Hello? Is anybody out there? Well, here we are at the first Monday in October and it’s time for me to step back into blogging. I have to say I enjoyed my break, but I did miss communicating with you all through this medium. Funny, how that is… it’s become such an integral part of my life.
During my break I did a little stamping, though not as much as I expected. I found I enjoyed it more when I didn’t have unfinished business in the back of my mind, and, goodness, I do always seem to have a lot of other things on my mind! One makes time for the things they love, however, and… well, we all know how I feel about stamping. Now that I’m no longer designing for anyone, my only deadlines would be self-imposed, and I think I’ll not go down that road. It’ll be free-flowing, come what may, when the mood strikes and time allows.
Since the season changed while I was lollygagging, I thought it appropriate to come back with a Fall card today.
I stamped Flourishes’ Falling Leaves on the Basketweave background and watercolored with Tombow Markers. I used Palette Cognac for the Basketweave, and Palette Noir for the leaves. All Palette inks are waterproof and perfect for watercoloring.
My designer papers are from the Kaiser Craft Hunt & Gather collection, including the curved border along the lower edge. It’s one of the punch outs that come with the collection. I sanded the edges of the designer papers, and the center chocolate panel is embossed with the Cuttlebug Argyle embossing folder. I added Spellbinders Floral Flourishes S4-327 along one edge of the image panel, and the sentiment is cut with Labels Four S4-190.
I took pictures long the way, so I might as well share those, too. It’s sometimes fun to see how an image evolves.
Stamped leaves, masking one. I used a pink Post-It note for the mask.
I masked all four leaves before stamping the Basketweave background.
I cut the panel down to size and colored all leaves in a mustard yellow base.
Added gold, green, and red with center leaf in all three colors.
The finished image has a little brown shading around the leaves to add depth. I did that with SU! Chocolate Chip and Close to Cocoa markers.
I hope you’re enjoying these early Fall days. They’ve been incredibly beautiful here, for the most part, and all the better when savored at a slower pace. Thank you for visiting today. I’ll see you again soon!
Stamps: Falling Leaves, Basketweave (both Flourishes) Paper: Chocolate Chip, Really Rust, 90# hot press watercolor paper, Flourishes Classic Ivory, Kaiser Craft Hunt & Gather designer paper Ink: Palette Noir, Palette Cognac, Chocolate Chip, So Saffron (for sponging the sentiment panel, SU! and Tombow Markers for watercoloring Accessories: Velvet ribbon, decorative brad, Cuttlebug Argyle embossing folder, Spellbinders dies as listed above
Yes, I'm still here! Have missed your beautiful creations and hope you had a good rest! Sometimes that is just what we need! Your card is gorgeous and I love the colors of the leaves!
Posted by: Glenda | 10/03/2011 at 02:16 AM
Gorgeous card, Leslie! I was excited to see a post from you! Happy Monday! :D
Posted by: Misti | 10/03/2011 at 04:09 AM
Thank you for creating another beautiful card! So glad to see your post this morning. Enjoy your day!
Posted by: Tonya Kennedy | 10/03/2011 at 04:15 AM
Nice to see your blog in my email list. Glad you have been enjoying your break.
Beautiful leaves and card-tfs.
Posted by: Bev J. | 10/03/2011 at 04:36 AM
Ah...it's always so much better when I start my day with a visit to Leslie's. Good to see you, my friend. Hope you are enjoying your time in that beautiful, season changing weather.
Love the card and ALWAYS appreciate the tutorials!!
Welcome back!
Posted by: Peggy K | 10/03/2011 at 04:45 AM
What a lovely treat to see you back in action. As always, your card is beautiful and it made my day to see it.
Posted by: Francie (Montreal) | 10/03/2011 at 04:51 AM
Glad you are back and stamping. What a gorgeous card!!!! You haven't lost your touch. Hope the hubby and Wally are doing well also...........
Posted by: Michelle Arthur | 10/03/2011 at 04:59 AM
Hope you enjoyed your break, but glad to see you're back! This card is so beautiful. I just tried using that stamp set last week...with no luck at all. Now I'm inspired to give it another go. Welcome back!!!
Posted by: Cheryl Lea | 10/03/2011 at 05:19 AM
Welcome back, Leslie! I missed you and your beautiful cards! Loved today's card and the tutorial.
