Running With Scissors...

Blinged Up Birthday

Hello!  Just popping in with a quick something as I head into the abbreviated work week.  I hope you all had a pleasant weekend.  My three day weekend consisted of a Wally Day, a Family Day, and a Do Your Own Thing Day.  We didn’t have the best weather, and the forecast wasn’t entirely accurate, but at least our Wally Day had a little sunshine in it.  On to the card. . .

It’s almost clean and simple.  Can you call a card with that much bling clean and simple?  If I can make it in the duration of one cup of coffee, it qualifies in my book -- quick stamping, quick coloring, no designer paper to fuss with, and a quick application of bling.  I had to come back later to finish the inside and the envelope so it would be ready to mail, but still – quick.

I used Flourishes’ Let Them Eat Cake stamp set and ZVA butterfly bling, also from Flourishes.  This is the last of my butterfly bling, save for some leftover tail pieces.  It’s big bling, but, of course, you don’t have to use the whole piece at once.  The leftovers will show up on other cards later.

Coloring was done with Copics in two shades of pink.  I traced over the cake’s flourishes with the darker pink to give it shading.  I also outlined and underlined the image with light gray (C1).  The candle flame has a touch of glitter on it.

Pictured below is the envelope flap.  The cake plate turned upside down made a nice little flourish when stamped off the edge.

And that’s it!  Have a super fine day!

Stamps:  Let Them Eat Cake  Paper:  Flourishes Classic White  Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, dark gray, turquoise, Copics for coloring  Accessories:  ZVA clear rhinestone butterfly bling

Flourishes Friday: A Little Bit of Copic Coloring

Hi, everyone!  We made it to Friday and I feel like celebrating.  I’ve been on jury duty all month, but the word from the recording today is I’m done for the month.  One less thing on my mind.

So… I have a card today with a little bit of coloring.  Not quite the kind of coloring I’m yearning to do, but I’m still a little pressed for time, and this was some pretty quick and easy coloring.  White daisies can get by with nothing more than a little blush of blue and those cheerful yellow centers.  I used Flourishes’ Sky and Buttercup Copic collections:

 

Aside from easy coloring to fit my time constraints, I have additional reasons for making this particular card:

• To begin with, I have multiple stamped images laying around waiting to be colored.  My intentions were good when I stamped them – if I stamp them, the coloring and cards will happen, right?  Well, not necessarily so.  For various reasons there’s always another image, another card that needs my attention first.  At this time, however, all needs aligned and this image and card fit all the requirements.  One less uncolored image on my stamp desk!
• Of all the uncolored images, why this one?  It’s for a coworker who was pining away for a similar card I made using the hydrangea heart from the Hearts & Flowers set, paired with this sentiment from Angelic Love.  I, personally, used the other card for my own dear friend, so I thought I’d offer this one as a consolation.
• Finally, Cindy is focusing on Flourishes’ new Copic collections on the Newsletter today, and the team has made samples in support.  Though I’ve colored with Copics, I do not have any of the new collections.  I will rectify that as soon as possible.

If you haven’t already been there, you may like to pay a visit to Cindy on the Newsletter.  You’ve seen Cindy’s gorgeous designs before?  Well, ‘nuff said!  How about checking out the rest of the team’s samples, too?  Trust me, you’re in for a treat:

Barbara Anders

Christine Okken

Cindy Lawrence

Danielle Kennedy

Dawn Burnworth

Julie Koerber

Stacy Morgan

Everything I used on this card is listed in the recipe below.  For those who are observing it, I sincerely wish for you a most enjoyable Memorial Day weekend.  Folks everywhere can appreciate the reason for this occasion – love, loss, and honor do not recognize international boundaries.  Take care.

Stamps:  Hearts & Flowers, Angelic Love  Paper:  Memory Box Key Lime, SU! So Saffron, Flourishes Classic White, BasicGrey Urban Prairie designer paper  Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics for coloring  Accessories:  Ribbon, rhinestones, SU! scallop border punch, Spellbinders Labels one Nestabilities, Classic Circles Small, Nested Pennants

Retro Wednesday

Okay, folks… it’s another Retro Wednesday and Flourishes still has a few of those retired sets marked down 65%.  That means a stamp set, such as Menswear (samples I’m sharing today), is only $5.59.

