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Happy Anni-VERVE-sary to ME!

Hi friends!  Six years ago today the Verve website went live and we sold our very first stamp!  I had no idea how my little side business would change my life.  I often tell people I didn't intend to start a business... it just happened to me.  I opened my shop with the intention of just selling crafty things I liked and hopefully earning a little money to offset the major spend that my papercrafting was turning into.  Something to do on the side while I figured out what to do with my life, ya  know?


Somewhere along the way to our store opening I had the idea to design a little stamp set and see if anybody wanted it.  Just a few little phrases to fit my favorite punch.  And then another set for all occasion cards... the Fancy Florals set.  Soon, stamps were the main part of my business and in 6 months Verve had switched to clear stamps, and phased out papers and ribbons and such so I could focus my time on bringing new stamps to life!

Oh my!  How my life has been richly blessed by this business.  Verve has flourished beyond my wildest dreams and largely because of Verve, we were able to move into an incredibly beautiful brand new house only a few short months prior to the arrival of our twins.  And our lives are forever changed.  Definitely a charmed life.

The past year and half has brought many challenges to our family. There have been job changes and pay cuts and vendor issues and depression and little time or energy  to devote to Verve.  And even though I know I am very blessed, I often feel that I have completely failed at the end of the day.  One of those failures is the fact that for the first time in Verve's 6 years, we won't have a stamp release in August.


But we're still going to celebrate with a HUGE SALE!  All Verve stamps and dies are on sale 10 - 50% off this month!  And there should be new stamps and dies in September AND October.  And then, hopefully on a much more regular basis! Because good things are going to happen!  Just like my shabby little card says.  {grin}

So thanks for supporting Verve and for sticking around this little blog that doesn't get near the attention it used to.  I'm blaming it all on these three boys... I mean, really, they're pretty distracting, don't ya think?



Enabler's List
Stamps: Brighter Days (Verve Stamps)
Paper: Prairie Chic (BoBunny), Blushing Bride (SU!), White (Neenah)
Ink: Vintage Photo (Ranger Distress)
Accessories: Flag It Die Set (A Cut Above by VERVE), vintage lace trim, pearl, Regal Flourishes Texture Fades (Tim Holtz)

36 comments

Lyn said...

Congrats and no surprise your business has flourished I adore Verve stamps

Happymade said...

I'm SO GLAD you've started Verve Stamps. I really love your stamps.
I wish you a happy anniversary.
Very best regards, Anette

Sarah Gough said...

You are FAR too hard on yourself my lovely friend! You should be so proud! I know your boys are proud of you. Thank you for enriching all our lives with your amazing, uplifting designs. I can't help but feel great when I stamp with Verve, all my fave cards feature your stamps! *hugs* and congrats!!!

Stacey Schafer said...

Oh, Julee! I'm so happy for you celebrating Verve's 6th anniversary! I consider Verve a blessing to the stamping community...each set is positive and full of encouraging possibilities! Those three boys you mentioned are blessed to have you, too! Big hugs!

Marisa said...

And what a fabulous six years it has been!!! Verve was my very first clear stamp and the rest is history LOL - gladly so too :)

Soooo proud of all you have accomplished, Julee. The blip in the road is just that, a blip :) As the dust settles, I know you will soon carry on bringing us what you do best! SO honored to be a Diva and walk along side ((HUGS))!

LOVE the picture of the boys too! Happy sixth anniversary and your gorgeous card says it all!!

Teresa Kline said...

I could not be happier to be apart of Verve and to be a friend to you and your family.....it has been amazing for me! You have so much to be proud of and you should NEVER feel like a failure! You have impacted my life more than you will ever know...THANK YOU! I look forward to the next six years, Happy Anniversary!

Dream Big – Work Hard – Enjoy the Reward

big ole hugs to you my friend *~*

Tricia T said...

I truly understand that end of the day feeling, Julee. Lots of changes and stresses and little people can do that to you! But I am confident that He who began a good work in You will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. You are such a blessing!! Your stamps have been a huge encouragement to me over and over again as I've gone through some of the same feelings and struggles. Hugs, my friend! And happy, happy anni-verve-sary to you (and Mr. Verve, too!).

Betty Wright said...

