Running With Scissors...

Just Buzzin’ By to Announce My Retirement

No… I have quite a few years left before I can retire from my day job at the medical center, but today is my last day on the Flourishes Senior Design Team. They’ll be carrying on without me now, and I could just cry at the thought of giving it up after all these years. However, I do know it’s the right thing for me at this time.

I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but the frequency of my posts has been dwindling over the summer. I can say it’s because I just don’t have time, and that may well be, but it would be more accurate to say I’ve become disinclined to rush through my days in the manner to which I’ve become accustomed. I need to slow down and enjoy the moment without thinking ahead to what needs to be done next (to the extent that is possible). With that in mind, I’m going to take a little blogging break. Not long. Just a little vacation. I’ve not had a blogging break in almost five years.

Now, I wonder… will you still stop by to visit once in a while after my break, even though I’m no longer designing for Flourishes? Seeing as how they’re my all time favorite stamps ever I’ll still be using them often, and I’ll be looking forward to the new releases and shopping right along with the rest of you. What a bittersweet decision this has been for me.

So that’s that. I’ll leave you now with a card I made with Flourishes Bee My Honey.

I colored with Copics and drew the bee’s flight trail with a fine Multi-Liner. The inside was finished very simply:

One last note before I sign off… All the folks involved with Flourishes – Jan Marie, her husband, Mike, Sharon Doolittle, and the entire Flourishes team of designers – are every bit as awesome as you may have imagined. They are the only reason I have had difficulty with this decision. It’s hard to step outside the embrace of the family after all these years.

I’ll return to blogging shortly, hopefully refreshed if not reinvented. In the meantime, I’ll be stamping and catching up on my visiting and commenting. I’ll be around. Take good care, and I’ll see you back here soon!

Stamps: Bee My Honey Paper: Pale green textured, Flourishes Classic White, Prima Fairy Flora designer paper Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics for coloring Accessories: Ribbon, rhinestones

Flourishes Birthday Blog Hop!

Happy birthday dear Flourishes!!! This month Flourishes turned 4 years old and we’re throwing a heck of a party! Even though it’s Flourishes’ birthday, you can win a fabulous present.

How can you win? There are three ways:

1. Leave a comment on the Newsletter birthday hop post. This is a three day hop, so be sure and start on Day 1, Aug 24.
2. Leave a comment on all the designers’ birthday hop posts.
3. Play in our Birthday Bash Challenge. Check the Flourishes Newsletter Birthday Hop post for the challenge rules.

What can you win? Check this out:

Flourishes is giving away SEVEN of these prizes, so be sure and check the NEWSLETTER this week to keep up on the details.

I’m joining three other designers sharing birthday cards today. I just had to use these gorgeous Hollyhocks again:

I paired them with a birthday sentiment from the Sweet Violets set and Flourishes’ latest 1, 2, 3 Create kit – Trendsetter. The paper, tulle flower, and pearl flourishes are all from the kit. I’m not crazy about my placement of the pearl flourish on the left, but once they’ve set a spell there’s no moving them. I tried. No sense crying over stuck pearls… or is that spilt milk? At any rate, I still love these flowers, and I think the big tulle flower somewhat resembles a hollyhock.

I colored with Copics on Flourishes’ Classic White cardstock. I sponged the edges of the image panel with Adirondack Sandal ink to soften. The Spellbinders Ribbon Banners die cut was sponged with pink ink while the die was still in place.

See more Flourishes creations and take a chance on winning our prize package when you visit the rest of today’s team:

Dawn Burnworth

Stacy Morgan

Tammy Hershberger

Enjoy, and good luck! Have a happy day!

Stamps: Hollyhocks, Sweet Violets Paper: Melon Mambo, Pink Pirouette, Classic White, Webster’s Pages Trendsetter and Ladies & Gents Combo Pack Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics for coloring, Adirondack Sandal, Stampin’ Up! Pink Pirouette Accessories: Tulle Flower, pearls, Martha Stewart lattice edge punch, Spellbinders Ribbon Banners Shapeabilities, Scotch brand foam mounting tape

From Where I Sit

Every region has its perfect season, its perfect month. I’ll bet early spring is absolutely glorious in the south. Fall is spectacular in New England. Florida or Southern California is the place to be in the winter. Here, on the Oregon coast, now is our time. The air is quiet and still, temperatures comfortably warm. I live outside. Any excuse to be outside. Wild horses could drag me in, but they’d have a time of it. Now is the time to breathe and nourish the soul. We all have our own way of doing that. I think I’ll just sit a spell and take it all in.

