Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Flourishes Sneaks: Day 2!

Hi all! I have a little Flourishes fun this week for you all! It’s that time when they showcase their latest stamp sets. It’s their August release! Today’s offering is one set that will truly deliver a summer feel—all year long!

Here’s a peek...



This set, penned by Marcella Hawley features one big and beautiful Hollyhock plant that you could use not only as a focal point on your card but it’s also big enough to create backgrounds as well. Use a portion of the stamp or all of it in its full glory! In this set, you’ll also find four lovely sentiments plus one word accent.

On to my creation!
I have to say, when I stamped this hollyhock, I knew I would have a blast coloring it up! And, my inspiration was just around the corner -- literally! Here's a pic!This plant is just behind my neighbor's house down the carriage lane. I loved it because it isn't the color I am used to seeing -- so-- I grabbed my markers and started coloring! I used my Copic markers and grabbed the Spring Greens and Dahlia collections grouped by Flourishes. When I was done, I did use markers B000 and B0000 to highlight around my image. And you can see, I also stamped, colored, cut and popped some of the flowers up for a little extra pop! You can't tell but, I also added some glitz to the centers of the flowers with a little glitter glue!



After I was done coloring - I did cut and mat it up using a Spellbinders Labels Eight (cut thanks to my Grand Calibur). My card base is a little different - It's actually a 4-1/4" square with my image spilling over the top of the card. Add a beautiful silk ribbon and decorative punched border and... voila! Done!

Here's a close up!

Want to win this beautiful set? Well, here’s how! Can you guess…..

That’s right -- one of the Flourishes designers on the link list below is the Mystery Blogger! So, you’ll want to leave comments on all of their blogs. Why? Because one of them will be choosing one lucky comment on today’s post and that commenter will win this set!

Barbara Anders
Christine Okken
Cindy Lawrence
Danielle Kennedy
Julie Koerber
Leslie Miller
Stacy Morgan
Maki Jones
Tammy Hershberger

OTHER WAYS TO WIN!
Do you love a good challenge? If so, you’ll have to tune in to the Flourishes blog at noon for one of their special Noon Time Challenges! This one promises to be great fun and if you play along, you could win Flourishes ENTIRE AUGUST RELEASE!

Did you check out the Shades of Sunset Challenge yet? You could also win their release that way too! Click HERE for all the details!

WHEN CAN YOU SHOP?
You might ask, when can we get our hands on these new sets? They will be ready for the taking--- first thing Friday morning! Can’t wait? Well, if you like what you see on the designers’ blogs and want to pre-order the sets, you’re in luck – you can! Just click HERE to visit Flourishes' “Shopping” page! (I know, I am an enabler!!)

Tomorrow’s set is one for those who love to savor the flavors of life! Yep, that was your hint – so be sure to check back! Oh, and if you missed Flourishes Timeless Tuesday, you should check it out HERE! The gals previewed Flourishes' new set Wild for Watermelon! It's a darling set that's perfect for summer!

49 comments:

Sue from Oregon said...

Gorgeous!

Rema DeLeeuw said...

You chose such a pretty color for you flowers. Very nice...

Linda Carson said...

WOW! This blog hop just keeps getting better! This card is just absolutely gorgeous!

Michelle Bartok said...

I agree with Linda, this hop is getting better and better! Your card is absolutely stunning, love the flower color.

Glenda said...

Talk about a blast from the past...these were the flowers of my childhood! Beautifully done....love your coloring!

Shannon White said...

OMWord this is so Gorgeous! Wowzers Miss Julie! Love your hollyhocks and your wonderful coloring, Lucky you to have such wonderful inspiration right around the corner.. 8-) Just a crazy Beautiful card Lady!

Hugs to you!

Shannon 8-)

ecpiercy said...

Just gorgeous! Love the color and layering!

Tammy Hershberger said...

Julie, this is FABULOUS! Gorgeous, vibrant color and love how you popped a few up for dimension! How lucky to have such beautiful inspiration for coloring these hollyhocks, too! They are SO beautiful!

petra,s cards said...

ooohhooo juli fabulous i can almost smell the roses, verry gorgeous colouring!!!!
xx petra

Betty Benton said...