WOW! This post brought tears to my eyes! Wonderfully heartfelt! Congratulations on 6 wonderful years! I love Verve stamps! I love my Verve!

Julee, there is no such thing as the "perfect" mom!

Thanks so much for all you do! Like I said...I LOVE my VERVE!

Your card is beautiful and full of HOPE! Awesome!

Unknown said...

Congratulations! Love your card!

Ravengirl said...

What a beautiful card with a most appropriate sentiment! Verve has always been and still remains a favorite stamp company of mine! Regardless of whether or not there are new images out every month, Verve puts out fabulous product and, really, it gives me more time to use the Verve that I already own. I think your three boys are quite charming and could see how a girl would be easily distracted!

D- said...

Oh my goodness you have been kind of busy with your adorable boys.
NEVER feel you have failed us!!!
You have been doing the most important job you have taking care of those babies.
While I LOVE your products taking care of yourself and your family is, as it should be, your most important focus.
Thank you so much for the wonderful products, challenges, sale offers and sharing your creative talents.
HAPPY 6 YEARS!!
D~
http://designsbydragonfly.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

Congratulations on your beautiful family and successful business!!!! Happy anniversary to you and your hubby!! Never beat yourself up for missing a stamp release. Yes we all LOVE your beautiful, inspirational stamps, but always remember "family first"! Those precious babies will be grown before you know it. I raised 3 children, but I can't even imagine the demands of raising twins! You deserve a huge pat on the back for all you've accomplished this past year!! Hang in there girl!!! You are doing a great job!!!

Unknown said...

Congratulations on your beautiful family and successful business!!!! Happy anniversary to you and your hubby!! Never beat yourself up for missing a stamp release. Yes we all LOVE your beautiful, inspirational stamps, but always remember "family first"! Those precious babies will be grown before you know it. I raised 3 children, but I can't even imagine the demands of raising twins! You deserve a huge pat on the back for all you've accomplished this past year!! Hang in there girl!!! You are doing a great job!!!

Bhawana said...

Congratulations dear. Verve stamps are in my wishlist. I love those sentiments stamps... each n every stamps looks superb to me.

having business means a lot of ups n downs, But dont worry even if there is no new release for august we will enjoy this sale.All The Very Best.

Julia M said...

Congratulations on 6 wonderful years of Verve happiness. Let me just say that your stamps were the first stamps I bought when I learned how stamping actually works. You have been such an inspiration to so many people and I feel blessed every time I use your wonderful stamps. Please don't be hard on yourself because we LOVE you so much and we know that family comes first. So pat yourself on the back for having a business that brings so much love and joy to others.

Luanne said...

Sweet Julee! You are In the adventure of your life, and we fellow stampers are so blessed to share in that ride! Congratulations on 6 wonderful years. Enjoy the boys (all three of them!) they are the best blessing of all...

Kerri said...

Congratulations on your sixth anniversary! It's amazing the places life takes us - you deserve the extra time with your family while they need you. I know I'm glad that you have been able to build your business so successfully - I love your stamps! Can't believe how much the boys have grown!!

irishgalkelly said...

Julee, congratulations and happy anni-verve-sary! Love your work, your pretty creations that inspire us all with, and the quality products you provide. Your stamps were also my first clear stamps and I love them. I have to agree with an earlier comment about how this gives us time to use what we already have from Verve and that is okay. Spend time with your little ones and try not to be so hard on yourself. You are amazing and your blog friends love you. Wishing you 6 more years and beyond!! (love seeing your boys)

Gisela said...

CONGRATULATIONS Julee on your great achievement. You have not failed, maybe you need to take a deep breath and enjoy your accomplishments. The message on your card spoke to me, a message from God. That is not failing. Wish you the best.

Rachel V said...

Congrats on 6 years! There is no failure here, only strength and determination. It's not easy to make a business succeed and you have done that. You should be very proud! Thank you for creating such wonderful products for us papercrafters!

June Houck said...

Six years already? That went fast..at least to me :) You are a constant inspiration with your perfect, gorgeous, and elegant cards, your sketches, and your DT gals. I was thrilled when you became pregnant with your twins and I have loved following their progress.

