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Happy Birthday to ME!

It's my birthday, and I've got some BIG news to share with y'all. I mean this one's HUGE, so be sure you're sitting down! :) One year ago today I quit my corporate job, with the dream of staying home and finding a way to never have to go back to the corporate rat race. Well, big things have been happening behind the scenes here in my little corner of the world, and today I'm announcing the start of my new venture.... Verve Visual! Have you heard of it? I've got a few FABULOUS gals on my Design Team that have been giving out some sneak peeks, so I know that at least a few of you know what I'm talking about. But for the rest of you... Verve Visual is a new online craft store, complete with it's own line of rubber stamps designed by Yours Truly! How exciting is that???

The store will be launching August 1, so there's only one more week of waiting. In the meantime, if you haven't already... meander on over to Verve Visual and sign up for the mailing list so you won't miss out on any of the launch festivities!

So without further adieu, here's my card for today. It uses the first stamp release from Verve Visual, Thoughtful Phrases, which will be available for purchase next Wednesday! The background is Cool Caribbean stamped with Fancy Pants stamps in Ancient Page Coal Black. The paisley is from the Technique Tuesday Paisley stamp set and the flower circle is embossed with a Cuttlebug flower embossing folder and then I used the debossed side and traced the imprints with a Clear Stardust gel pen. The paisley stamp is colored with Prismacolor pencils and Gamsol and the the frame is hand-drawn. Lastly I stamped the Sending You Smiles sentiment from the Thoughtful Phrases Verve Visual set. This card is 4.25" square on a Basic Black card base.

Okay, in honor of my birthday, I have a fast and furious challenge for any of you who have time to make a card today. Make a card using the above sketch and link me to your card or email me a photo of your card before midnight Mountain Time tonight and I'll pick a random winner to receive a pre-release of the Thoughtful Phrases set. This one's only for those with US or Canada addresses, so a big pre-emptive I'm sorry to my foreign friends. :(

This has been a fabulous mail week for me, so I have a couple more RAKs to share with y'all. The first is a gorgeous birthday card from Colleen over at Distinctive Touches. I absolutely fell in love with this card and the alcohol inks background when I saw it on her blog, and now I have it here in my grubby little paws to ooh and ahhh over. She stamped the flourishes on acetate, and it just looks divine in person. Thanks so much Colleen!

The second card is a pretty little birthday wish from Deb (craftyturtle) over at Life Out of the Shell. I love the mixture of stamps, backgrounds, and the monochramatic color scheme. Thanks for thinking of my Deb!

74 comments

Anonymous said...

Congratulations - and Happy B'day! Love what you're doing!

Julie S. said...

Congratulations on all the growth over this past year. We are all excited for your new endeavors, and may this future year hold much in store for you! Curious about the details of the stamps -- acrylic, rubbah, or what? Unmounted? I signed up for your email... wahoo!

Amy said...

Yippee! I'm so proud of you Julee for following your dreams! You rock girl!

Amy

Charmaine (CharmWarm) said...

Happy Happy Birthday Julee and congrats on Verve Visual! That's awesome! Can't wait to see all your fabulous stuff!

Dottie K. said...

A big congratulations on your new venture and Happy Birthday!!! Love the saying can't wait to see more. Enjoy your day!!!!

Anonymous said...

WOOHOO!! Congratulations on your new adventure, I am so excited for you!! YEA!!! :)

And hey, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! :)

Anonymous said...

I didn't know Verve was your site!!! Yiiipppeee...already signed up for the mailing list!!! I am so excited for you!!! YOU GO GIRL!!!! Congrats and Happy Birthday!!

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday to You!!!

And...CONGRATULATIONS on your big announcement...WOW!!!

Shannan Teubner said...

Happy Birthday, lady! I hope you have a great one. And congrats to you!!

Kraftin' Kimmie said...

OHMYGAWSH!!!! I'm so excited and thrilled for you Julee!! I'm heading right over to sign up!! Whoohooooo!!

Dede said...

