to my temples, and lets me know it all the time. I hope she passes me in height, but not too soon!

Well, you may be happy to know that I'm shorter than you, Laura! I'm 4'11 3/4". That 3/4" is VERY IMPORTANT.

[steubner]

Ok, my questions:

What's your favorite movie?
What's your favorite song/music style?
Did you play sports in high school? (I can't remember if anyone asked this one)