Running With Scissors...: Flourishes

Flourishes

08/10/2011

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:

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)

Aug 10, 2011 12:01:00 AM | Flourishes

08/04/2011

Golden Coastal Sunset

Flourishes is getting ready for their August release of new stamp sets and, as you’ll soon see, it truly celebrates these last days of summer. Gosh, it seems like our summer here is just getting started. It can’t be coming to a close already!

To celebrate the new release we’re starting things off with a challenge which could win you the entire new batch of stamp sets. Essentially it’s a color challenge – stamp in the shades of a beautiful sunset. It could be red and orange, or pink and purple. We have some gorgeous turquoise and magenta sunsets over the ocean here. This is not to say you have to create a sunset image on your card. All you have to do is combine sunset colors somehow. Be sure and link your creation on the Shades of Sunset Challenge post on the Newsletter, and if you post to an online gallery please use the Keyword FLLCAUG11.

I chose to create a golden coastal sunset using Forest of Trees and a quote from Around the Arbor.

I started with Flourishes’ Classic White Cardstock and one of my Spellbinders die cut circles. The circle was held in place with removable double sided tape.
I used wadded toilet paper to rub the entire panel with yellow ink first, then rubbed mustard ink inward from the edges. I left some yellow glow nearer the sun circle.
I masked the upper edge to create the water line, which was done with cocoa ink, darker near the edges, and leaving a wavy open area for the sun’s reflection in the water.
I then carefully removed the die cut sun circle and replaced it with a smaller circle. The next step was to rub more yellow ink around the smaller circle, then carefully remove that circle and finish with some soft sponging around the edges of the sun.
Finally, I stamped the evergreen tree three times in Adirondack Pitch Black, and the sentiment in chocolate. Three black rhinestones accent the sentiment.

How about some sunset inspiration? Let’s see how the rest of the team interpreted this challenge:

A note from me: I just want you all to know how I appreciate your support regarding our misfortune earlier this week. You were there for me when I truly needed you, and didn’t even know how much I needed you. The kindness of our neighborhood community, my friends and coworkers, and you will help me get past this. I won’t let this scoundrel and the likes of him get me down. Thank you!

Now, let’s get busy stamping! Have a great day!

Stamps: Forest of Trees, Around the Arbor Paper: Flourishes Classic White, black, pale yellow Ink: Pale yellow, mustard, cocoa, black, chocolate Accessories: Black rhinestones

Aug 4, 2011 10:31:20 PM | Flourishes, Masculine

07/29/2011

A Butterfly Moment

Hello, friends! It’s Flourishes Friday and, along with the rest of the team, I’m sharing some free-for-all-anything-goes-as-long-as-it’s-Flourishes kind of stamping today. Well, that suits me just fine! I’ve got piles and rows and boxes of Flourishes stamps. Image upon beautiful image waiting to be colored, and several sets designated to be “next in line”. But where is the time? I know I put it here somewhere… I saw a glimpse of it when I was shuffling through the gardening, housework, shopping, job, gym, Wally, Wally, Wally… oh, and hubby, too. Okay… skidding to a halt… I need to make like a butterfly and live in the moment.

This was an easy card for several reasons: I copied one of my own layouts from long ago, I did very little coloring, and I used Flourishes’ July Kit of the Month – Timepiece. The designer paper, ribbon, burlap string, and decorative copper brad are all from the kit. It’s sold out now and never to return, but a new kit will be coming along in August. Can’t wait to see that one!

With this card I set out to make something feminine from a kit which may be considered masculine, but it just depends on how you look at it. Lighter colors, polka dots, butterfly, flower, bow – I don’t think I’d give this card to a man. I added some Double Dot Timepiece cardstock which is, happily, still available. I love polka dots!

Stamps used are Life Lines (sentiment) and Butterflies & Blossoms (butterfly). I probably made up a new species of butterfly when I colored this one, but rather than Googling it for accuracy, I threw caution to the wind and did my own thing. I used the Sunflower, Falling Leaves, and Sky Copic collections for coloring. The Spellbinders shapes are listed in the recipe below. The two cut from Classic Ivory cardstock were sponged with Adirondack Sandal ink while the dies were still in place. The flowers were purchased locally.