Happy Happy Birthday to one creative gal. Best of Luck.

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday and all the best!! COngratulations on your new online store - I look forward to seeing your stuff.

Alhambra Club said...

Happy Birthday, and congratulations on your new store, how exciting, I have seen some sneak peeks and can't wait until August 1, will get working on a card tonight.

Julie Campbell said...

OH MY GOSH! That's awesome!!! I signed up last week for the newsletter and had no idea you were the creator! That is SO fantastic! Hey... if you ever need another team member, sign me up!!! :)

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday! and Happy Shopping to me! :) Can't wait to see all of your future stamp designs! I too am curious -- are the stamps ready to use with an acrylic block or do you have to mount them or use sticky tape? Thanks!! Lisa

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday and Congrats on Verve Visual! I've heard some talk about it and signed up for the email list and now I hear you're the mastermind! CONGRATS! I can't wait to see your stamp designs!

Kacey Elliott said...

That is soooo fabulous Julee! I knew you were on to bigger things! Congratulations and Happy Birthday to you!

Unknown said...

Happy Birthday and CONGRATULATIONS! What a dream job! I am signing up now! Best Wishes!

Anonymous said...

I'm gonna try to get this sketch, I hope I can get it done in time.
I signed up for your email from your online store, which looks great by the way! Congratulations and I wish you much success!!

Donna Baker said...

congratulations, Julee! I love the stamp set! You are one talented lady! Hope you have a FABULOUS birthday!!

Pegg S said...

Wow -- congratulations on making this move. It's so great that you've taken what you love to do and tried to make a go of it. Can't wait to see more- and Happy Birthday!!

Patti Gingrich said...

Happy Happy Birthday Julee!!! And Congratulations on your new endeavor!!! I can only imagine your excitement at making your dream a reality! Looking forward to visiting your store and seeing your new line of stamps!
Best Wishes!
Patti

Misty said...

That's so awesome, already on your mailing list. Can't wait. Thanks for the sketch. Almost exactly like the card I made yesterday. Weird, huh?
Misty

Jill MacDonald said...

Happy Birthday!
http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/619479?cat=500&ppuser=96089

Jill

Beth Thomas said...

Congratulations and a BIG happy birthday! I've already signed up for the Verve Visual e-mail so I can't wait until August 1st!!! When you get a minute-lol-hope over to my blog, I uploaded the Thank-you card you sent me a while back and I'm also gonna post a plug for your new exciting (for all of us) venture. Take care!

Jennifer Magreevy said...

Happy happy birthday!!

Loved the sketch, I'll definitely use it again!

See the info at my blog:
http://inkedbutterflies.blogspot.com

Sharon in NE said...

Julee! I am so proud! And happy Birthday, birthday girl!

Karen Lindsay said...

Congratulations on your new store and the creation and publication of your own stamp line!! How exciting! And...a very Happy Birthday to you! :)

Karen

Melissa said...

Holy Cow! Congratulations Julee!

Anonymous said...

What a Happy Birthday you must be having!?! You are such a talented young lady, you deserve this. I am so happy for you!!

Alli Miles said...

Wonderful newss Julee! When I heard you were behind it I was thinking WOW! Wishing you success with your new venture. Happy birthday!

Anonymous said...

Wow, good for you! I've been following it through Amy's blog but had no idea you were behind it. I like the first set already! Congrats!

Beth Norman-Roberts said...

Congratulations. I'm so happy for you. How nice to get away from the rat race of corporate world and do something you really like. Wishing you the best of luck!!

Misty said...

Helooo, here's my entry...
http://mistylynnwhat.blogspot.com/2007/07/heidi-grace-stamps.html I had a lot of fun with it.
misty

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Julee...this was a fun challenge. Thanks,
http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/619888?cat=500&ppuser=52585

Chris Hauck

InspiredByInk said...

Hi Julee,
Here's my card... amazed I actually got one done in the sketch today! woo hoo. ENjoy...

http://inspiredbyink.blogspot.com/2007/07/time-does-fly.html

Sherrie said...