What makes this set great is that you can customize it for the guy in your life.  I mean, they all wear shirts, don’t they?  Maybe they don’t all wear ties or drink beer, but there’s that, too.  I’ve used all the images in the set and each card was created for a specific someone.

I made the first card for my husband.  He’s not much of a beer drinker and he’d probably never wear such a bright shirt, but he got a kick out of the Invisible Man theme:

This one was made for my friend’s insurance salesman son (he’s really into ties):

And, finally, this for another friend’s son-in-law:

And that’s it!  This is the last of my Retro Wednesday posts.  I’ll tell you truthfully, I’m in a stamping slump and I need to color something pretty to get myself out of it.  I can’t stop thinking about all the folks in the midwest and other regions being hit hard by the weather.  My heart goes out to everyone who has been affected by this.  I used to live very close to Joplin, Missouri, and I have a friend who finally located a relative in the hospital there after her home was destroyed.  I’m sorry to finish on a somber note.  Please take good care of yourself and savor every precious moment.  See you again soon.

A Smile for You

Back to Monday!  I’m smiling because the rain that was forecast for the weekend never materialized.  Saturday was not bad, and Sunday was downright beautiful.  Got some garden time – slow progress on the beds, but progress nevertheless.

I also managed some stamping time, and today I’m sharing a little something I made with my new JustRite Smile set. 

I think the frames for this set are so pretty, and I love anything filigree.  This particular frame has a leafy botanical look so I love it all the more.  I brought out some older (probably retired) BasicGrey designer paper called Scarlet’s Letter.  I’m so fond of this paper I have two pads and I’ve barely touched it.  Today was its day to come out of hiding.

I must move on to other things, now, so I’ll keep this brief.  All card ingredients are listed in the recipe below.  Thank you for visiting, and have a wonderful day!

Stamps:  JustRite Smile  Paper:  Ruby Red textured, white, BasicGrey Scarlet’s Letter designer paper  Ink:  Olive, red  Accessories:  Sheer ribbon, Kaiser flat-backed pearls, Spellbinders Classic Squares Large and Small Nestabilities, Classic Circles Nestabilities, Fancy Tags Three, Scotch brand foam mounting tape

Thanks for the Memories

 

 

Here we are at Friday again, and today is my chance to share another card from Flourishes’ latest release.  I chose to color a What a Catch Father’s Day card since the last one is already gone, having been picked up by someone at work for their fly-fishing Dad.

I colored with Copics and used Cosmo Cricket Wanted paper for the layout.  I was hoping to make it somewhat colorful, yet earthy, and still it’s mostly brown tones, but I did add a red stitched ribbon for a pop of color.

I’d like to invite you to visit the rest of the team for new release samples and more, and when you stop by Barbara’s be sure a wish her a big ol’ "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BAR!”

Barbara Anders

Christine Okken

Cindy Lawrence

Danielle Kennedy

Dawn Burnworth

Julie Koerber

Stacy Morgan

Just a reminder that today is the final day of availability for this month’s New Release Bundle – purchase all four sets and receive a 10% discount.

Happy stamping and a beautiful weekend to all!  We’re expecting rain – typical of our weekends so far this Spring – but I’ve got a lot of gardening to do so the rain will just have to put up with me.  See you soon!

Stamps:  What a Catch  Paper:  Caramel textured, Flourishes Classic Ivory, Cosmo Cricket Wanted designer paper  Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Palette Umber  Accessories:  Ribbon, nailheads, Scotch brand foam mounting tape

Retro Wednesday

Hi, all!  It’s another Retro Wednesday -- Flourishes’ day to share samples with some of the retiring sets which are on sale now for 65% off.  In fact, everything on the sale page is marked down 65%.  That’s a pretty big savings!

I know you’re probably not thinking much about Christmas when Spring has just begun.  Nor am I.  However, I do have a couple of Christmas projects today, seeing as how these were some favorites when the sets were first released.

First up is Lamp Post Greetings.  I like the idea of this set for make-ahead cards.  Color up a few of the lamp posts and add the appropriate flag when the occasion arises.  It’s a cute idea and there are a lot of different uses for this set.