Gorgeous!! And how much fun that you had an actual photo for color inspiration -- love both the card and the photo!!

Peachy Wessels said...

Just beautiful - we had so many in our yard it was one of my favorite flowers and I have been waiting for someone to create a beautiful stamp set just like this! Great coloring!

zehra said...

Love the popping red, I like the way you did the card, the extra edge on the top and the border underneath, great style.

Debbie D. said...

Beautiful color choice for your hollyhocks and love your card design.

Frances said...

The colors energize me. So bright and vibrant! Great design.

Naomi said...

All I can say is, WOW!!!! Absolutely STUNNING card! Love how you coloured the hollyhocks and that dp you used is gorgeous, too! Lovely new stamp set...can't wait to get my hands on it!

Karen W said...

Wow it looks just like the real one, fabulous job!!

Lin said...

I am so loving all the variations from the DT!! Just like in real life, they are magnificent! Thank you so much for a chance to win this amazing set!

Kim said...

Your coloring on these hollyhocks is truly amazing!! I love that you were able to take a picture of the real thing and use that as inspiration. A truly beautiful card!!

Janet said...

What a great color combination! Love it!

Barbara said...

Love your bright colors--you've captured Mother Nature perfectly!

Cheryl W. said...

Your coloring is awesome! I LOVE your hollyhocks!

Vicki Dutcher said...

Awesome coloring from the real life inspiration!!

Dee said...

Beautiful!!! Your coloring is perfect, and what a great stamp set

Becky said...

OH My, what gorgeous colors..

JoanneO said...

Your hollyhocks are just beautiful! You did a great job with them and I liked the way you explained how you did your card. Thanks.

Pattie said...

Gorgeous Julie! I love how you colored these beautiful flowers!Great details!

Janett said...

Beautiful, love the way the image goes above the card

Lynnette said...

WOW...such a vibrant card. The colors are amazing. And your inspiration is lovely as well.

ChristineZ said...

The center step card is perfect for these gorgeous hollyhocks! I love the paper and your coloring is fabulous.

Stacy Morgan said...

Julie this is beautiful. I like the way you framed the hollyhocks and the popped up ones are perfect. So beautiful.

Unknown said...

Julie, this is soooo pretty!! I love the colors of the hollyhocks! Beautifully done!

Tanya said...

This is totally gorgeous! Your coloring is just beautiful!

Sue said...

This is so beautiful....I love the coloring and the dimension. TYFS.

Ravengirl said...

Wow, a double dose of inspiration! I am totally inspired by the photo of the hollyhock and your card. I love that you popped up individual blooms on the hollyhock!

DPSP said...

This card is just beautful and think of all the colors you can make with this stamp, It's a must have.
Sharon

Rosemary said...

wow!! love how you colored the hollyhocks!! just gorgeous!

Shirley N said...

Gorgeous card, love your lush colors. Love your card design and your beautiful image!

Sue C said...

What beautiful colors! Your card rivals your neighbor's plant in vibrance and style. I love the 3D effect!

Sue C

ChristineCreations said...

I love seeing your inspiration Julie...you did a beautiful job re-creating it. It totally says summer too!

Yogi said...

this is another fabulous card and love the coloring. What a great sample you had too.

Leslie Miller said...

Your coloring of these flowers is stunning! Could have knocked me over with a feather when I first saw this card. Gorgeous!

Pamela said...

Beautiful coloring- love how you used a photo to inspire you.

Sue D said...

Great coloring and I like how you popped some of them up.

Paulette S said...

absolutely stunning and so close to your real ones. LOL

Theresa's Studio said...

Perfect coloring...love the colors. Great job.

Kimberly said...

Love your card and inspiration. Great colors!

stampqueen said...

I just adore your hollyhocks!!!!
Stunning!!!

dpkennedy said...

This is just stunning! I love the color you used...gorgeous!

Unknown said...

Beautiful!