Today is a very special day. Where would I be right now, I wonder, had Jan Marie Caruso never realized her dream of bringing an extraordinary kind of beauty to stamping with her own company? Well, I’d probably be right here, but I wouldn’t have the pleasure of creating with Flourishes drop-dead gorgeous images! I also wouldn’t be in cahoots with some of the most awesome stampers and beautiful ladies I’ve ever known to bring about this birthday celebration. So, today I’d like to express, not only the best of best wishes for a happy birthday to Jan Marie, but my most sincere gratitude, as well.
The entire Flourishes gang has gotten together for a surprise birthday bash! Be sure to read on, but I’ll start with the birthday card I created with Flourishes Cherry Blossoms set.
I colored with Copics and used Prima Fairy Flora paper, a pearl flourish, and sheer ribbon, all of which came from Flourishes online boutique at one time or another. The sentiment is part of the Mix-n-Mugs set – a super adorable set in its own right, but full of little sentiments I love to mix-n-match with other sets, too.
Now, how about a little gift giving to go with our party today? Leave a comment here to be entered in a drawing for one of my all-time favorite Flourishes sets: Butterflies & Blossoms
Gorgeous, yes? I’ll keep this open until Tuesday night, March 1st, at which time I’ll close comments and announce the winner soon thereafter.
Please join our celebration by visiting the rest of the team! You’ll see some real beauties and you may even find more gifts along the way. First and foremost, drop by The Caruso Manor and wish Jan Marie a happy birthday!
The following list includes Flourishes Senior Design Team, the Friends of Flourishes Team, and the Bring Back Beautiful Team – fabulous stampers, every one of them!
- Barbara Anders
- Christine Okken
- Cindy Lawrence
- Danielle Kennedy
- Dawn Burnworth
- Julie Koerber
- Leslie Miller (you are here)
- Stacy Morgan
- Betty Wright
- Cindy Haffner
- Dee Jackson
- Maki Jones
- Silke Ledlow
- Tammy Hershberger
- Beate Johns
- Cindy Coutts
- Heather Jensen
- Kathy Jones
- Yvonne Hagane
I would be remiss if I didn’t let you know that Flourishes progressive sale has now reached 25% off. You can find all sale items here.
I’m so glad you dropped in today! One last thing. . . Happy birthday, Jan Marie! Love you much!
Stamps: Cherry Blossoms, Mix-n-Mugs (sentiment) Paper: Rose Red textured, Pink Pirouette, Flourishes Classic White, Prima Fairy Flora designer paper Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa, Rose Red, Copics for coloring Accessories: Ribbon, pearl flourish, Spellbinders Classic and Scalloped Oval, Classic Circle, and Labels Seventeen Nestabilities, Scotch brand foam mounting tape
OutStanding Card.
Love the Flourishes sets: Butterflies & Blossoms
Thank U 4 this opportunity
ColleenB.
Posted by: ColleenB. | 02/25/2011 at 01:17 AM
Wow I love the colors, the image and everything about this card, just gorgeous!
Posted by: Karen W | 02/25/2011 at 02:10 AM
Wow, how pretty is this! The Butterflies and Blossoms is one of my favorite sets. You did a wonderful job with the coloring and that paper is so pretty! Well done! I love to visit your blog and always come away feeling like my soul has been fed!
Posted by: Glenda | 02/25/2011 at 02:25 AM
Gorgeous card, Leslie. I love the Cherry Blossom set. I also love the set you raffle away, but don't put me in your drawing. I already own it. I get most of Marcella's set because she is amazing.
Hugs and smiles
Posted by: Beate | 02/25/2011 at 03:08 AM
Awesome card. I love that big ol pearl swirl! Thank you so much for the chance to win, that set is just beautiful.
sunshinestgurl AT gmail DOT com
Posted by: Tanya Phillips | 02/25/2011 at 03:37 AM
Beautiful card, Leslie ! Love how you framed it up and embellished it all. Love your work !
Posted by: Crystal B | 02/25/2011 at 04:04 AM
Gorgeous card as usual! I love the stamp you used and would love to win the Butterflies & Blossoms set. Thanks for sharing your talent with all of us.
