Honey Bee Brie Mine Hop

Hi peeps and welcome to day 2 of Honey Bee Brie Mine blog hop. In case you missed the first day, check out Honey Bee blog post HERE.

We have loads of amazing inspiration for you showcasing the newest release from Honey Bee, Brie Mine!! This release is full of cuteness & sweetness!!

For my card, I used the adorable Mae The Mouse. Funny story, recently at the office my boss was having a meeting and suddenly he called me and said, "Vera we have visitor." So, I went to look and here's this cute, tiny mouse inside our office by the front door. Being an animal lover, my reaction, along with my assistant was, "Aw, how cute!"

Yeah, not the reaction my boss was hoping for. LOL. I opened the door and the poor guy scramble away, but not before I noticed that his hind leg was injured. So, then we went looking for a box, so we can rescue it, but it already disappear. My boss think I was nut for wanting to rescue it. Me, I think it's normal. What do you think? Hm..., on second  thought don't answer that. ;)

Needless to say, that cute teeny tiny mouse was on my mind quite a bit. Thus, playing with this mouse stamp is fitting. Hah.... 

I mean, how adorable is Mae? I grounded it with the flower wreath from Hello Gorgeous set (I think this is my most used Honey Bee set) and colored it with Copic.  For the sentiment I used the word me & Valentine from the new Brie Mine set & die cut it with its coordinating dies. Finish by adding some Sugared Peach acrylic heart.

GIVEAWAY:
Honey Bee is offering TWO $30 Gift Certificates to the Honey Bee Stamps Store, one from Day One and one from Day Two comments. In order to be entered to win, all you need to do is hop along with us and comment on each blog. Winners will be announced on the Honey Bee Stamps Blog on February 1st.

Here's a complete list for today's hop:
Amy Rysavy
Carly Minner
Ilda Dias
Bibi Cameron
Nichol Spohr
Vera Yates  <-- you are here

Peeps, I hope you enjoyed the Blog Hop. Don’t forget to comment along the way to be entered to win! Have a beautiful weekend....

Hello Beautiful

My goal this year is to give more love to the stamps that I already owned. With design team assignments and all, I find myself often neglected the stamps that I have & love because I often run out of time. 

Well, I am trying to fix that. I mean, after all I bought these stamps because I love them, so I shouldn't let it just sit on the drawers, right? :)

Case & point, this Wplus9 Hibiscus Bouquet. I love, love this set, bought it last year and keep thinking I am going to play with it right away. Wrong... It got neglected instead. So, I am correcting this error. Hah...

I stamped and colored it with Copic and then masked the bouquet and color the background with distress oxide. Once that done, I die cut the word Beautiful (from My Favorite Thing), add the hello and some enamel dots.

I love the way this card turned out and happy that I finally use this beautiful set. My goal is at least each month I'll use at  least a couple sets that I haven't use just because. Not because DT assignment or challenge, simply just to create. :)

Well peeps, that's all from me today. I'll be back on Saturday with a fun hop with Honey Bee. See you then...

SugarPea Mix It Up Challenge 51

When I saw the inspiration board for SugarPea Mix It Up Challenge # 51, all I could think of is how cozy & serene this board is.

At first, I was going to do flowery card since I love using unusual color mix for flower card, but then I keep looking at the knitted blankie and light bulb moment.... The Knit Wit set would be perfect!

So, here's my card with the sweet smiley yarn. I hope you will join us and play along. Swing by to SugarPea blog to find all the details and to enter the challenge. You have till the end of January 2019 to join. Can't wait to see your creations!

Season's Giving Blog Hop Winner

Hi everyone. First, thank you so much for all the sweet & kind notes you have left on my Season's Giving blog hop post. I read and appreciate every single one.

I know I am late in posting the winner. Sorry, things get super hectic yesterday and it just totally slipped my mind. So, without further delay, here's the winner for my giveaway:

Congratulations, Michele! Please email me your mailing address and I will get the package out to you ASAP. Again, huge thanks to everyone for joining us on the hop and especially thanks or your prayers for my niece. That  means the world to me and our family really appreciate it.

Hugs,
Vera

The Ton 4th Anniversary Release Blog Hop

Hi peeps and welcome to day 1 of The Ton anniversary release blog hop. From January 5 to January 8, 2019 we are celebrating The Ton's 4th anniversary with some fantastic line up.

Effie has introduced 9 new designs for this release. There are some free gifts with purchase promotions ongoing. Head over to The Ton Stamps' blog for more details.

For today's hope, I am playing with my two favorites!!

First up, is this beauty using Smiling Cosmos. Peeps, this set is awesome! So fun to color and I sure love the way my card turned out.

Originally, I was going to use to do the sentiment in the flower color. You know, layer it up and then use the die cut word to create tone on tone sentiment. But, while doing the layer, I really like the way the white sentiment stands out against the colorful background. So, I decided to keep it white and use the die cut letters for a second card.

