Running With Scissors…

Welcome to our second preview of Flourishes‘ October releases.  I could tell you how beautiful I find this set, but I believe the images the team is previewing today will speak for themselves.

This elegant and gentle set is called The Holly and the Ivy.  For the best fit with my card design I chose a sentiment from the Musical Score Background which was previewed yesterday.  I decided to keep my card cool and wintery with blue, white and silver.  The doves are stamped with Versamark and embossed with silver embossing powder, then the image painted with Twinkling H20’s.  The last step was to sponge blue shading around the image.  The card size is standard A2 — 5 1/2″ x 4 1/4″.

It’s layered on silver mirrored cardstock and framed with Spellbinders Frameabilities — Classic Frame.  Cool blue rhinestones and a silver organdy bow provide the final ornamentation and, best of all, I’m one card closer to getting my Christmas cards done.  I love these early days of stamping Christmas cards, when I can give them special attention… before I go into mass production mode. 

You can win this set, or you can win all six of Flourishes’ October releases.  Still more fun and prizes will be part of the festivities at Friday night’s release party in the Flourishes Forum on SCS.

For some beauties that will make your heart flutter, please visit the rest of the team:   Christine, Cindy, Julie, Latisha, Laura, and Stacy.  I believe Sharon has a card to share today, too.

Thank you for spending a part of your day with me.  There’s more to come tomorrow.  Hope to see you then!

Stamps:  The Holly and the Ivy, Musical Score & Words (soon to be released by Flourishes)  Paper:  Bashful Blue, Flourishes Classic White, silver mirror metallic  Ink:  Versamark, Bashful Blue, Twinkling H20’s for coloring  Accessories:  Ribbon, rhinestones, Spellbinders Frameabilities Classic Frames, 1 3/8″ circle punch, Scotch brand foam mounting tape

Happy Tuesday, all!  I didn’t think I was going to have a card to share today, but I came home from work Monday night and stamped and colored this as quickly as I possibly could.  You see, today the Friends of Flourishes team has a challenge for you –> Timeless Tuesday.  You have your choice of four sketches — similar, but not exactly alike.  It’s actually one sketch turned four different ways.  This is not one of them!  I have another reason for making this card, and that is to share with you two of Flourishes’ soon to be released sets — Christmas Drummer, and Musical Score & Words (I hope I have the names right).  I was just so excited about coloring some of the images in this set, I couldn’t wait to make a card!  The Friends of Flourishes have some gorgeous cards to share with you, and there’s a prize for the challenge winner.  Follow the Timeless Tuesday link to read all about it.

In my haste to complete this card, I did all my stamping on a single white panel and simply added the sentiment, ribbon, and rhinestone accents for dimension.  After I stamped and colored the border of instruments and holly sprigs, I masked the border and overstamped the Musical Score background in a very soft gray ink.  For those of you who sometimes wonder, this is a standard A2 size card, 5 1/2″ x 4 1/4″.

To mask the border I placed a panel of Crystal Clear Cardstock over the card front — with a clear view of my stamped images — and traced along the upper edge of the border, directly onto the clear cardstock, with a black fine-tip Sharpie.   I then cut along the traced line on the clear cardstock to create my mask.  Just in case that doesn’t make any sense at all, here’s a photo of my clear mask:

The rest of the design team girls have cards to share today, too:   Christine, Cindy, Julie, Latisha, Laura, and Stacy.

The Christmas Drummer set includes nutcrackers, which are just wonderful, and both of today’s sets have several useful sentiments, as well.  Very nice!  This Friday at midnight, all the new sets are scheduled for release.  I think you’ll like them!  We’ll be previewing one or more new sets each day the rest of the week.  I hope you’ll have time to check in for a peek.  Have a great day!

Stamps:  Christmas Drummer, Musical Score & Words (soon to be released by Flourishes)  Paper:  Real Red, Flourishes Classic White, Wild Wasabi textured  Ink:  Ranger Distress Walnut Stain, Ruby Red, Prismacolor markers for coloring  Accessories:  Ribbon, rhinestones, Spellbinders oval and Labels One Nestabilities, Scotch brand foam mounting tape

Gosh, Friday seems so far away on Monday, but when it finally comes, I can hardly believe how fast it got here.  In fact, the whole month of September raced right past me and now it’s time again already for Flourishes’ Pre-Release Challenge.  Next week we’ll begin previewing the new releases.  Where does the time go?

We’re going to get things started today with our challenge — A Season That Sparkles.  Put some sparkle on a card, enter it in the challenge, and keep your fingers crossed that you might be the lucky winner of all six of the October releases.  Yes, you read right — all six!  Read more details on the Flourishes Newsletter.