My favorite view of all…

Have a beautiful day!

Wild for this Watermelon Set

Hello, friends!  Today I’m sharing a card made with one of Flourishes new releases called Wild for Watermelon.  I didn’t get a chance to use it last week so it was the first set I picked up to play with over the weekend.  These images are so darn fun!  It really doesn’t matter to me what the season is.  I love it, so I’ll be using it even in the middle of winter!

I colored with Copics on Flourishes Classic Ivory and sponged all the ivory cardstock with Adirondack Sandal ink.  The rhinestones were clear, but I used Copic marker RV09 to color them bright pink, though they appear dark in the photo.

The Copics I used for coloring the watermelon image are from these Flourishes Collections:

I also used the paper and natural linen ribbon from the current 1, 2, 3 Create Kit called Trendsetter.

The colors in this paper collection are so pretty!  And how about those tulle flowers and crochet trim?  Delicious!

Hmmm… I wonder what the rest of the team is sharing today?  Let’s have a look:

Barbara Anders

Christine Okken

Cindy Lawrence

Danielle Kennedy

Julie Koerber

Stacy Morgan

Tammy Hershberger

The availability of the New Release Bundle has been extended through Saturday, the 20th, this month.  When you purchase the bundle you’ll be getting all four of this month’s stamp sets at a 10% discount.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!  I can’t believe it’s here again already.  Come Monday I’ll be saying I can’t believe it’s over already.  Let’s make it a good one!

Stamps:  Wild for Watermelon  Paper:  Melon Mambo (Stampin’ Up!), Flourishes Classic Ivory, Webster’s Pages Trendsetter and Ladies & Gents Combo Pack designer paper  Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics for coloring  Accessories:  Linen ribbon, rhinestones, tag punch, Cuttlebug Swiss Dot embossing folder, Spellbinders Curved Rectangle Nestabilities, Classic Ovals Large, Big Scalloped Ovals Large, Scotch brand foam mounting tape

Girl at Sunset

I honestly thought I’d be sharing a lot more cards this week, but when it came right down to it I still didn’t get around to writing the posts.  We’re finally having our summer here, and we’ve been grilling and dining outside most evenings, which has a way of extending the meals beyond their usual course.  Dinner is always followed by playtime with Wally… and so it goes.  Can’t say I feel like complaining.  It’s been wonderful.

The girl in this Sweet Days of Summer scene appears to be extending her evening outside, too.  She’s catching the last rays of light from the setting sun before Mom calls her into the house. 

I did more ink rubbing with toilet paper on Flourishes’ Classic White cardstock to create the sunset.

• I rubbed the entire panel with yellow, then added pink and amethyst to the sky area in an uneven pattern.
• The ground area was done with cocoa ink at the edges, with a little green where the light is more prevalent.  Rather than mask the horizon line, I folded the toilet paper into a point and dabbed and rubbed on the ink, which gives it more of a hazy appearance.
• Next, I rubbed the entire panel all over again with yellow to smooth and blend the colors.
• I then stamped the silhouette in Adirondack Pitch Black along the horizon line.
• The last step was to rub a black shadow under the tree area to blend the silhouette into its surroundings.

I chose these Prima Fairy Flora designer papers for their colors and mood, and added plaid ribbon from Flourishes and a button from my Mom’s button collection.

This card was sent to a friend with whom I’ve spent many a pleasant afternoon lunching and browsing at a local book store.  We are truly kindred spirits.

Sweet Days of Summer is a stamp set from Flourishes latest release.  Each set in this release is an amazing beauty, and if, like me, you would have difficulty choosing just one for your collection, I should mention you can take advantage of the New Release Bundle through tomorrow.  The bundle includes all four newest stamp sets automatically discounted 10%.

I’ll be back tomorrow for certain.  I hope you’re enjoying your sweet days of summer while they last.  Take care!

Stamps:  Sweet Days of Summer  Paper:  Chocolate textured,  Barely Banana, Flourishes Classic White, Prima Fair Flora designer paper  Ink:  Adirondack Pitch Black, SU! Barely Banana, Pretty in Pink, Almost Amethyst, Lovely Lilac, Close to Cocoa  Accessories:  Ribbon, button, linen thread, oval punch, Scotch brand foam mounting tape (to pop up sentiment oval)

Popcorn the Bear’s Bundle of Joy

Hi, everyone!  Starting off the week with a baby card I made with a recently purchased Popcorn the Bear stamp set called Bundle of Joy.  I came upon it at my local scrapbook store, but I did a Google search for you and turned up oodles of Popcorn the Bear sets on Amazon.  Dang, they’re cute!  You can see the set I used today right here.