The sentiment Hope Your Day Is As and As You Are is from previous release Haute Stacks set. I actually got brave enough to cut the sentiment apart, so I can use them to customize my sentiment on this card. And, yay... I am still breathing! LOL, it was a bit nerve wrecking for me to actually cut stamp apart!!

Here's the second card using the colored die cut letters from making the first card. Leave the rest black and white and I think it lends certain elegance. Basically, this card is flip version of the first card. ;)

I simply lined up the letters to the flowers lines. Oh yes, using Misti definitely help in stamping the flowers in same exact position as the first card. So glad, I haven't moved the stamp from my Misti when I switched idea in the middle.

Long, long time ago I sent request to Effie to create bouquet with lantern and as always by the time she came up with the design and created Special Day Lantern set, it makes my jaw dropped. 

I stamped and heat embossed the lantern with Rose gold embossing powder. This set can be used for any occasion. From wedding to birthday to sympathy card, the option is plenty!!

GIVEAWAYS: There are also giveaways everyday on these mini hops! Win a stamp of choice from The Ton's new release. To enter, leave a comment on each blog each day. Effie will choose one winner per day (4 winners total) and announce the winners on The Ton's blog by January 12. The comment period for these giveaways will close on January 11 at 7pm EST.

Without further delay, here's a complete list for today's hop. Thank you all so much for stopping by here and I hope you enjoy today's inspiration. Have a blessed weekend everyone!

1. The Ton
2. Amy Tsuruta
3. Renee Day
4. Lea Lawson
5. Janette Kausen
6. Vera Yates <-- you are here
7. Jana Millen
8. Laurel Beard

The Ton Anniversary Release

Hi peeps! I hope your New Year starts off wonderfully. Creativity wise, how about starting it with a new release? The Ton is celebrating 4 years this month and Effie has introduced 9 new designs for this release. There are some free gifts with purchase promotions ongoing. See below.

For my first card, I played with the Gifted set. This set is so fun to layer! And, since there's plenty of space between each present, it's easy to add different color to each present.

I simply stamped each present in different color and for the bows, I used gold ink. Once that done, I adhere the panel to the card base and added a strip of glitter gold paper to ground the stack of present. Finish by stamping the sentiment and add some sequins from Starry Wonderland Couture Mix.

The Gifted 6x8 Set will be the GWP for this release. This set is a free gift with $175 purchase.

This promotion does not apply to prior purchases*. The threshold amount is calculated BEFORE taxes and shipping. Cannot be combined with other specials, promotions or giveaway codes. This promotion will continue until January 8, 2019 at 11:59pm EST or until supplies last. Limit one incentive package per customer. No coupon code needed. All incentive products will automatically be added to qualified orders (they will not show up in your cart but will be added to orders as we pack them).

And, DOUBLE rewards point for purchases made between January 4 and 7th, 2019.

**There must be a new Anniversary 2019 Release product in your order to qualify for our GWP promotion.** These GWP products are available for immediate purchase.

On to my next card. This one I went with softer tone and using the new Today's Cosmos.

If you have followed my blog for a while, you know I love working with flower stamps. This beautiful Today's Cosmos is simply beautiful. I focused on just one of the flower on the set. I started by watercoloring a piece of watercolor panel and once it dry then I stamped the flowers and the leaves. Die-cut it and adhere to the panel with foam adhesive.

For the sentiment I used one of the sentiment from Penned Sentiment set and finished by  adding some mixed size dew drops. I love using dew drops!

Now, giveaway details. After all that's part of the fun for new release party, right?

GIVEAWAYS: Win a stamp of choice from The Ton's new release. To enter, leave a comment on each blog. Effie will announce the winner on The Ton's blog by January 12. The comment period for all giveaways will close on January 11 at 7pm EST.

Check out what the team has created for this release. Please head on over to The Ton Blog for all the release details and for more inspiration. Thank you all so much for stopping by here. Stay tune for the blog hop tomorrow! See you then.....

Season's Giving Blog Hop

Hi'ya everyone! Happy 2019!! I would like to wish you all a very happy New Year and may this year be a blessed, fantastic year for all of us filled with good health, prosperity and many things that makes you happy.

Welcome to the 7th annual Seasons Givings Blog Hop. What's fun & unique about this hop is every single blog that participate has giveaways. So, grab your cup of coffee or tea and browse around. Stick around and you'll see my giveaways on the bottom of  my post. :) And, big thank you to my dear friend, Latisha Yoast who organize this hop.