That’s about enough from me today, isn’t it? Let’s take a look at what the rest of the team is sharing:

Thanks for dropping by! Have a great day!

Stamps: Life Lines, Butterflies & Blossoms Paper: Bazzill textured cream, Bo Bunny Timepiece cardstock and designer paper, Flourishes Classic Ivory Ink: Chocolate Chip, Adirondack Sandal, Memento Rich Cocoa, Copics for coloring Accessories: Ribbon, burlap string, decorative brad, flowers, Spellbinders Labels Four, Classic Ovals Large, Ribbon Tags Trio Two

Jul 29, 2011 12:08:00 AM | Flourishes, Spellbinders

07/25/2011

Christmas in July

Here we are in the last week of July already… my, my, my! Well, we just can’t let it pass without having a little Christmas in July celebration at Flourishes. From now until July 31st all Flourishes’ Christmas stamps are on sale for 20% off. No code necessary. Flourishes will automatically discount the stamps for you.

Have you started your Christmas cards yet? This one brings me up to a grand total of two. I’d better get busy!

I’ve used Winter Bouquet, colored with Copics, and layered on these Spellbinders shapes:

The sentiment was cut with one of the Ribbon Banners dies. I curved the stamp ever so slightly for a perfect fit. One of the things I like best about this set, aside from the gorgeous floral image in two sizes, is the sentiments that come with it. I’ve used them on many of my Christmas cards, inside and out. Love that it includes a thank you sentiment, too.

All week, the Flourishes team will take turns sharing Christmas cards. It’s just me today, but be sure and check the Newsletter to see what’s coming up on the schedule. Have a great week!

Stamps: Winter Bouquet Paper: Red Bazzill textured, wasabi, Flourishes Classic Ivory, Webster’s Pages Waiting for Santa designer paper Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Ruby Red Accessories: Rhinestones, Spellbinders Lacey Squares, Classic Squares Large, and Labels Sixteen Nestabilities, Spellbinders Ribbon Banners, Scotch brand foam mounting tape (to pop up banner)

Jul 25, 2011 12:10:00 AM | Christmas, Flourishes, Spellbinders

07/22/2011

Another Moment in Time

Hello, and happy Friday! If I may have a moment of your time, I’d like to share another Moments In Time card today. I’ve used the Timepiece kit for this one again, too – you know, those fabulous paper/ribbon/embellishment kits Flourishes has been releasing recently. Today’s card features some of the designer paper, brads, and burlap string that come in this month’s Timepiece kit – great companions for the stamp set (sold separately).

I’ve also used some Double Dot Timepiece cardstock, one of the kit add-ons. That’s the curved piece at the lower edge. There are some very cool add-ons for this kit – jewels, trinkets, dimensional stickers – in addition to the double dot cardstock. You can see all the add-ons here.

I did no coloring today, just stamped the hour glass and the clock face image on the background panel. I cut and embossed the curved border with a Spellbinders Ric Rac Scalloped Border Pierceabilities die (no longer in production?), then pierced and sponged with the die still in place. The sentiment is cut with one of the Grommet Tags Shapeabilities, and the edges sponged for definition. Pretty simple, really!

Today is your last chance to take advantage of the New Release Bundle for this month. When you purchase all four stamp sets in a bundle, you will automatically receive a 10% discount. The bundle includes Moments In Time, Bee My Honey, Honeycomb, and Sweet Nature.

The ;Flourishes team has more samples to share with you today, all from our latest release. Keep an eye out for the Timepiece kit in use, too:

Thanks so much for joining me today! Enjoy your weekend!

Stamps: Moments In Time Paper: Naturals White, tan, Bo Bunny Double Dot Timepiece cardstock and Bo Bunny Timepiece designer paper Ink: Burgundy, Ranger Distress Vintage Photo and Tea Dye Accessories: Burgundy burlap string, decorative brads, Spellbinders Ric Rac Scalloped Border Pierceabilities and Grommet Tags Shapeabilities

Jul 22, 2011 12:10:00 AM | Flourishes, Masculine, Spellbinders

07/15/2011

Flourishes Preview, Day 3: Moments in Time

Now, here’s a set, illustrated by Lauren Pope, that works great for the guys, but you can make some mighty pretty vintage feminine cards with it, too. I love how the team has interpreted the images in Moments in Time. I’ve chosen to make a masculine birthday card today.