I always have my eye out for baby stamps and, call me old fashioned, but I lean toward the sweet, soft, precious images for babies.  Think fleece and flannel, puffy quilts with satin binding, silky heads, a diapered bottom that fits in your hand, and everywhere the scent of baby powder.  This set fills the bill when it comes to sweet, soft, and precious. 

I made this card for a coworker’s baby shower.  They’re having a boy so I used boy colors but still cute and cuddly.  The image is watercolored with Tombow Markers on 90 lb hot press watercolor paper.  Stitching, buttons, and ribbon with a circle tag finish it off quickly.

For the folks who like to know these things, I’ve photographed the markers I used for watercoloring:

That’s it for me today!  I didn’t do as much stamping as I’d hoped this weekend because it was beautiful gardening weather and I was a little wiped out when I came in for the evening.  Sometimes I just want to sit and take it easy with a good book, you know?  I will have more stamping to share this week, though.  Hope to see you then!  Take care!

Stamps:  Popcorn the Bear Bundle of Joy  Paper:  Bashful Blue, 90 lb hot press watercolor, DCWV(?) designer paper (collection unknown)  Ink:  Palette Umber, Tombow Markers as shown above  Accessories:  Taffeta ribbon, buttons, 1 1/4” circle punch

Flourishes Preview: Sweet Days of Summer … Plus Introducing a New 1, 2, 3 Create Kit

One last preview this week, and I think you’re going to love this one as much as I do for quick but beautiful cards.  Our set today is called Sweet Days of Summer – more of Lauren Pope’s beloved silhouettes.

I stamped this sweet little girl in Versafine Onyx Black on Flourishes Classic White cardstock and embossed with detail clear embossing powder.  I saved the sentiment for the inside and stamped the butterflies for an accent instead.  The ribbon and, oh, so pretty designer paper are from Flourishes brand new 1, 2, 3 Create Kit called Trendsetter.

Does it look delicious?  I love the papers and embellishments included in these kits.  Just look at those pretty flowers, brads, and pearls!  This kit features two different ribbons and some fabulous crocheted trim, too.  You know how I love my designer papers, and Webster’s Pages… well, I’ll take one of everything they make!  I focused on the blues today as I really wanted to use the butterfly paper with this little girl.  The button is from the collection I inherited from my Mom.  The color was so perfect I just had to use it.

• Again, we’re playing Mystery Blogger, so you may want to leave a comment on each designer’s Sweet Days of Summer post for a chance to win this set.  A random winner will be drawn from among the comments on one of our posts.
• Check the Newsletter for the Shades of Sunset Challenge.  Time is running short, but you may still be able to squeeze in a card and take a chance on winning the entire August release – four stamp sets!
• Noontime challenges were posted on the Newsletter both Wednesday and Thursday.  Pick one, or do all the challenges.  You have until tonight at 5 pm EST to link your creation.  Each challenge could win you the entire release.
• All winners will be announced in the Winner’s Circle on the Newsletter Saturday at noon CST
• All the stamp sets and the Trendsetter Kit are available in the store now.  If you love the whole release and want it all, take advantage of the New Release Bundle until August 20th.  All four sets are bundled at a 10% discount.

Let’s wrap this up with a tour of fabulous samples from the rest of the team:

Barbara Anders

Christine Okken

Cindy Lawrence

Danielle Kennedy

Julie Koerber

Stacy Morgan  (Stacy has blog candy, too!)

Makiko Jones

Sharon Doolittle

Tammy Hershberger

It’s been a fun week and I’m so glad we could share it.  Next week I’ll have a lot more samples.  You’ll get tired of hearing from me!  Honestly, I have cards made but haven’t had time to write the posts.  Nor have I had time to get out and visit with you much, but I’ll be coming around shortly, I hope.  Have a great weekend!

Stamps:  Sweet Days of Summer  Paper:  Blue textured, apricot, Flourishes Classic White, Webster’s Pages Trendsetter and Ladies & Gents designer paper pack  Ink:  Versafine Onyx Black  Accessories:  Ribbon, linen thread, button, doily, scallop edge punch, Spellbinders Standard Circles Small and Standard Circles Large, Scotch brand foam mounting tape

Flourishes Preview: Italian Garden

Another day, another Flourishes preview!  Today we’re showing Italian Garden – beautiful images and coordinating sentiments.  I’ve used the still life for my card today, but there’s so much more to this set.  I think you’ll love it!