A Christmas card is not a prerequisite of the challenge, but that’s what I chose to make since the season is fast approaching and I’m not nearly where I’d hoped to be with my Christmas cards by this time.

This ornate tree from the Flourished Christmas set is still a favorite, particularly for quick cards.  I stamped the tree with Versamark on Classic White and embossed with gold tinsel embossing powder — an oldie but goodie from my stash.  I added the sentiment and cut with a Spellbinders Labels Four die.  I do like to keep my Christmas cards as mailable as possible, so weight and dimension must be kept in check, but do not have to be sacrificed entirely.  I was able to add the very slim and delicate Finishing Touches embellishment to the raised main image panel without exceeding the bulk limit.  There’s a pink rhinestone set into it’s recessed center — a little extra touch of pretty with no extra dimension.  The metallic gold cord and bright pink satin ribbon can be found at Flourishes, as well.

Prepare yourself to be dazzled by the light when you visit the rest of the team:   Christine, Cindy, Julie, Latisha, Laura, and Stacy.

Best of luck to you with the challenge, and have yourself a wonderful weekend!

Stamps:  Flourished Christmas  Paper:  Flourishes Classic White, retired Stampin’ Up! designer paper  Ink:  Versamark, Adirondack Pesto  Accessories:  Satin ribbon, gold metallic cord, Finishing Touches brad, rhinestone, Spellbinders Labels Four die, gold tinsel embossing powder, Scotch brand foam mounting tape

Hello!  I have a quick and easy card to share today, made for a baby shower I’m attending this Saturday.  They’re having a little girl, but I’m sure she’ll see plenty of pink on Saturday so I used a yellow and white combo, which is one of my favorites for baby cards.

The stamps are retired Stampin’ Up! Bundle of Joy, colored with Prismacolor markers on Whisper White cardstock.  The card design may be familiar from this card.  I used this design again, not only because it’s so easy and I truly love it, but because I was asked if I might explain how I embossed just the center section of the card front.  While I did answer that question in an email, it reminded me that there are many stampers still very new to this craft who are oftentimes left puzzling over how certain things are accomplished.

One picture is worth a thousand words, but I’ve included a few words, too – somewhat less than a thousand:

• I started with a card base of Flourishes Classic White, which is very sturdy and embosses beautifully with a deep impression.
• I scored the card front 1/2″ from the top and bottom edges to create a guide of sorts for centering my embossing folder.  Scoring was done from the inside of the card so the “bump” would be on the outside.  For this card, I adhered designer paper, top and bottom, outside the score lines.
• The card is opened out flat, with a lengthwise orientation, and inserted into the embossing folder, as shown — “A” plate + “B” plate + card and embossing folder.  Add another “B” plate on top and crank it through.

You may notice that my embossing folder appears to be face down.  Don’t do that!  That was an “oops” which I didn’t notice until after I cranked it through and saw that my Swiss Dots were inverted.  It could be salvaged by turning the inverted dots to the inside, but I chose to start over.  Now you know why it takes me so long to make a card — sheesh!  I did not reshoot the picture, though.  I’ve got to cut corners somewhere!

It’s a very easy way to make a cute layout.  As for the main image, I stamped the giraffe first, then positioned my oval Spellbinders die over it and cut, using the Cuttlebug.  The best instructions I’ve found for cutting and embossing Spellbinders dies in the Cuttlebug are right there on the Spellbinders packaging.  I layered the image on two scalloped mats, added Offray ribbon and a button from my stash, both adhered with a spot of Aleene’s Tacky Glue.

The bow was made with the aid of my Bow Easy from Sharon Johnson.  I found Sharon’s instructions here very easy to follow, but she also gives a link to Jerri Kay’s video tutorial.  It’s like magic, and when I want a really perfect bow, I do reach for my Bow Easy.

Well, I’m off and running again… It’s the end of a busy day as I write this and I’d best get myself ready for work and another busy day tomorrow.  No rest for the weary.  Have a great day! 

Stamps:  SU! Bundle of Joy  Paper:  Flourishes Classic White (card base), Whisper White (main image), PTI Lemon Tart, Daisy d’s designer paper  Ink:  Ranger Distress Walnut Stain, Close to Cocoa, Prismacolor markers (similar to Copics) for coloring  Accessories:  Offray ribbon, button, linen thread, Spellbinders oval and scallop dies, Cuttlebug Swiss Dot embossing folder

Last week I was on staycation.  It was the best time I’ve had in ages –  refreshing, exhilarating, but relaxing, too.  Early Fall, perfect outdoor weather, rocky rivers, deserted beaches, a lake in the middle of town… comfortable, cozy accommodations with all the amentities to which to return after the day’s activities — everything I would hope for in a vacation, seeing as how I’m not a city kind of girl.