Posted by: Beverly A | 02/25/2011 at 04:10 AM
GREAT card - love the colors - -love the blog hop. I always get wonderful ideas...cause I'm a copier, not a designer! Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Betty | 02/25/2011 at 04:15 AM
Leslie, this is absolutely beautiful!!! Love how you've used part of the image and the pearl swirls are luscious!! :)
Posted by: Kathy J (Wattle) | 02/25/2011 at 04:28 AM
Beautiful card! I love the pearl flourishes you added!
Posted by: Elena | 02/25/2011 at 04:43 AM
Beautiful card. I really love the embellishments. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Martha Hepburn | 02/25/2011 at 04:51 AM
BEAUTIFUL card!! I love that stamp...definitely need it!
Posted by: Susan Goetter | 02/25/2011 at 05:20 AM
Simply STUNNING!!
Posted by: Cindy haffner | 02/25/2011 at 05:42 AM
Leslie what a beautiful card. You had me at the pearl swirls, I just can't get enough. TFS
Posted by: Linda | 02/25/2011 at 05:44 AM
Gorgeous card, Leslie! I'm sure Jan Marie will love it. I love the pearl flourish....how appropriate! Have a wonderful week-end. The set you're offering is gorgeous, too. What fun to win such a beautiful set, for whoever wins it. Thanks for offering it.
Posted by: Karen | 02/25/2011 at 05:50 AM
Beautiful, beautiful card! I've got to get some of those swirls.
Posted by: Mary | 02/25/2011 at 05:51 AM
Absolutely love all your stamps! Love the card.
Posted by: Julia | 02/25/2011 at 05:51 AM
What a super gorgeous card, Leslie!!! What a fun birthday party for Jan Marie:) Awesome prize, too - how cool!
Posted by: Lynette | 02/25/2011 at 05:54 AM
Love this card! Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Barbara Leonard | 02/25/2011 at 06:00 AM
Beautiful card!!! Makes spring seem much closer!
Posted by: Pamboe | 02/25/2011 at 06:03 AM
such a beautiful card. the way you used the frame is so great. gonna have to try this ons one. thanks for sharing.
Posted by: MaryAnn Grove | 02/25/2011 at 06:09 AM
Beautiful card. I love the pearls on this card and the soft little bow. Your work is always so inspiring. Great stamp set for all of us to have a chance to win! Thank you for being so thoughtful.
Posted by: Charlette | 02/25/2011 at 06:10 AM
What a lovely card. I really love the Prima paper. I wish this was my birthday card!
Posted by: Mary Jo Stewart | 02/25/2011 at 06:24 AM
This card is beautiful, she is one lucky gal I tell you! I am not thiking I will get a blog hop in March for my birthday (LOL!). YOu are all so kind.
And this give away set is gorgeous, now to check out the sale. I have yet to get a Flourishes set but I do have a wish list.... but my hubby mentioned "budget" and my son asked, what is that? LOL-
Posted by: Heidi | 02/25/2011 at 06:24 AM
What a lovely card!! Those colors are just gorgeous and I love the image and dp together.
Posted by: Cindy H. | 02/25/2011 at 06:25 AM
Your card is beautiful, of course!!! And what a special way to celebrate Jan Marie's birthday!!! Thanks for offering the set as well. I am off to the other celebration blogs!!!
Posted by: Willow | 02/25/2011 at 06:29 AM
Leslie, how did you get the blue background behind the flowers so soft? Copics and a blender? It is too pretty!
Posted by: Colleen Dietrich | 02/25/2011 at 06:29 AM
Sigh, this is so beautiful! I love the window from the die cut and the pearl flourish is so feminine and pretty! Gorgeous creation Leslie!!
Posted by: Danielle | 02/25/2011 at 06:31 AM
Beautifully colored flowers and I love the pearl flourish.
Posted by: Nicky Taylor | 02/25/2011 at 06:33 AM
Love the pink blossoms. It reminds me that spring is almost here! You create such beautiful cards Leslie. Thanks for sharing them with us :)
Posted by: Paula | 02/25/2011 at 06:39 AM
This is a stunning card!