Posted by: Linda E | 10/03/2011 at 05:37 AM
So glad to see you're back, and with a GORGEOUS card, too. (Not that that's anything new.) Glad you enjoyed your break. Your fall card is so pretty and I appreciate the tutorial with it. I have added self-imposed sewing deadlines to my already busy schedule. I need to post some of my creations since I've finally got back to sewing for my grandkids. They're growing up so quickly and I haven't done much of anything in the sewing department. I've turned that around, though...at least for now. Enjoy your gorgeous weather and your slower pace.
Posted by: Karen W. | 10/03/2011 at 05:41 AM
Absolutely stunning, my sweet friend! I so love fall and you've totally captured it with this card. Hugs!!
Posted by: Barbara | 10/03/2011 at 06:12 AM
well you haven't lost your touch in your hiatus... This is gorgeous. Love your fall leaves
Have a great day
Posted by: yogi | 10/03/2011 at 06:15 AM
So glad you enjoyed your break but I've missed seeing your wonderful creations and Wally! Your card today is breathtakingly beautiful. Love the wonderful colors. All we've had in Pennsylvania is rain and more rain so we are unable to enjoy fall.
Posted by: Tammy Hair | 10/03/2011 at 06:16 AM
YAY!!! Welcome BACK!!! :) Hope you enjoyed your summer break ... sure did miss you!
Posted by: anna | 10/03/2011 at 06:28 AM
Welcome Back! You were missed more than you know. But everyone needs a break and I'm happy you were able to do so. Your card is gorgeous as always. I am new to masking, so tell me, did you have to stamp the leaves on the post it note, then cut each one out and place it over the stamped image? Very pretty. Thanks for always inspiring us!
Posted by: Bobbi Miller | 10/03/2011 at 06:36 AM
Hi Leslie - I've decided you are a Master Masker (say that five times fast!). Thanks for the photos to share the steps. Combined with your coloring and design skills, this card is over-the-top gorgeous! I'm so glad you enjoyed your sabbatical, but am even happier to see your return. Linda
Posted by: Linda Bullard | 10/03/2011 at 07:22 AM
Lovely card! I so wish that I could watercolor like you! Thanks for the step by step instructions on masking. Fall in the PNW is on it's way to becoming colorful! Glad to see you're blogging again!
Posted by: Laurie U | 10/03/2011 at 07:27 AM
So happy that you are back and ready to tamp your beautiful cards again! This one is so pretty. I am off to stamp some leaves!
Jan
Posted by: Jan Evans | 10/03/2011 at 07:59 AM
Sure have missed you, Leslie. It is great to start the day with your beautiful card. You are very talented. Fall is a wonderful time of year. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Mildred | 10/03/2011 at 08:03 AM
It was so nice to see "Running with Scissors" pop up in my e-mail this morning (e-mail notifications are always a day late!) and to see your beautiful work again, Leslie! I have those leaves from Flourishes; maybe it's time to try them out again.
Posted by: Evelyn in Oregon | 10/03/2011 at 08:12 AM
You have done a gorgeous job with your leaves and the co-ordinating papers and textures look great. Lovely to see you back.
Posted by: Heather T | 10/03/2011 at 08:13 AM
Welcome back! Your card is beautiful - lovely coloring and sentiment.
Posted by: LaurieJ | 10/03/2011 at 08:26 AM
Welcome back! It was great to see your post this morning. :0) Your card is gorgeous. Love the colors you used and the watercolor is so pretty. Our fall in California might start today since it's suppose to rain this evening. Finally!! We have had so much heat. Looking forward to your future creations. Glad you had a good rest, and you are taking time for Leslie.
Shirley L.
Roseville, CA
Posted by: Shirley L. | 10/03/2011 at 08:35 AM
Hi Leslie,
I need to quit stalking and leave you comments! Your card today is beautiful, as are all your cards. I hope you enjoyed your break. Have a great week.
Trish
Posted by: Trish | 10/03/2011 at 09:23 AM
Beautiful card! Glad you are back . . . I know a break can be good for the soul once in a while!
Posted by: Sherry Cheever | 10/03/2011 at 09:48 AM
So glad you are back! I missed hearing what you had to say and your beautiful work. Enjoy your fall!
Heidi
Posted by: Heidi Meerdink | 10/03/2011 at 10:10 AM
Welcome back, I missed your blogging and your lovely cards. It was lovely to see you pop back into my inbox today. I'm glad you had a good rest and can enjoy creating without presure of due days & times.