The clock face and sentiment are both embossed in black for a little extra texture, and mounted on these Spellbinder’s dies:

Flourishes is introducing a brand new 1,2,3 Create Kit today, too! This one is called Timepiece, and will be available for one month, only, or until supplies last, whichever comes first. I must say, I do love getting these kits in the mail and, even better, I love sitting down to create with them.

I’ve used the designer paper and some of the twill ribbon, burlap string, and embellishments on my card. Very manly and all so beautifully matched up for you. When you visit the rest of the team you’ll see this kit in use by some of the gals. You’ll surely want to hop around and check in with everyone because one of us is the Mystery Blogger.

A winner of Moments in Time will be chosen from among the comments. See all their fabulous creations here:

Check the Newsletter for today’s noontime challenge – another chance to win stamps. I’ll refer you to the Newsletter, also, for all the release week info in a nutshell. There are several chances to win, so I hope you can give one of our challenges a try.

Thank you so much for helping me wrap up a busy week today! Let’s all have ourselves a super summer weekend now. We deserve it, don’t we? Take care!

Stamps: Moments in Time Paper: Brown, black cardstock, Bo Bunny Timepiece designer paper Ink: Versafine Onyx Black Accessories: Twill ribbon, burlap string, Tim Holtz sprocket gears, Spellbinders Standard Circles Small, Standard Circles Large, Fancy Tags, detail clear embossing powder, Scotch brand foam mounting tape

Jul 15, 2011 12:10:00 AM | Flourishes, Masculine, Spellbinders

07/14/2011

Flourishes Preview, Day 2: Sweet Nature

Ranunculus -- that’s the flower Marcella Hawley has drawn up for the lovely Sweet Nature set. Go ahead and Google this flower and see a world of coloring possibilities open up before you. I made mine sizzling hot for summer today.

It’s watercolored with markers on 140 lb hot press watercolor paper. I found these old My Mind’s Eye designer papers in my stash and thought maybe the blue might cool things down a little lest my eyes be scorched. I do love this intense, fiery flower, though.

Even I don’t know who the Mystery Blogger is today. It’s one of the design team gals, so visit each and leave a comment for a chance to win today’s set. There’s still time to get in on the Farm Fresh Challenge, too. That one could win you the entire July release! Check the Newsletter for the challenge of the day and other important release week information. There’s lots going on and many chances to win.

See some lovely Sweet Nature cards here:

I’ll be back tomorrow with one more preview. Have a great day!

Stamps: Sweet Nature Paper: Flourishes Classic White, My Mind’s Eye Kaleidoscope designer paper (retired), 140 lb hot press watercolor paper Ink: Palette Noir, Blue Bayou, various water-based markers for watercoloring Accessories: Silk ribbon, linen thread, 1 1/4” circle punch, Scotch brand foam mounting tape

Jul 14, 2011 12:10:00 AM | Flourishes

07/13/2011

Flourishes Preview, Day 1: Bee My Honey and Honeycomb

Flourishes previews begin today and we’re starting off with two real sweet sets. Bee My Honey is buzzing with cute images to color and sentiments to match, and there’s a Honeycomb background to make the hive complete.

These stamps are just about as cute as they can be and I loved them at first sight. The main image is colored with Copics, and the honeycomb is stamped in mustard ink on white. I have lots and lots of Spellbinders dies in my collection, but so frequently I fall back on these old familiars:

Still loving how I can cut all three of these dies at once in my Grand Calibur die cutting machine, too.

Would you like to win today’s set? Well…

Someone on the design team is the Mystery Blogger, but we don’t know who, so leave a comment on each team member’s post today and your comment may be the random winner.

The Flourishes Newsletter is our release week headquarters, so please check there for full details on all the prize winning opportunities. There will be a challenge up later today, and the Farm Fresh Challenge is still running as well. More to come tomorrow and Friday.

Now for the link list to the rest of the team which could be your ticket to win, but which will also lead you to some absolutely delightful finds… enjoy!

All sets will be available in the Flourishes store first thing Friday morning.