This box, constructed of Flourishes Clear Cover Cardstock and BasicGrey Eskimo Kisses designer paper, was made for a friend’s December baby and stuffed full of newborn socks.  I colored the image with Copics and adhered it to the finished box.

Additionally, I’m sharing a card made with the Christmas Borders set.

We were doing a tag focus at the time, and I really wanted to get another Christmas card done, rather than a tag, so I made a card that looks like a big tag.  Whatever works, right?  Again, it’s colored with Copics and using the Eskimo Kisses paper.  Guess that was my favorite paper of the season.  The sentiment, by the way, is from the Christmas Tea set (not retiring or on sale).

Despite the unseasonable nature of this post, I enjoyed bringing out these projects for a rerun and I thank you for indulging me.

More ideas for the on-sale sets can be seen when you visit:

Barbara Anders

Christine Okken

Julie Koerber

Have a fabulous day!

Finishing Up What’s On My Work Desk

 

This is the sum total of my weekend stamping – a simple card with one big, beautiful flower.  When one puts this in perspective with everything else I did this weekend, it’s much more than it appears at first glance.  Which I why I see it as, perhaps, more than the casual observer would.  And I made it just for me.  Just for fun.  However, it will most likely go into my Cards For Sale basket at work, so I made sure it was a lightweight, lump-free, no extra postage required card.

I watercolored the Penny Black “To You” flower with Tombow Markers on 90 lb hot press watercolor paper.  To add texture and dimension without excess bulk, I applied Flower Soft to the center.  I used a length of ribbon from one of my two scrap jars which I seldom reach into, and papers from the BasicGrey Lemonade collection.  My thought as I sat down to create was, “I need something bright and cheerful.”  I hope it cheers you, too!

Regarding my garden post yesterday, I’d like to mention how much I enjoyed your comments and encouragement.  Honestly, I needed it.  And your shared stories, experiences, thoughts and observations, whether you’re a gardener or not, helped bolster my resolve and gave me the feeling you’re right there with me saying, “you can do it”.  Yes?  I can do it?  We can do it.  Thanks so much for your help!  Just for that, here’s another Wally hug:

Love.

Have a fabulous day!

Stamps:  Penny Black To You  Paper:  White, Key Lime, 90 lb hot press watercolor, BasicGrey Lemonade designer paper  Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Tombow markers for coloring  Accessories:  Flower Soft, ribbon, Scotch brand foam mounting tape to pop up flower

What Has Happened to My Beautiful Garden?

I was feeling pretty ragged at the end of last week, and there was nothing I needed more than some soft Wally hugs and rejuvenating time in the garden.  Of course, it rained Saturday.  Not just a pleasant Spring shower, but a cold, saturating, day-long drizzle issuing from a winter-dark sky into the ruins I once called a garden.

The photo to the right was taken in July 2007.  It’s hard to believe that was four years ago already, and yet there have been so many changes – garden changes and life changes.  While working to make the outdoor living space more livable, fight off the deer, remove old and/or ailing plants, and accommodate Wally, we have managed to nearly annihilate the garden.

I think it’s time for one of those soft Wally hugs, now.  Boy, did I ever get myself some Wally hugs this weekend.  Here’s one for you:

Doesn’t he look like a sympathetic soul?  There’s a cherry blossom petal clinging to the corner of his eye like a tear.  He knew Mom needed a little extra love.  Sweet baby.

Sunday was a better day.  The rain held off till dinner time and we even had a few patches of sun.  The cherry blossoms were falling like snow whenever a breeze came up.

Now, despite all this talk about the beautiful garden that once was, I don’t despair.  In fact, I’m feeling more enthusiastic about gardening than I have in years.  It’s like a brand new beginning.  This is The Summer of the New Garden!

Okay, so it’s not looking great yet, but it will!  Pictured above is a small section of the new walk in the making.  The surrounding garden area will be even more battered and bruised before it’s done, but that’s where I’ll come in with nearly all new garden beds.  Soon.

The landscapers used our old stones to make new wider, better stairs.

They’ll be softened by plantings when the landscapers are gone.  Please ignore every eyesore you see.  It’s all topsy-turvy with everything shoved askew and raw edges exposed.