I love your autumnal card and the lovely watercolouring of the leaves is beautifully done.
Alexandra from Scotland
Posted by: Alexandra | 10/03/2011 at 12:03 PM
Welcome Back Leslie, it was soo good to check me email this morning and see an email from you. I love your card, as I always do. Have a great day :)
Hugs, Anne P,
Posted by: Anne | 10/03/2011 at 12:45 PM
Sweet heaven! I am so glad you came back...I have missed you much! This card is gorgeous and you can tell you took your time with it because of all the different techniques! I understand (now) about not having to schedule yourself for DT's...I have set myself up with 3 different DT's and now I am in such a rush all the time...I just wonder if I can do this and still work full time...I mean, I am having fun with all of the freebies, but on the other hand...it really takes a LOT of time...I cannot comment on other peeps blogs as much and that is one thing that I really miss...because I am not getting many comments anymore...So happy to see you back Leslie! Thank you for sharing!
Posted by: velta | 10/03/2011 at 01:50 PM
That is one beautiful card! I love everything about it, especially the green Floral Flourishes peeking out on the right side. You share so many pretties for all of us to drool over. Thanks, Stella B.
Posted by: stella boatman | 10/03/2011 at 02:24 PM
Leslie, your card is beautiful...as usual. Glad you are enjoying your time now. Sometimes, it just gets to be too much and you can't enjoy it anymore...and you know when that time arrives. Take care.
Posted by: Benzi | 10/03/2011 at 02:51 PM
So very happy to see you back and posting your beautiful work again! You were so very missed, dear lady. Glad that you are refreshed and stamping again with no pressures. Post whenever you wish, your fans and friends will be here.
Posted by: Ad K. | 10/03/2011 at 03:05 PM
So nice to have you back. Hope you had a wonderful break. Love your autumn card - beautiful coloring. Thanks!
Posted by: Troy Louise | 10/03/2011 at 03:13 PM
Fabulous to have you back blogging Leslie. Love your card. Glad you are rested. How is Wally?
Posted by: Leigh | 10/03/2011 at 04:46 PM
This is so beautiful. I'm glad you are back posting again. I love your work & missed seeing it.
I hope you'll post some more pics of Wally too!
Posted by: Sherri Dean | 10/03/2011 at 05:17 PM
How nice to see you back again. I do hope you've been enjoying your beautiful garden and of course time with Wally. Leslie, as always the card is so very pretty. Fall is my favorite time of year too, and this card is a delight to look at. And, how nice of you to have showed us your masking technique - thank you :)
Hugs,
Susie ~
Posted by: Susie Lessard | 10/03/2011 at 06:07 PM
Picture perfect as usual!! Beautiful coloring, textures & design! Welcome back!
Posted by: Linda Carson | 10/03/2011 at 06:39 PM
Hi Leslie,
It's so nice to see you back! We've missed you and your wonderful cards. This card is gorgeous!
Posted by: Marian Bonney | 10/03/2011 at 06:58 PM
see, we are out here waiting. love this!!!
Posted by: Joan B | 10/03/2011 at 07:06 PM
So glad your back! I've missed your beautiful cards,your humor and, of course, Wally.
Posted by: Stephanie | 10/03/2011 at 07:35 PM
Hi Leslie!!! Ditto what everyone said about missing you! Your card is fresh with full and rich fall colors! Love those leaves...and I think I even have that BG stamp OH MY...thanks for the inspiration!
Posted by: Sue Kment | 10/03/2011 at 07:40 PM
Oh my goodness that is GORGEOUS! Happy to see you back and I'm sure you'll love stamping just for the joy of it!
Posted by: Jami Sibley | 10/03/2011 at 09:56 PM
What a stunning way to head back into stamping/blogging. It's divinely gorgeous. Loved seeing how you created it as well.
Lately I've taken a bit of a "break" myself and have been exploring some photography blogs and taking my own pictures. I have a separate blog for that: http://wishesdreamsandotherthings.blogspot.com if you'd care to take a peek.
I hope to stamp some this week though.
Posted by: Ida | 10/03/2011 at 11:12 PM
Welcome back!! I love your card and the tutorial is
always so welcomed. Your work is always so beautiful.
I'll be looking forward to more!!