Thanks for joining me today, and I hope to see you again tomorrow!

Stamps: Bee My Honey, Honeycomb Paper: Rich Razzleberry, Flourishes Classic White, BasicGrey Green at Heart designer paper Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, mustard, Copics for coloring Accessories: Daisy flowers, Spellbinders dies as listed above, Martha Stewart edge punch, Scotch brand foam mounting tape

Jul 13, 2011 12:10:00 AM | Flourishes, Spellbinders

07/08/2011

Got Fruits or Veggies?

We’re bringing out the fresh picked goodness this week for Flourishes’ pre-release challenge. Stamp a card with fruits or veggies as the focal point and link it to the Farm Fresh Challenge on the Flourishes Newsletter for a chance to win the entire July release. When uploading to an online gallery, use the Keyword FLLCJul11 as shown in the graphic above.

My card today uses an image and sentiment from the Strawberries set, as well as BasicGrey Nook & Pantry designer paper. I added some cute little trim and ribbon with a button and some baker’s twine stitches. Coloring was done with Copics on Classic White cardstock.

I’ve already sent this card to a friend as a thank you for some strawberry plants she gave me. Just three little plants and we’ve been picking the berries off one by one as they ripen… that is, if we can get to them before Wally does. He got first dibs but has since learned he can sniff, but not pick. Pretty irresistible, though. Maybe next year we’ll have a strawberry patch big enough to fill a small basket. There’s no comparing home grown to store bought – yum!

Get your mouth watering for fresh produce when you visit the rest of the team:

I hope you can join us for this challenge. Keep an eye out for the new set samples starting next Wednesday. There will be more challenges and chances to win then. Flourishes gives away a lot of stamps on release week!

Have yourself a wonderful summer weekend!

Stamps: Strawberries Paper: Red textured, Flourishes Classic White, BasicGrey Nook & Pantry designer paper Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics for coloring Accessories: Ribbon, ruffled trim, button, baker’s twine, Martha Stewart edge punch

Jul 8, 2011 12:09:00 AM | Flourishes

07/01/2011

Flourishes Friday

Hello! I’m back with a baby card for Flourishes Friday. They’re not only one of my favorite kinds of cards to create, but they’re one of my most frequently used cards. I’ll no sooner make one, even if it’s just for fun, than it finds a recipient. You’d think everyone I know was having babies. Well, not quite, but I do have a lot of younger friends and coworkers, and the friends closer to my age are having grandbabies, or they know someone having a baby or grandbaby and would like a card for them. So you see how it goes… always a need for a baby card, and that’s perfectly fine by me!

This was a make ahead card which I had a hankerin’ to do in blue for a baby boy. I used Flourishes’ Baby Love set. I stamped the Teddy bear, masked it and stamped the rocking chair behind it. The image is watercolored on 140 lb hot press watercolor paper. I sponged banana ink around the image panel edges, and blue ink around the other layers, then finished them off with stitching.

There’s a nice variety of images in use by the rest of the team today, so treat yourself to a little look around:

Be sure to stop in at the Newsletter for a little something Barbara has prepared for you, as well.

Thank you for visiting with me today. Have a wonderful weekend, and a happy 4th of July celebration for my American friends!

Stamps: Baby Love Paper: Bordering Blue textured, 140 lb hot press watercolor paper, designer paper of forgotten origin Ink: Palette Noir, Close to Cocoa (for lettering), various markers for watercoloring Accessories: Satin ribbon, button, linen thread

Jul 1, 2011 12:10:00 AM | Baby, Flourishes

Running With Scissors...

My little corner of the papercrafting world.

Flourishes

08/10/2011

Flourishes Preview: Hollyhocks

08/04/2011

Golden Coastal Sunset

07/29/2011

A Butterfly Moment

07/25/2011

Christmas in July

07/22/2011

Another Moment in Time

07/15/2011

Flourishes Preview, Day 3: Moments in Time

07/14/2011

Flourishes Preview, Day 2: Sweet Nature

07/13/2011

Flourishes Preview, Day 1: Bee My Honey and Honeycomb

07/08/2011

Got Fruits or Veggies?

07/01/2011

Flourishes Friday

Leslie Miller

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