 

Here’s a “before” photo, taken in May 2008.  These are the old stairs --->

It’s almost heartbreaking to see how beautiful it was, but the new garden will have a better basic structure, and be more durable and easier to care for.  It will also be as glorious as ever, but in a different way.  Trust me?  Oh, how I’m needing a pep talk long about now.  I can’t wait to get down to serious business in the dirt!

For the time being, Wally and I will do what we can – planting pots and working on beds out of harm’s way.  On Sunday we planted more pots on the deck and spread compost in an island bed.  He’s a good helper.  When I’m bent over the task at hand, he’ll come tuck his fuzzy noggin under my chin and give me one of his sweet puppy hugs just when I need it most.  Gardening doesn’t get any better than that.

A little stamping happened in the evening.  I might even get around to photographing it soon.  I hope your weekend was good enough to send you into the week with spirit renewed.  Thank you for joining me today! 

Flourishes Preview, Day 3: Country Charm Labels and Borders

Flourishes has teamed up with Spellbinders Paper Arts to bring you a pretty little set of stamps, designed by Becky Fleck, which perfectly fit the new and, oh, so fabulous Spellbinders Grommet Tags (S4-322).  Wonderfully whimsical and reminiscent of Grandma’s calico prints, Flourishes’ Country Charm Labels offers three labels, six beautiful sentiments, and four accent stamps to dress up your labels.  Pair that with Flourishes Country Charm Borders and you have the perfect set to make darling notecards in minutes!  Flourishes’ coordinating Country Charm Borders set features five border strips that match the labels to a tee.

For my card I stamped one of the borders twice with a sentiment centered between them.  I stamped the matching label in a slightly darker green, cut out the center with a craft knife, and positioned the label over the sentiment on foam mounting tape.  Ribbon, flower, and rhinestones (all from Flourishes) dress the white panel on a pale pink card base.  Very quick, easy, and sweet.

Because of this special match with Spellbinders Grommet Tags, both design teams are joining forces for a fun-filled show and tell blog hop:

• Barbara Anders
• Christine Okken
• Cindy Lawrence
• Danielle Kennedy
• Dawn Burnworth
• Julie Koerber
• Stacy Morgan  (Stacy is sharing a special blog candy today!)
• Heidi Blankenship
• Beth Pingry
• Margie Higuchi
• Holly Simoni
• AJ Otto
• Latisha Yoast
• Deborah Young
• Kazan Clark
• Terre Fry
• Becca Feeken
• Julie Overby
• Linda Duke
• Sherry Cheever
• Christine Emberson
• Gloria Stengel
• Judy Hayes
• Michelle Woerner
• Tina McDonald
• Tonya Dirk
• Windy Robinson

Check the Flourishes Newsletter for today’s challenges and chances to win.

I’m wrapping up the week now and taking a little break.  I hope you all have a beautiful weekend!

Stamps:  Country Charm Labels, Country Charm Borders  Paper:  Pale pink Bazzill textured, Flourishes Classic White  Ink:  Wild Wasabi, Garden Green, Pink Passion  Accessories:  Spellbinders Grommet Tags, Silk ribbon, rhinestones, Prima flowers, Scotch brand foam mounting tape

Flourishes Preview, Day 2: What a Catch!

Today’s set, What a Catch, is something for the guys, and this one’s got my guy written all over it.

I colored with Copics and used papers from the BasicGrey Curio collection.  The sentiment is cut with Spellbinders Nested Pennants.

There’s lots going on at Flourishes this week, and several chances to win prizes.  For a summary of the week’s action, please click here.  Keep an eye on the Flourishes Newsletter for challenges, samples, and information on how even a simple comment can win you a prize.

For a look at more What a Catch samples by the rest of the fabulous Flourishes designers, I hope you’ll find these links helpful:

Barbara Anders

Christine Okken

Cindy Lawrence

Danielle Kennedy

Dawn Burnworth

Julie Koerber

Stacy Morgan

Have a wonderful day!

Stamps:  What a Catch  Paper:  Chocolate Chip, Flourishes Classic Ivory, BasicGrey Curio designer paper  Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics for coloring  Accessories:  Button, linen thread, Spellbinders Nested Pennants, Scotch brand foam mounting tape