Posted by: mamichelle | 02/25/2011 at 06:54 AM
What a beautiful card and thanks for the opportunity to win a different great set!
Posted by: Moira Galarneau | 02/25/2011 at 07:02 AM
Beautful card! and love the butterfly on that stamp set.
Posted by: Joyce | 02/25/2011 at 07:08 AM
well that's drop dead gorgeous. all the elements are fabulous.
I do have that stamp set BIG GRIN, but should I win, I'd be more than happy to pass it along to some unfortunate friend who doesn't. ROFL
Posted by: yogi | 02/25/2011 at 07:15 AM
Really beautiful..what else is there to say. Great job Leslie..
Posted by: Dawn B. | 02/25/2011 at 07:19 AM
Cherry blossoms and JM's birthday, what a celebration card, Leslie! Been peeking at Washington D.C. for some cherry blossom action there....winter continues to be 'set in'. Wonder what that means for festival and a 'continuation' of JM's Bday!?! Extended with delight!
And a lovely celebration for a lovely lady it will continue to be. Leslie, thanks for all the combos of Flourish sets to dance for this birthday bash.
Keep Looking UP!
mt23stamperatyahoodotcom
Posted by: mt | 02/25/2011 at 07:38 AM
What an absolutely lovely card! The cherry blossom image is divine and your coloring is wonderful - the perfect focal point.
Posted by: LaurieJ | 02/25/2011 at 07:47 AM
what an absolutely gorgeous card! And how generous to offer blog candy to boot? Would love to win this set!
Posted by: NancyK | 02/25/2011 at 07:53 AM
Beautiful Leslie, your pearl flourishes and your framing at wonderful.
Posted by: Stacy aka Twinshappy SCS | 02/25/2011 at 07:59 AM
How beautifully framed! What a breath of fresh spring air. Thanks for the lovely eye candy today!!
Posted by: Emily Keaton | 02/25/2011 at 07:59 AM
Beautiful card for Jan Marie. I really like the a pearl flourish you used so sweet. Thanks for the chance to win "candy". Birthdays are so much fun!
Posted by: Karen K. | 02/25/2011 at 08:00 AM
What a beautifully elegant card! Love the frame you used.
Posted by: pmm | 02/25/2011 at 08:03 AM
What a stunning card my friend! How you've used the dp and the framing and those pearls.....sheer beauty!
Posted by: ChristineCreations | 02/25/2011 at 08:11 AM
Awww...Leslie this is stunning! Makes me long even more for spring (If that`s possible). Can`t wait for our cherry tree to blossom! Have a wonderful weekend:)
Posted by: Yvonne Hagane | 02/25/2011 at 08:20 AM
Beautiful card and great giveaway. Love the stamp set. Thanks for the opportunity to win.
Posted by: debbie Walker | 02/25/2011 at 08:22 AM
This is so awesomely sweet, Leslie! Love how you did the image and the pearls are a perfect finishing touch!
Posted by: Barbara | 02/25/2011 at 08:23 AM
What a beautiful birthday card! I especially love how you framed your stamped image with the negative from your die cut and those beautiful pearls!
Posted by: Linda E | 02/25/2011 at 08:26 AM
What a gorgeous card!
Posted by: Laura Turnmire | 02/25/2011 at 08:26 AM
Wow what a gorgeous set! Love, love, love flowers and butterflies! Hope I win!!! Happy Birthday to Jan Marie!
Posted by: jean wilson | 02/25/2011 at 08:54 AM
Leslie, this is wonderful and the soft coloring is so beautiful! Lovely card and fabulous detailing!
Posted by: Betty | 02/25/2011 at 09:01 AM
What a gorgeous card and i just love the stamps set!! Who wouldn't want a chance to win that stamp set, just fabulous! ~Gin~
Posted by: Ginny K. | 02/25/2011 at 09:05 AM
Beautiful card!!! Jan Marie will love it. Thanks for the chance to win the stamp set.