I hope you will continue as long as it brings YOU joy, and no more feelings of depression or failure. YOU are truly inspiring, Julie. I have been a fan for the entire six years +

Hugs,
June

Vickie Z said...

Congrats Julee!! Your boys are adorable!! Gorgeous card too!!

Unknown said...

Julee you are an AMAZING person and the fact that you can be a wife, mom to twins as still run Verve as well as you do astounds me! THANK YOU for sharing your beautiful creations with all of us, and for letting us into a little part of your home life too. Your boys are beautiful.
Who needs an August release anyway? ;)
Please go give yourself a big pat on the back!
Tracey

Maureen said...

and what handsome distractions they are! Congratulations on 6 fabulous years and too many more! You've built an amazing company and it's easy to love every aspect of it :) Hugs to you and your 3 boys :) ox

bristowmom said...

One good thing about the stamping community is they understand when life gets in the way. And seriously, you do such an amazing job with your blog and your company that no one would guess everything was not perfect in your world.

Verve stamps are my favorites. The quality is just the best, I love that you have scripture verses, and you do a lot of pretty stuff.

Hang in here - you have lots of fans!

seamom said...

Congratulations on your Anni-Verve-sary! I love your stamps... quality and variety. Your three boys will and should always be your priority, and I look forward to buying more Verve stamps!
seamom in Florida.

Michelle Quinno said...

Happy Anni-verve-sary! Yes, I can certainly understand where your focus is! They're precious. Beautiful card!

Diana Nguyen said...

Congratulations on 6 years of beautiful stamps! I love your designs and am truly thankful for your creativity... I can't imagine having something new ready just because of a deadline. So don't be too hard on yourself and enjoy all your blessings. Because some days you are just thankful to make it through the day - and that everyone else survived. :) Keeping you in my prayers!

Nancy said...

Enjoy your boys (all three of them!) they are the best blessing of all...and family comes first! Your stamps are the best and congrats on all your accomplishments!
Take one day at a time and as some of the readers said...don't be hard on yourself...your amazing!

Dawn Easton said...

Congratulations Julee on ALL of your accomplishments. Not just at Verve but in your personal life with your family! They look AMAZINGLY handsome and happy!!!

I have been lucky enough to work for you at Verve and I can honestly say that you are one of the VERY best people to work with and if my time allowed I'd do it again in a heartbeat! I wish you may more years of success!!!

Elizabeth S. said...

Congratulations on celebrating 6 years!! I've been watching for several years nows and found myself now addicted to your stamps and dies. Not to mention the fast shipping that I love as well. So happy you have this blog where I get a lot of inspiration. It's amazing how you are raising the twins plus managing the store, blog, and challenges. Not sure how you do it....your quite amazing!!

Elizabeth S. said...

There are many days I feel the same, but always keep in mind not to be so hard on yourself. One must think there is always another day and to make the best of what comes. Don't worry about the August release and enjoy your family and health.

Kristen said...

What a great pic of your boys! I echo what someone else said above...don't be so hard on yourself. :) I adore your stamps. You are SO very talented, always on top of things, and give us tons of inspiration! Actually I think the 6 year mark...is a perfect time to pause without a release this month! You and "we" customers can reflect on the wonderful offering Verve has for us. Life is so hurried...sometimes I feel we push ourselves way past what we were ever created to do. Obviously, you have a successful business to show for it and I know it can't "pause" for long ~ enjoy a slight pause & give yourself a smile. Well done & congrats!!! :)

Sandra Miller said...

You have a beautiful family AND business, Julee! Congrats on your anniversary. I understand where you see coming from. I, too, owned a few businesses, the last being a scrapbook and stamping store. It was a lot of work and dedication. Sometimes very hard...I eventually had to sell, unfortunately..sigh...after my husband became very ill, to support my family. He passed two years later. You have great support from your family and friends, so keep your head held high and your faith close to your heart. Enjoy your anniversary!

Kellie 0:) said...

Congratulations. Here is to many more joyous years ahead

Colleen Dietrich said...

Aw, what a heartfelt post. Life sure has its ups and downs, doesn't it? All we can do is put one foot in front of the other sometimes. I can relate to your scenario, albeit with different circumstances. Some days are quite depressing. Other days are better. :) Sending you happy thoughts and positive vibes, Julee.