A happy hello to you after a week-long absence! Stamping just didn’t work itself into the agenda last week, but I did get some other things accomplished, so I can’t complain. Actually, I would have posted this card last week, but I couldn’t seem to get a decent picture of it – something I’ve been struggling mightily with of late. I don’t know what my problem is, but most likely I’m being too fussy. Time to forget about that and just have fun, right?
I made this as a retirement card for one of my many friends and family members who are retiring before me and leaving me with dreams of early retirement and wondering how I might work that out, sigh. I always thought this sentiment would be good for a retirement card. The stamp set is Flourishes’ Sunflowers.
I made an attempt at “no-line coloring” by stamping the image in very light Ranger Distress Tea Dye ink. I have mixed feelings about the results, but one can only get better with practice (I hope). Coloring was done with Copic markers on Flourishes Classic Ivory cardstock. I did quite a lot of sponging around the edges, and added some red speckles with an old Stampin’ Up! Itty Bitty Backgrounds stamp.
Sketches have been holding great appeal for me lately, and I began this card when Seize the Sketch #4 was current, but didn’t finish it before their next sketch was up. No worries. . . it’s still a great sketch with only the tiniest of modifications to make it work with the image.
Time for me to say “goodbye” for today. I’ve listed more card details in the recipe below my signature. Thank you so much for the visit!
Stamps: Sunflowers (Flourishes), Itty Bitty Backgrounds (speckles – Stampin’ Up!) Paper: Flourishes Classic Ivory, CTMH Sunflower, Crate Paper Pretty Party designer papers Ink: Ranger Distress Tea Dye, Chocolate Chip (sentiment), Ruby Red (speckles), CTMH Vanilla (sponging), Copic markers for coloring Accessories: Ribbon, linen thread, button, tag punch, retired Stampin’ Up! slit punch to make scalloped border
Oh my goodness this is just beautiful. I love sunflowers and you colored this one so well. Just a wonderful creation all around!
Posted by: Glenda | 10/14/2013 at 02:45 AM
beautiful. puts a smile on my face. Have a great day
Posted by: yogi | 10/14/2013 at 03:36 AM
Your card is absolutely stunning! Love the gorgeous papers you used and the way you've added the sentiment!
Posted by: Tammy Hair | 10/14/2013 at 03:46 AM
I just love everything about this card. You did a fabulous job with the no-line coloring, something that I've been wanting to try. The papers you chose are just perfect.
Posted by: Maggie S | 10/14/2013 at 04:03 AM
Oh my Leslie, your attempt at no-line colouring is gorgeous. I love how this looks. Beautiful papers, love your take on the sketch. This is one of my favourite stamps sets from Flourishes. Thanks for show casing this today. Have a wonderful week.
Posted by: Pauline | 10/14/2013 at 05:27 AM
It's so funny how we critique our own cards - the first thing I thought was "WOW - how does Leslie achieve these beautiful looks and techniques", and then I read how you had trouble photographing (glad it's not jut me), and that the "no-line" coloring was new for you. Your first attempt is magnificent. I would love framing your card, truly - it is beautiful with such intense, perfectly shaded colors. Leslie, you have a special way of blending soft and intense. I haven't learned to do that yet, and I don't know how you achieve the background fades and bleeds in your cards - they ALWAYS look so fabulous. Cute retirement card, too - but a work of art in inself! hugs, de
Posted by: Donna Ellis | 10/14/2013 at 06:33 AM
I want to say what everyone else has already said. I adore your card. And,at the risk of being being boring, I'll repeat that your colouring leaves me in awe. As far as retirement goes, it's all that it is cracked up to be. I have 10 years of retirement experience and frankly, I cannot imagine how I had time to work. My life is stuffed full of all the people and things I love. I took an early retirement at age 55, and the whack I took on my pension was worth every cent. My life has never been happier.
Posted by: Francie in Montreal | 10/14/2013 at 10:53 AM
Let me add my voice to the list! This is gorgeous! Your coloring is so beautiful the flower looks like you plucked it from your garden & just laid it on the card. This is a perfect retirement card & I know the person will love it! I love the no-line look too! I'll have to try that when things settle down. Hug "our" fur-babies!
Posted by: Sherri Dean | 10/14/2013 at 12:09 PM
This looks beautiful, Leslie. I love the warm feel of your card. The photo is great as well. :)
Posted by: Heather Jensen | 10/14/2013 at 12:54 PM
Love your gorgeous card.
Posted by: Rob | 10/14/2013 at 01:32 PM
What a great sentiment for a retirement card, Leslie! Hopefully some time soon your friends will be sending them to YOU! Love the "no-lines" look. Awesome card.
Posted by: Lynette | 10/14/2013 at 04:17 PM
My first attempt at no-line coloring was a sunflower, too (I think from the same stamp set). Yours turned out beautiful! I love the sponging and those red dots you put around it, too. Whoever you give this to is going to love it. Actually, I'll bet everyone who knows you hopes to receive one of your cards when they have a special occasion! One of your cards is like a gift all by itself! :)
Posted by: Cheryl Lea | 10/14/2013 at 05:55 PM
Oh, Leslie, this is absolutely gorgeous! Mixed feelings about it? Yikes! It's perfection! Totally love it and pinned it! Hugs!
Posted by: CherylQuilts | 10/14/2013 at 06:52 PM
Leslie, this is stunning! I've never heard of no line coloring. I'll have to give it a try.
Posted by: bensarmom | 10/14/2013 at 08:11 PM
I think this is absolutely fabulous, Leslie! (I highly recommend early retirement....I retired at 59 and have been happily retired for 11 years now. :-)
Posted by: Evelyn Spikes | 10/14/2013 at 11:34 PM
This is gorgeous Leslie! I think you did a fabulous job with the no lines look! If you can work out early retirement, do it!!!! And, last but not least...
Have a very happy birthday today!!!!!
Posted by: Danielle Kennedy | 10/15/2013 at 10:19 AM
Wowie!! Soo Beautiful Miss Leslie!! Your no lines look is Fabulous! I have not got the courage up to even attempt the no lines look yet, lol maybe someday...;-) Your friend is going to Love this Beauty for sure!
P.S. Hope you Had a Fabulous Birthday Sweet Lady! 8-)
Big hugs
Shannon
Posted by: Shannon White | 10/16/2013 at 12:35 AM
So very pretty...what a nice sentiment for retirement....I opted out early, and the only regret I have is not having a paycheck, but am a homebody so it hasn't bothered me too bad to be broke...LOL...but really I so enjoy being home, and hope it is something you will be able to do too, soon!!
Posted by: Diane H | 10/16/2013 at 03:56 AM
I can see why you designed for Flourishes for so many years. Each time I see a card such as this, it reminds me of the first time I saw your blog and cards. Stunning coloring ( I like the little bits of speckle around the flower image - very nice). The background designer paper and the font in the sentiment are a nice compliment to one another too. And of course, your stitching always just blows me away. Although I have stitched on my cards, I really lack the confidence to try it more often then I do. Lovely autumnal card, Leslie.
Posted by: Susie | 10/18/2013 at 07:37 AM
A very pretty flower card Mz Leslie!
Posted by: Sue Kment | 10/18/2013 at 01:10 PM