Way to go Julee!!! What a neat Happy Birthday! You will do fantastic things with Verve I'm sure, I've signed up for the newsletter and am looking forward to it! Card's in the mail BTW....love SLOW Canada Post!

Dana said...

ARGH! See what happens when I'm away from my computer all day? Not only did you unveil INCREDIBLE news, but it's your BD too!

Happy, happy Birth Day to you Julee. You deserve a fantastic day full of everything you love.

So glad to hear the store will be opening on August 1st! Can't wait to get my paws on some of the awesome sneak peaks I've seen.

(As a side note, I too had my wisdom teeth removed around my BD in March this year! Strange way to celebrate, huh?)

Holly Jordan said...

Congrats!!! I am so excited to see your stamps, you have an awesome blog and what I've seen so far I love. Great DT also! BTW Happy Birthday and good for you for following your dream and making it a success.

Will have to give the sketch a try later:) It's a fun one!

Ticia said...

I hope you have a very happy birthday! I just had mine on the 14th.

Kathie Bailey said...

How exciting! Congratulations and Happy Birthday Julee. There's nothing better than following your dream.

Anne Marie said...

Happy Birthday, and a big CONGRATULATIONS! I've been following the hints on Amy Westerman's blog for sometime, and rushed over there as soon as i coulud to join the mailing list. A week ago, I even linked Verve Visual to my blog, and have encouraged people to sign up, just going on Amy's word that this was going to be great. I'm so excited to hear (finally!) who's got the "verve". Way to go on starting your own company!

michelle said...

Happy birthday!! What a way to celebrate. This is the first time I have seen your blog-I like it alot. And I put my name on Verve Visual mailing list a couple of weeks ago and am anticipating some new products {esp stamps}. I agree with you on the whole corporate world. Ugh!!

Michele Kovack said...

Congratulations! Way to go! I am looking forward to a new line of stamps....

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday to You!!! Glad to hear about the new adventure:) Sounds like fun!
I signed up for the email list. I can't wait until it opens:) Thanks for sharing with us:)
Here is my take on your sketch:)
Its All CTMH items Expect for the Cherish Stamp.
Hope you like:)
Talk to you soon!
[IMG]http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w22/lisacox1980/000_0358.jpg[/IMG]

Anonymous said...

I don't know if the link worked here is another:)
http://s172.photobucket.com/albums/w22/lisacox1980/?action=view¤t=000_0358.jpg

bichonpawz said...

Happy Birthday and Heartfelt Congratulations on your brand new venture!! WOW!! That's just SUPER!!

Alhambra Club said...

Congratulations, count me in from what I have seen your stamps are fantastic, can't wait until August 1st. My card is on my site.
www.flofollies.blogspot.com

Dina Kowal Creative said...

Here's mine Julee:

http://mamadinis.blogspot.com/2007/07/hang-in-there.html

Happy birthday and congrats! What a way to celebrate!

Dina

Diane Gilbert said...

Happy Birthday Julee! Congrats on your great news, I can't wait to see your designs. What an awesome adventure!

Cheryl KVD said...

Awesome job! We all have the dream of never going back to the corporate world! Way to make your dream come true! here is my card for your birthday challenge:

http://cakvd2.blogspot.com/2007/07/seasons-greetings-card.html
Thanks!
Cheryl KVD

Allison Rankin said...

Happy birthday J dot (I am so cool with the lingo)...

Here is my card for your challenge: http://stampinwhenican.blogspot.com/2007/07/glittery-by-air.html

Dina Kowal Creative said...

Hey, Julee - in case you happen to draw my name...I do have a stateside address!

Dina

Suzy said...

Happy Birthday Julee! I made this for you :) Wow so much going on right now, you must be on cloud nine! I am signed up and can't wait to see your new business BIG congrats!

Here is my card:
http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/620454?cat=500&ppuser=102658

Suzy said...

Forgot to say please send me your addy so I can mail you this card :)

Thank you for all you do for us.
Suzy

Rose Ann said...