Posted by: Michelle Arthur | 02/25/2011 at 09:11 AM
Leslie, this is super beautiful! I love the wonderful design and the use of embellishments. Fantastic work as always!
Posted by: Makiko Jones | 02/25/2011 at 09:37 AM
OMG Leslie, absolutely stunning! Jan Marie will just love her gorgeous card made with so much love and as a bonus with Flourishes pretties. TFS
Posted by: nancy littrell | 02/25/2011 at 09:42 AM
Stunning card! Love the design, image, & pearls. Thanks for the blog candy chance. lisawhs808 at aol dot com
Posted by: lisa808 | 02/25/2011 at 10:02 AM
Gorgeous card, love the colors you used!
Posted by: Diana Laufer | 02/25/2011 at 10:06 AM
You've done it again, Leslie. A gorgeous card. The flourishes are a nice touch. What could be better than blossoms and butterflies for a gardener! Thanks for the chance to win.
Posted by: Mildred | 02/25/2011 at 10:15 AM
An absolutely gorgeous, elegant card! Very impressive with all your colors and die cuts. The background paper is beautiful. This one is a keeper to copy for my own designs. Thank you.
plsakron at aol dot com
Posted by: Pat S | 02/25/2011 at 10:15 AM
Beautiful card! Love the coloring, colors used, everything!
Posted by: Eleanor | 02/25/2011 at 11:06 AM
What a BEAUTY Leslie! Love the DP, the pearl flourish and the entire design! Hugs ~S~
Posted by: Silke Ledlow | 02/25/2011 at 11:07 AM
What a beautiful card Leslie! Love it!! And a very pretty set of stamps too. Really like the sentiments.
Posted by: Lavonne Sylvester | 02/25/2011 at 11:37 AM
Beautiful Card!!! Great job with the copics!! I am still figuring mine out! lol
Posted by: Girl Hair Accessories | 02/25/2011 at 11:49 AM
so very pretty, love the way you used the dies, great framing and lovely coloring of the flowers~
Posted by: Conniecrafter | 02/25/2011 at 11:53 AM
Absolutely gorgeous! Your cards are always such an inspiration.
Posted by: Tammy Hair | 02/25/2011 at 12:07 PM
Beautiful card!
Posted by: Wendy | 02/25/2011 at 01:24 PM
love your cards, Leslie, and wish Jan Marie a happy
birthday. Thanks! Diane H.
Posted by: Diane H. | 02/25/2011 at 02:16 PM
Gorgeous card, love the flourishing pearls!
Posted by: Joni M | 02/25/2011 at 03:13 PM
Your cards are just so elegant, Leslie!
Posted by: Karen | 02/25/2011 at 03:56 PM
Absolutely beautiful.. the paper and your coloring are just beautiful together! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Carolyn G. | 02/25/2011 at 04:07 PM
Awesome card Leslie! Cherry blossoms is one of my favorite stamps sets as well. Jan Marie will be so pleased to see your gift of your heart. I agree, I can't imagine stamping without flourishes stamps, they are just all so elegant. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Cindy Lou | 02/25/2011 at 05:01 PM
love this card! your coloring is wonderful and love the sweet pearls.
sandyh
Posted by: sandyh | 02/25/2011 at 05:17 PM
Beautiful and delicate card. A real beauty.
Sharon L
Posted by: sharon l | 02/25/2011 at 05:25 PM
What could be prettier than cherry blossoms in the spring. I can just smell them out my window right now. A very pretty card in deed.
Posted by: Gretchen Wilson | 02/25/2011 at 05:53 PM
Great card! She's sure to love it! What a great way to celebrate her birthday!
Posted by: Laura Evangeline | 02/25/2011 at 06:35 PM
Yummy card...thank you...
Posted by: Debby Walker | 02/25/2011 at 06:45 PM
What a beautiful card! And yes this set would have to be one of my all time favourites from Flourishes too! It is top of my wish list! Love how you have framed the image!
Posted by: Jean | 02/25/2011 at 06:58 PM
Lovely card. The sheer ribbon adds that "Oh! so delicate look" The stamp set is wonderful.