Having Wally reminds me of when our son was little and it didn’t matter where we went or how often we’d been there… we’d have a good time watching him have a good time and, oh boy, did he ever have a good time!  What a great place to raise a child or a puppy!  Our photo album is full of pictures just like this from those days, but with a boy and his big fluffy white Otto running down the hill.  What a pair they were.  My heart is full of those wonderful memories.

Now, it’s just the two of us and Wally, rediscovering favorite playgrounds, making new memories.

Developing life skills.

Experiencing the wild joys of living…

Happiness, love, gratitude, adoration, integrity, innocence.

In the photos above, Wally learned about sand dunes and low tide on the bay (North Spit, for the local folks).  Two days later, he learned how to swim in the lake near our house (Empire Lake).  Oh, what fun!  He tread cautiously after the stick, but when he returned it to me, it was pure puppy frenzied joy!  He was beside himself!  What a discovery!  He was correct in assuming I shared his exultation, and a few wet, sandy puppy body slams later I appeared to have been swimming and rolling in the sand, too.  I loved every minute of it and can’t wait to do it again.

But I’m back at work now…sigh… Vacations are never long enough, though there’s always the weekend to look forward to.  I’ll be back to stamping shortly.  Have yourself a wonderful day!

Are you all stamping?  You can click on the blinkie, below, to find out what’s going on over at Splitcoaststampers, and –> here <– is a direct link to the challenge forum where you’ll find each challenge and the prizes up for grabs.  Just scroll down and look for all the threads that begin with “WCMD”.

I couldn’t pass up the chance to play in the sketch challenge presented by Flourishes.

I had this all set to go on flowers and polka dots, then decided to use BasicGrey Scarlet’s Letter instead.  I was in the mood for these rich reds, browns and greens — gorgeous paper!  The strawberries are colored on Classic White cardstock with Copics from Flourishes’ Poppy and Evergreen collections.  Oh, I need more Copics!  I love being able to grab these mini-collections Flourishes put together to make the color choices so easy, and the blending capabilities on their Classic White is sublime.  It’s funny, but my Copic coloring always comes out very similar to my watercolors.

Speaking of watercolors… I added just the tiniest bit of Creamy Caramel watercolor wash around the strawberries.  I went very lightly so as not to pill the paper.  If I were using bright, fun paper in the background I might have been inclined to leave out the shading, but the Scarlet’s Letter seemed to want the image shaded.

I followed Flourishes sketch very closely, even adding the flower and ribbon in the corner.  I enhanced the flower with a copper flower brad, having been inspired by Laura’s beautiful card –> here.  Do hop on over to Flourishes’ challenge to see the sketch and give it a try if you’re of a mind.  To see all the cards made with the sketch, you can check –> here.  More will be added throughout the weekend as the challenges continue through Sunday.  Enjoy, and happy World Card Making Day!!

Stamps:  Strawberries  Paper:  CTMH Pepperwood, Flourishes Classic White, BasicGrey Scarlet’s Letter designer paper  Ink:  Adirondack Pitch Black, Copics for coloring  Accessories:  Ribbon, Prima flowers, copper Finishing Touches flower brad

One last birthday card for this week.  This one is for a girlfriend who needs glitter on her cards so I gave her plenty of it (I hope).

I stamped Ornamental Elements on Classic White with my Tsukineko Glue Pad and sprinkled it with Art Institute glitter.  The glitter color is a nice match for Sage Shadow, which is a nice match for this BasicGrey Two Scoops paper, and pink and Sage is a favorite color combo of mine, so it all worked out just beautifully.  The cake is from the Birthday Celebrations set.  I colored the cake with Prismacolor markers in Pink and Raspberry, and frosted it with White Opal Liquid Pearls.  The plate is colored with Celadon and Forest Green. 

Now, for the focus — Flourishes refers to these Finishing Touches embellishments as “card jewelry”.  There could be no description more fitting.  I used one of the gold Finishing Florals, added my own pearl brad, and now my card is adorned with an elegant brooch.  I stocked up on the Finishing Touches in all colors — gold, copper, and silver — and have been just loving them!

Today on the Newsletter, Laura has prepared an article which showcases these beautiful and fun embellishments — pure delight for the eyes!  I know you’ll enjoy it.  The team has samples to share with you as well.  These girls do some beautiful stamping, and today’s samples all include the Finishing Touches.  You’ll love the ideas and the sheer pretty of it:  Christine, Cindy, Faith, Julie, Latisha, Laura, and Stacy

Are you ready for World Card Making Day tomorrow?  Click on the blinkie for all the info on Splitcoaststampers.  Splitcoast member companies, Flourishes included, will be giving away some awesome prizes.  Let’s all get together and stamp!