Happy birthday...and congratulations!! Best of luck with Verve Visual! Can't wait to see what's in store for us all!

Sarah said...

Happy Birthday!! I'm so happy and excited for you- good luck with your business venture. I've already signed up for the newsletter!!

Dede said...

Happy Birthday and Congrats!
I can't wait to see all the new stuff.
Here is my card for the sketch challenge
http://doodleedeestamper.blogspot.com

Ida said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!
Hope I'm not to late with my card. You can find it at http://faithartistry.blogspot.com

Hope you are feeling better now from you oral surgery.

Take care, Ida

Kraftin' Kimmie said...

WHEW!! I got it done! Darn work keeps gettin' in the way of my fun time!! So keep in mind that I did this card from memory, because Emileigh was hoggin' the computer!!! Hope it passes the mustard.....more mustard I guess...baaaaaaaahahahahha!!

http://kraftinkimmieskorner.blogspot.com/2007/07/julees-sketch.html

Shannan Teubner said...

Yay, I made it! It's 12:01 my time, and I have no idea what time it is there, but thank the LORD I finally stamped something. Here you go, DAHLING!
http://withfeathersandsequins.blogspot.com/2007/07/finally-i-stamped-yay-mee.html

Beth Thomas said...

Okay, yes, I forgot! I had already made 2 cards and was ready for bed at 11:15 MT when I was reminded by Kraftin Kimmie. Well, here it is. Probably the ugliest card ever but I hope it gets to you on time.
http://astampingoodtime.blogspot.com/2007/07/3s-pushing-it.html

Paula said...

Julee, Happy Birthday. Congrats on your new endevor. I am excited for you. O.K. I made my card and posted it to my website.
http://stampnscrapwithpaula.blogspot.com. Again. I am very excited for you. Rubber Hugs.

Paula said...

For some reason the link did not work. I will try again.
http://stampnscrapwithpaula.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Happy birthday (late) and big congrats on your new venture. Sorry I missed out on your sketch challenge. Emails from Feedblitz always come the following day. bummer!

Tanis said...

AACCKK! Happy Birthday (sorry I'm late!) and CONGRATULATIONS!
That's so so awesome...going to sign up for the mailing list now!
WOW!

Colleen Schaan said...

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! (screaming with delight for you!) I am sooooooo excited for you. I have been keeping up with the design team members for Verve and I was wondering just who was behind those fabulous gals...I should have known! I am so thrilled and can not wait to start shopping! Good for you. You truly are an inspiration to us all. HUGS

Diane said...

CONGRATULATIONS GIRL!!!! Wow you must be soooo excited,glad everything is coming together for you! You go girl!!

Anonymous said...

Don't know you, Julee (got here via Mama Dini's Stamperia), but I'm happy for you. Hope all goes well in your new venture, and a very Happy Birthday to you!

Bethany Paull said...

Julee, congratulations! I've been so excited for you to let everyone know that you're the genious behind this new stamping venture. The site looks great and I can't wait 'til you open for business. Way to follow your dreams!

Nancy said...

Being on holidays meant I missed out on wishing you a Happy Birthday on the 25th... a great day for a baby to be born! As you know, I am a July 25th baby... born in 1970... what year for you?

I hope you had a FANTASTIC day!

Pat said...

WOW Julee!! Congrats on the new store and happy belated birthday. Glad we only have 1 more week to wait.

Libby Hickson said...

OMG!!!! Sorry I'm so behind the times, but HAPPY BIRTHDAY, and WOW WOW WOW - of course I had been hearing about Verve Visual (and I signed up for your mailing list right away!) but I had no idea it is YOUR venture! That is so completely wonderful, I'm so happy for you!! Best of luck, and looking forward to taking a look on Aug1!!

Anonymous said...

Girl, where have I been? (Okay....on vacation in San Antonio!) This is BIG!!! Congratulations. I am so excited for you. Thank you so much for your sweet RAK and the stamps. You rock! I will post it on my blog sometime next week. HUGS!!!