Warm, rich colors from the BasicGrey Curio designer paper collection assisted with the earthy, Italian kitchen look I was feeling for this card.  But, what do I know?  I’ve never been in an Italian kitchen, so my imagination dreamed up something on its own.  I colored with Copic markers, using several of the collections Flourishes has put together to make it easier for us.  The vine ribbon and crocheted trim came from Flourishes’ Boutique ribbon collection here.

• Leave a comment on this post as well as the other designer’s Italian Garden posts today for a chance to win this set.
• Participate in the Shades of Sunset Challenge for a chance to win all four sets in this month’s release.
• Check out the Timeless Tuesday Be Fruitful Challenge and the Scavenger Hop Challenge for more chances to win.  Another challenge will be up at noon today on the Newsletter.
• You can preorder any or all of the new sets here.  You can also preorder the New Release Bundle.  All four new sets can be purchased in a bundle at a 10% discount.  That offer is good through August 20.

I know you’d like to continue on to the rest of the team's samples, so let’s do that now:

Barbara Anders

Christine Okken

Cindy Lawrence

Danielle Kennedy

Julie Koerber

Makiko Jones

Stacy Morgan

Sharon Doolittle

Tammy Hershberger

Thank you for stopping here to visit.  I hope to see you again tomorrow with another new sample!

Stamps:  Italian Garden  Paper:  Chocolate textured, Summer Sun, Flourishes Classic White, BasicGrey Curio designer paper  Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Chocolate Chip, Copics for coloring  Accessories:  Ribbon, crocheted trim,  brads, Spellbinders Standard Circles Small and Standard Circles Large, Scotch brand foam mounting tape

Flourishes Preview: Hollyhocks

Hello, friends!  I’m jumping into the middle of a busy week for Flourishes.  If you’ve checked the Newsletter since Monday you may have seen the gorgeous new FLIP set.  What the heck is FLIP?  Check here to see what that’s all about.  On Tuesday our new Wild for Watermelon set (<--- preorder at that link) was previewed with the Timeless Tuesday Challenge.  Please visit the challenge for a link list to all the designers who are sharing watermelon samples – they’re fabulous!

Today is all about Hollyhocks.  Love Marcella Hawley’s florals, and this one is a true summer beauty.  Hollyhocks are another one of those flowers you can color just about any which way you choose – so many lovely varieties.  This is a large image which allows a lot of creativity in its presentation.  I chose to use just a corner of it for my card, and since I colored them yellow, I decided to send some sunshine, using one of the beautifully scripted sentiments which are included in the set.

Copics are my coloring medium on Flourishes Classic White cardstock.  I’ve made a simple design with pearls, stitching, and a white cotton ribbon bow.

One of us on the team is the Mystery Blogger, so if you’d like a chance to win today’s set, leave a comment on each of the links I’ll provide below.  A random winner will be drawn from among the Mystery Blogger’s comments, and it could be you!

• The Shades of Sunset Challenge is still going strong, and that one could win you the entire release – four new sets!
• Today and tomorrow we’ll have additional challenges with a chance to win stamps.  It’s a week-long release party on the Flourishes Newsletter, so please make that your priority stop for all the how-to details.
• All the new stamp sets we preview this week will be fully revealed and released in the store on Friday, but you can also preorder any or all of the sets here if desired.

And now for a list of the designers sharing Hollyhocks samples today:

Barbara Anders

Christine Okken

Cindy Lawrence

Danielle Kennedy

Julie Koerber

Stacy Morgan

Makiko Jones

Sharon Doolittle

Tammy Hershberger

The previews continue tomorrow so I hope you can join me then.  Have a wonderful day!

Stamps:  Hollyhocks  Paper:  Blue textured, Flourishes Classic White, Prima Annalee designer paper  Ink:  Memento Rich Cocoa, Copics for coloring  Accessories:  Pearls, ribbon, Scotch brand foam mounting tape (for popping up image panel)

All is Well in Wally’s World

When Life throws a curve ball and you’re feeling down… well… there’s always Wally.  Oh, he melts my heart.  Sweet, precious boy.

Just thought I’d let you know all is well.  Good spirits restored and in working order.  Alarm system will be installed shortly.  The police have three suspects and so we shall wait and see.

I’ll begin sharing stamping again on Wednesday with Flourishes’ release.  However, you may like to check the Newsletter each day this week to see what’s new.  Good stuff!  Have a great day!