May 14 2009
Flourishes Preview, Day 2: DIY Topiaries
Day 2 of Flourishes’ previews brings my favorite of this month’s releases — DIY Topiaries. I feel as drawn to the warmth and comfort of this set as I do the gaiety and charm of Sweet Peas, Sweet Violets, and our latest floral, Nasturtiums. I like a lot of green in the garden for the way it sets off the flower colors and creates a tranquil, calming sanctuary…a cushion into which I sink gratefully to ease the weight of everyday concerns.
You can do it yourself any number of ways with the many beautifully illustrated pots and topiaries this set provides. It’s extremely versatile, with both foliage and floral images. I needed a masculine thank you so I went all foliage with this card. I struggle with masculine cards, but the His & Her’s challenge brought about an epiphany for me: Just set out to make a feminine card, but exchange every feminine element with a masculine element. I know that sounds almost too elementary, but I’ll be darned if it doesn’t work. Why did I have such a mental block about that till now? Picture this card exactly as is, but with a floral image, sweet and delicate designer papers, a filigree brad, silk, satin, or organdy ribbon tied in a bow — see it?
Important info: If you get a chance, please do check out the His & Her’s Challenge. There’s still time to participate and have a chance at winning all three of Flourishes’ May releases. The winner will be announced at the Release Party Friday night, May 15. The party starts at 8 pm central and winds up around 10 pm. And please, see the DIY Topiaries post on the Flourishes Newsletter. Leave a comment there to enter a drawing for the Topiaries set. A winner for each set is drawn daily.
Also: Flourishes is having a Spring Sale! Now through May 21 everything in the store is 10% off. Use this promotional code at checkout: rsc99
Now… If you’ve seen the work of my fellow Flourishes designers before, you know they’ve got some heart-stopping beauties to share with you. I’m anxious for you to see what more can be done with this set! I do have other cards ready to share later but, for now, please visit: Christine, Cindy, Faith, Julie, Latisha, Laura, and Stacy.
I’d love for you to join me tomorrow for Preview Day 3. Till then, have a happy day!
Stamps: DIY Topiaries (to be released May 15 pm), sentiment from Thank You Paper: Really Rust card base, watercolor, Garden Green, Wild Wasabi, retired Stampin’ Up! Apple Cider designer paper Ink: Palette Umber, various SU! inks for watercoloring Accessories: Ribbon, brad
Leslie, this is so beautiful!!! Love the layout and design and your coloring is jsut stunning!!!!
WOW - Leslie - your coloring is gorgeous!!! What a beauty you have created!!! Love it!!!
So beautiful! I just love that topiary! How perfect to use it for a masculine card! Of course you make it pop off the page with your gorgeous coloring and shading!!
Leslie, this is gorgeous! I love that watercoloring and everything about your card!
I love both of these last two postings! Your watercoloring is always a favorite of mine. And I love the new stamp from Flourishes!! Hope all is well with you and yours
Leslie just beautiful. These stand out and just grab you against the white. Wonderful showcasing!
I love the rustic look and feel of your card! Your watercolouring is amazing and all the details bring this together so beautifully!
Your watercoloring is soooo gorgeous!!! I love the DP, the handsome brad and the beautiful script of the sentiment, they give the card a dignified and elegant look. Definitely a fun image!
This is just lovely…and your quotation in your post about green in the garden…is that a Leslie original? I LOVE it! I couldn’t be more at peace than I am in my garden-just wonderful! Your card is gorgeous-great layout and coloring and it does really lend itself to a masculine look!
What a gorgeous card! Love your coloring, and this stamp set - I can’t wait to own it!
Very pretty! Wonderful colors! That brad added just the right touch!
Gorgeous Leslie, such wonderful rich color. The rust glow around the trees is so great. I love your epiphany about the masculine cards too! You’ll be a master at feminine and masculine without any effort now!
What exquisite water color, Leslie. Your topiaries look so real as do their terracota pots. An excellent choice in the subtle hues of the DP and the sentiment is the perfect compliment.
It is absolutely gorgeous! The topiaries look like real! The DP choice is wonderful!!!
Great card! I love the simplicity and your watercoloring!!
Holy smokes!! Absolutely gorgeous Leslie, the coloring on those topiaries truly is stunning
I like your idea of exchanging girlie ideas for guy colors, stamps and then voila’ you end up with a cool guy card just like this wonderful card of yours. TFS
Leslie, your coloring never ceases to amaze me! The depth these topiaries have is just too rich for words! And… love your comments on creating the perfect man cards! I will have to try that! Seriously - you might have given ME an epiphany too!
Your topiaries are stunning Leslie!! My goodness can you color! They just jump right off that card!! Wow!!
Your watercolouring here looks wonderful. perfect use of light and shade. Thanks for the “why didn’t I think of it before” tip for masculine cards I will try and apply that soon, seems so straightforward doesn’t it?
Your topiaries are gorgeous, and your coloring looks perfect!! I love your choice of papers, ribbon, and your perfect brad as well!!
Oh my gosh, Leslie, the coloring on this is OUT OF THIS WORLD! What a gorgeous, gorgeous creation! You are amazing!!!!!!!!