2018 had been quite an eventful year for me. Creativity wise, I continue designing for SugarPea Designs, The Ton Stamps & Honey Bee Designs. I am very blessed that I get to work with these great companies. I also learned to do loose floral watercolor, which I am very excited about and still continue practicing. Caring Hearts Card Drive had another successful year as we collected 29,147 cards and send hundreds of card packages to nursing homes throughout the US, Canada, Australia and UK. And, I got interviewed for Voyage Houston magazine for my card making. Still pinching myself over this. You can read the interview HERE.

Personally, 2018 was also filled some ups and downs moment. In May, we met up with my whole family in Lisbon, Portugal!! This mark the first time ever since I moved to the States where I get to see my whole family two years in a row. To say that my heart is happy is an understatement. What warm my heart even more was the fact that my niece now remember us immediately the moment she saw us. We are a close knit family, but if it possible, this trip make us even closer.

Two weeks after we came back though, our world was rocked to is very core. My 5 year old niece was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. My heart hurt so much thinking of how much she has gone through since then. 6 months later she's still going through chemo. She is so brave though. And, she taught me so much through all of this. She taught me to do what you love every chance you get. The moment she feel slightly better she dance because that's what she loves to do. She also never lost her sense of humor.

Hubby and I went to Singapore to see her in October and even though it was only for a short 3 days, we cherished it very much. I love this little girl so much and continue praying for her to get better. I sure hope I can give her hug again in 2019.

My plan for 2019? To really live in the moment. To be able to find gratitude every day. Learn something new whenever possible and just enjoy & continue loving on my family.

Now, as we started the new  year, I look back and want to share my favorite projects from 2018. Let's get on with it right away, shall we?

Now, on to the giveaway. Cause after all that's why Season's Giving all about. I am giving away the 4 stamp sets below!

To enter the giveaway simply follow my blog &  follow me on Instagram (you can find me under: WIRIANTA). If you already a follower, please comment and let me know how long you've been following my blog or my Instagram. Easy peasy, right. You have till Sunday, 1/6/2019, midnight CST to leave a comment. I will announce the winners on Monday, 1/7/2016.

Are you ready to hop? Here's a complete list of the participants. Enjoy and thank you again for all the support. Happy New Year!!

Lawn Fawn
Scrapbook and Cards Today Magazine

Hero Arts

My Favorite Things
Reverse Confetti
My Sweet Petunia

Picket Fence Stamps
Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L
Ink Blot Shop
Indigo Jade Art
Sunny Studio Stamps
Paper House Productions
Kraftin Kimmie Stamps
The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store
Newton's Nook Designs
Kelly Klapstein
Latisha Yoast

Lydia Fiedler
Lori Craig
Dina Kowal

Nichol Spohr
Chari Moss

Jenn Shurkus

you are here --> Vera Yates <-- you are here

Ashley Newell
Beth Pingry
Giovana Smith
Dana Joy
Heather Hoffman
Margie Higuchi
Mindy Eggen
Julie Tilman
Cindy Lawrence
Jessica Frost-Ballas
Kelly Latevola
Emily Midgett
Ilina Crouse
Emily Leiphart
Kristi Goulet
Debi Adams
Tracey McNeeley
Wanda Guess
Ashley Harris
Tracey McLennon
Janine Tinklenberg
Amy Rysavy
Caly Person
Marcie Sharp
Mary-Ann Coulter Maldonado
Amy Tsuruta
Tricia Barber
Shemaine Smith
Christine Meyer
Lisa Henke
Shellye McDaniel
Kathy Schweinfurth
Yvonne Van Der Grijp
Lynette Kaufmann
Laura Williams
Dana Tatar
Cheiron Brandon
Patti Gilliam
Gracie Chavez
Carisa Zglobicki
Debbie Seyer
Mariana Grigsby
Michelle Woerner
Deborah Saaranen
Lisa Stein
Ceal Pritchett

2018 Caring Hearts Update & Prize Winner Announcement

Hi everyone. Sorry it took us a while to finish everything. Thank you for your patience. It's been a whirlwind, crazy few weeks for all of us at Caring Hearts. Most of us work full time, so it's been quite a struggle trying to balance everything out and get this done. And, Lynn one of our volunteer lost her dad a couple weeks ago, so for her to be so committed in finishing this card drive is simply amazing. I am grateful for my team. We did 2018! This year, we have another great turn out for the card drive that truly humble me. 

Here's some of the facts from this year:

- Last year, for US, Canada, & Australia we received close to 47,000 cards. This year, we received 29,147. And we expanded back to UK, thanks to Tania who offered to help collect cards for UK. 

- We have about 600 contributors. THANK YOU to each and everyone of you! You all are amazing. 

- We mailed the card packages to about 300 nursing homes and some elderly that are home bound and lives by themselves.

- Fun tidbits, Rita Andrews our volunteer in Canada got interviewed by her local newspaper and Caring Hearts Card Drive made the news in Canada. It gives me such wonderful feeling that Caring Hearts become part of a school program that encourage students to engage in meaningful and empathetic activities and is a required course.You can see the article HERE.