Posted by: Elaina Larsen | 02/25/2011 at 07:03 PM
How very beautiful...I love the dp with the image and the wonderful pearl flourish.
Posted by: Davi | 02/25/2011 at 07:24 PM
WOW! I love, love your cards, Leslie!! And this one is as beautiful as they come, this one is exceptional!! I love the PP frame you added, it's wonderful :)
Posted by: Amanda H | 02/25/2011 at 09:35 PM
This card is absolutely exquisite! Did you know that when Flourishes first began, there were a bunch of us who hung out and played with our Flourishes stamps on SCS? And that Jan Marie sent all of us regulars a stamp set for HER birthday?
Posted by: Carla Mayfield | 02/25/2011 at 09:49 PM
Oh Leslie! You've outdone yourself with this card! I don't even know where to start! So richly colored and decorated....I am left dumbfounded and speechless...exquisite!
Posted by: Cynthia | 02/25/2011 at 10:14 PM
Leslie, this is so pretty. I love it. Your colouring the window insert is gorgeous. That flourish is stunning.
Posted by: Leigh | 02/25/2011 at 10:19 PM
This is so pretty! I love the Asian feel of the design and patterns.
Thank you for sharing! :)
Posted by: emily | 02/26/2011 at 03:52 AM
Rich, elegant and perfectly designed. Everything is in perfect balance. I think this is my favorite card so far and your choice of colors is fantastic. I love the stamp set and can't wait for the cherry blossoms to appear.
Thanks for the chance to win such a amazing prize...would love to win.
Posted by: Sande | 02/26/2011 at 06:08 AM
gorgeous card. so glad you found each other so we could enjoy your beautiful creations. love flourishes stamps.
Posted by: laura huffman | 02/26/2011 at 06:19 AM
Thanks for sharing. Love pink and any kind of bling:)
Posted by: DeboraR | 02/26/2011 at 06:20 AM
Gorgeous card, wonderful layout, love the embellishments!
Posted by: Lynda | 02/26/2011 at 07:03 AM
What a beautiful card and I sure would love the stamp set. I agree the flourishes stamps are awesomw!
Posted by: terri | 02/26/2011 at 07:27 AM
Love the card! I have some prima fairy flora paper too, and really enjoy working with it!
Posted by: Emily W. | 02/26/2011 at 07:55 AM
What a special card.. I love the way you use bold patterns with beautifully colored images..
Posted by: Linda | 02/26/2011 at 08:00 AM
Oh my word, this card is stunning! I love how you used the reverse of the labels die and as always, your coloring is divine!
Posted by: Michele | 02/26/2011 at 08:18 AM
Beautiful card. I love butterflies. The paper that you used it beautiful with this stampset. Wonderful job all the way around. Thank you for the opportunity to be able to win it.
Posted by: Sharman DeLuca | 02/26/2011 at 08:21 AM
Leslie, again I find myself picking my chin up off the ground. You are amazing!!
Posted by: Becca Feeken | 02/26/2011 at 08:32 AM
Gorgeous card and great stamp!
Posted by: Charlotte Hall | 02/26/2011 at 09:03 AM
Another beautiful card! I love your choice of papers and colors, just so pretty!
Posted by: Peachy Wessels | 02/26/2011 at 09:10 AM
Beautiful, beautiful card!
Posted by: Pat Dimzoff | 02/26/2011 at 09:14 AM
I've recently been introduced to Flourishes and love their gorgeous images. Your card is just stunning! Thank you for the opportunity to win this beautiful set!
Posted by: Cathy M. (Cathymac) | 02/26/2011 at 09:22 AM
Such an inspirational card, thanks for the chance to win.
Posted by: Marilyn | 02/26/2011 at 09:49 AM
very sweet idea-the b-day hop for Jan Marie. Beautiful card and fab stamp set.
Posted by: Karen McAlpine | 02/26/2011 at 09:59 AM
My Oh My this is gorgeous!! I just love how you colored this and all the added details. This will be a real treat for Jan Marie.
Posted by: Dee Jackson | 02/26/2011 at 11:24 AM