Posted by: Joanna McDonald | 10/04/2011 at 03:46 AM
OMG your Back!!!!! The one day I did not go on line and you did a post!!! I am also so glad to see you back from your down time. Bet you look at things so different now that your not bound to dates and times... So glad your enjoying yourself and have been looking forward to seeing your Beautiful creations again!!!! Thanks for sharing how you did the leaves... All the layers and demotion on your card are just Lovely with the colors!
Posted by: Dotty A | 10/04/2011 at 04:31 AM
Wow! 45 comments before my own added here! Can you tell we missed you?? ;) I was happy you visited me yesterday. It was a pleasure to have you visit me. :) I'm glad you found some time to stamp and enjoy it for the sake of enjoying it. This card is terrific! I could tell right away there was a lot of love put into it, with masking, coloring, embossing, etc. Great way to say "Happy Fall"!
Posted by: Colleen Dietrich | 10/04/2011 at 06:24 AM
so good to see you back at stamping again, what a Gorgeous fall card, so love that basket weave background with your leaves and neat to see how you did it, such beautiful coloring!!
Posted by: conniecrafter | 10/04/2011 at 07:40 AM
Holy smokes, there's a lot of comments here! Welcome back from me, too. Totally awesome card, and thanks for sharing the step-by-step pictures.
Posted by: Lynette | 10/04/2011 at 08:43 AM
I've been checking in on your blog almost every day since you announced you were going to take a break!! So Glad you are back!!! have missed seeing your beautiful work ....as always, today's card, "The Leaves are Falling" is absolutely stunning....please keep posting frequently (Like Every Day)!!
GAK
Posted by: Gail | 10/04/2011 at 11:31 AM
Welcome back my friend! Glad you enjoyed your blogging break and I have to tell you -- this card was worth the wait... just beautiful and perfect for fall! Miss you! :-)
Posted by: Julie Koerber | 10/04/2011 at 12:59 PM
Great to see your return and happy to see your talents haven't diminished in the least. The card is a beauty! Hope you enjoyed your break :)
Posted by: Jean S. | 10/04/2011 at 03:34 PM
WELCOME BACK - I have missed you sooooooo much! this is such a lovely card - think it'll be CASed real soon - Hugs
Posted by: Elaine Moore | 10/04/2011 at 04:10 PM
Hey there girlie! I am glad to see you are enjoying your break. Fall is upon us as well. The chill in the air is kinda nice. Very pretty leaves and colored awesome as always! Hope Wally is enjoying all the extra time with you. Ranger and I walked in the rain today, he loved it atleast. ha ha Hugs.....
Posted by: Stacy aka Twinshappy | 10/04/2011 at 06:51 PM
I miss you so much. THIS is amazing Leslie. I think this is just what the Dr ordered. Your coloring on the leaves is incredible. I hope that you have a wonderful week. I think of you often.
Posted by: Dawn Burnworth | 10/05/2011 at 05:37 AM
I am so happy that you enjoyed your "down time", it is relaxing when deadlines are only yours. However, I am glad that you are blogging once again. I missed viewing your artwork, photos of Wally and your garden!
Posted by: Elaine Lisle | 10/05/2011 at 06:42 AM
beautiful card...this is my first visit and I love the way you walked us thru the process...thanks for sharing..
Posted by: sherry gardner | 10/05/2011 at 07:18 PM
Gorgeous Gorgeous Miss Leslie! So nice to see your Beautiful inspiring work again! Live how your colored these Lovely leaves! Thanks so much for the tutorial too! Have missed you Lady! 8-)
Big Hugs
Shannon 8-)
Posted by: Shannon White | 10/06/2011 at 01:23 AM
WOW! This is amazing! I bet that took quite some time to color. I can't believe how well you got the colors to blend on the leaves. They are so real looking. All the trees here are starting to turn beautiful colors just like that. :)
Hugs~
Posted by: Heather | 10/06/2011 at 01:19 PM
Oh. My. Word. FABULOUS!!!!
Posted by: Broni | 10/10/2011 at 03:00 PM
I am one of many who have missed you and your amazing creations...please keep us inspired and up to date on the life and times of your Wally...
Posted by: L. Sipes | 10/12/2011 at 12:16 PM
Oh my....gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous!!
Posted by: Rose Ann | 11/01/2011 at 06:48 PM