I am very proud of the way this card drive has grown. In our first year in 2010, I received 750 cards and look at where we are now. And, it's all because of YOU! Your support and generosity are what make it so successful. And, I am so very grateful for your support & kindness. And, huge thank you to my team of volunteers, whose dedication and commitment are simply means the world to me. I love & appreciate each of you!!

Now, what many been waiting for. The winners for Caring Hearts prizes! For all the winners, I'll be emailing all of you this weekend. As you can see the list is pretty long, so please bear with me. Congratulations & thank you for all your supports. :)

CARING HEARTS GIVEAWAY WINNERS

A Jillian Vance Design  $25 GC - Adrienna Chavez

Altenew  Two $50 GC - Suzanne Gribbon & Billie Tounzen

Avery Elle  Two $50GC - Mary An & Midori Riecke

Bossy Joscie  $50 GC -  Debbie O'Connor

Butterfly Reflections Ink  Two $25 GC - Cynthia Yankovich & Sharon Christian

Catherine Pooler  Prize Package - Lynn Lohne

Clearly Besotted  approx £30 GC - Katya Ireland

Ellen Hutson  Two $25 GC - Eileen Babka & Debbie Dobbins

Gina K. Designs  Two $100 GC - Ann Kikuchi & Enna Adams

Hallmark Scrapbook & Crafts – Three $50 GC - Sharon Roselli, Ayaka Oldham, Adrian Michaud

Hero Arts $50 GC - Cheryl Yamashita

Honey Bee Stamps  Two $50 GC - Kathy Black & Sally Foos

Jane’s Doodle  $50 GC - Alma Dirpaul

Jennifer McGuire Ink  $100 to SSS - Lori Dehaii

Kat Scrappiness  $25 GC - Norma Canete

Lawn Fawn  Three $50 GC - Sue Perkins, Marsha Bennet & Nikki Cochran

Lil’ Inker Designs $50 GC - Anne Slattery

Little Things from Lucy’s Cards £30 GC - Anang Agarwalla

Mama Elephant $25 GC - Laura Litzinger

My Favorite Things $50 GC - Diana Weaver

Newston’s Nook Designs Two $25 GC - Karen Talbot & Takisha Hearne

Organize More $75 GC - Ileana Rivera

Paper Smooches Two $25 GC - Diane Hermiman & Kit Arndt

Picket Fence Studios Two $50 GC - Lercy Rubin & Kaitlyn McCleary

Pink & Main $25 GC - Betty Bywater

Pretty Pink Posh Two $50 GC - Karen Olaveson & Susan Chateli

Reverse Confetti $25 GC - Cheryl Alipio

Right At Home $20 GC - Kirsten Krause

Simon Says Stamp $50 GC - Becky Thomas

Spellbinders  $25 GC - Karen Sanjo

Studio Katia  Two $35 CG - Mary Plaisance & Judy Downey

Stamp & Storage  $100 GC - Kim Washburn

SugarPea Designs $30 GC - Stephanie Mah

Taylored Expressions Four $25 GC - Jackie Sitton, Libby Foreman, Brealynn Mann & Audrey Evers

The Greeting Farm $40 GC - Mellanie Risenhower

The Ton Stamps $20 GC for The Ton stamps - Lisa Dixon

Winnie & Walter Two $50 GC - Robin Hoff & Darlene Russel

Wplus9 $25 GC - Anne Nolan

Caring Hearts Update

Hi all. I just want to pop in to post a little update on Caring Hearts. We are still working hard behind the scene, sorting and packing the cards.

A couple weeks ago, one of our volunteer, Lynn Marasigan lost her father and of course, being with her family was a priority. She just now able to work on the packages on her end. So, please be patient us.

Winners announcement will be done hopefully by mid next week. We need to get all the entries from all the volunteers so we can do the draw fairly.

Thank you all for your understanding. Have a blessed day!

Deck The Halls

Hi peeps. Quick post. I am just popping in to share this card I made for SugarPea Designs Mix It Up Challenge # 48. My card was inspired by both sides, the colors on the candy and the sketch.

With Caring Hearts Card Drive in full swing, I chose to do Christmas theme and gave some love to older SugarPea sets. For the wreath I used Funky Wreath - All Seasons and tuck in the cute penguin from Tinsel In A Tangle set.

You still have about two weeks to join the challenge, so I hope you'll join us. To enter and to find the challenge details, please check out SugarPea Designs Blog.

Well peeps, that's all from me today. As this post goes up, I'll be on my way to seeing my dear niece. I am ready to give my tiny warrior a big hugs. She has faced cancer with bravery and smile and I am ready to hear her sweet voice again. May your day be filled with wonderful thing. Happy Wednesday!