Have a great weekend, and I hope to see you tomorrow!

Stamps:  Birthday Celebrations, Ornamental Elements  Paper:  Sage Shadow, Classic White, BasicGrey Two Scoops designer paper  Ink:  Ranger Distress Tea Dye, Prismacolor markers for coloring  Accessories:  Silk ribbon, Finishing Florals brad, pearl brad, Spellbinders oval dies, Scotch brand foam mounting tape

ETA:  Originally posted on Sept. 25.  There is strange stuff going on with this post.  It’s another disappearing and reappearing post.  I know some of you have been kind enough to comment on it, though there were difficulties in accomplishing that.  Just now, I found it in my drafts, as though it had never been posted yet.  Odd.  I’m going to post it again and hopefully get it out of my hair.  I wonder what will happen when I hit the “go button”?  Well… let’s try it…  So sorry for the duplication.  Thank you! 

I could make all my card designs, from now on, exactly like this and be perfectly happy doing it… but, there’s another part to this story.  You can, if you like, scroll down to see this card’s recipe.  However, I hope you’ll join me on the Flourishes Newsletter for the thoughts behind this card as well as another very different card with the same set.

I’ll meet you there in a minute!

Stamps:  Gerbera Daisies  Paper:  Classic White  Ink:  Ranger Distress Walnut Stain, Prismacolor markers for coloring  Accessories:  Ribbon, Spellbinders Oval Nesties, Cuttlebug Floral Fantasy embossing folder, Scotch brand foam mounting tape

In May, I borrowed the Bareback set to make a birthday card (here) and, when finished, I had a little scrap of the Saffron Flannel Plaid left over.  I’m terrible about discarding any scrap which may be the least bit usable so I thought I’d try to manage another card with that scrap while I still had Bareback in my possession.  I got as far as black embossing the horses and then the scrap went back into the scrap basket.  Today, I have a finished card.

I wonder if he’ll notice it’s a leftover from his wife’s card?  I rather expect not, but she’ll probably notice right away.  Nevertheless, I’m glad I saved that scrap.  As with the May card, I used no designer paper.  Instead, I stamped Paisley Print in black on Close to Cocoa and added textured cardstocks and copper brads for a masculine look.  I hope he likes it.  I hope you like it, too.

It’s been a busy stamping week — much more than my usual.  I’ll be back tomorrow with something pretty from Flourishes.  Take care!

Stamps:  Bareback, It’s Your Birthday, Flannel Plaid, Paisley Print (all Stampin’ Up!)  Paper:  Basic Black, Close to Cocoa smooth and textured, Old Olive textured, So Saffron textured, Whisper White  Ink:  So Saffron, Adirondack Pitch Black, Versamark  Accessories:  Copper brads, black embossing powder, Scotch brand foam mounting tape 

My card today is for the first of the October birthdays I’m celebrating — thinking ahead for a change.  I can always remember these October birthdays, probably since it’s my birthday month, as well.  I’ve used a PSX stamp which is new(ish) to me, having picked it up in Willits, CA this summer.  It’s sad to think PSX has gone out of business.  Their stamps are beautiful and the images varied.  Whatever happened to them, I wonder?

I chose these colors for my cake because they were left in my tote bag from my last project.  I was also carrying greens and blues, but I wasn’t so sure I wanted a green or blue cake.  Still, this may be an improbable color — not quite orange, definitely not raspberry.  Not really cherry, either, though that is one of the colors I used.  I colored it with Prismacolor markers on Whisper White cardstock.  The marker colors are Deco Peach and Peach, with a little Cherry added for the frosting accents.  I also used a Spica clear glitter pen on the frosting and candles, but Spica glitter is so subtle I can’t imagine it ever showing in a photograph.

Whenever I cut a Spellbinders shape, I save the resulting negative if it’s of any consequence, and this shape made a nice frame for the cake — like a bakery shop window.  I Cuttlebug embossed the frame, added the ribbon and rhinestones, and placed it on foam mounting tape with a border of Bashful Blue and Cameo Coral.  All set to mail!

I’ll see you soon with more stamping.  Have a sweet and wonderful day!

Stamps:  PSX birthday cake  Paper:  Whisper White, Cameo Coral, Bashful Blue  Ink:  Adirondack Pitch Black, Prismacolor markers for coloring  Accessories:  Bashful Blue taffeta ribbon, rhinestones, Spica clear glitter pen, Cuttlebug Birthday embossing folder, Spellbinders oval dies, Scotch brand foam mounting tape