Thursday, September 1, 2011

A very sad farewell.....

Today's post is a tough one for me to write. I'll be honest, I've started it, stopped it, hit delete, started again only to say... 'How on earth?' Not too long ago, Leslie Miller told the Flourishes gals that she needed to take a step back to enjoy a quieter pace of life - one that had more gardening, more time for hubby and of course, more time with her fabulous and furry Wally. While I understand her decision wholeheartedly, that doesn't make this post any easier!!

The design team decided to honor our friend and "sister" today by surfing Leslie's blog and picking out a card that inspired them and then... CASE-ing it. Easy enough, right? WRONG! Have you seen her mad skills? Before I get to my card and the card that inspired it, I wanted to share a bit of Leslie that -- TO THIS DAY-- cracks me up.

Two years ago, I had the fabulous pleasure of meeting her at CHA and we hung around for days and for days my side hurt from laughing with her. She has this dry sense of humor that just catches you off guard one second and then has you cracking up the next. So, we were walking the floor when this American Girls display caught her eye. It was one of those old fashioned photo booths. Leslie was CONVINCED we could all fit. Well, here's a snapshot of the folly that really took place with four girls and thirty seconds in an American Girls photo booth.......
I still get the giggles every time I look at this photo strip! All I have to say is.. it's a classic!

So, looking through Leslie's blog for inspiration was actually a destination for me. I grabbed a cup of coffee and sat back savoring the talent that just oozes from her place on the web. Ultimately, I picked THIS card. I knew I couldn't do it justice but I knew one thing was for sure. My fingers were about to get inky.... VERY inky!

While Leslie used Sweet Days of Summer for her creation, I picked up the sister set -- Kids Play. I used some of my old Kaleidacolor ink pads and just started sponging away to get the sunset effect. After I was done, I did add some darker green under the kiddos to give a shadow effect. It's not as good as Leslie's by a long shot -- but heck, I'm a newbie at this! Mat it up with some Life of the Party paper, a Jovial button, some 1/2" brown wrinkled ribbon, some fabulous orange crochet trim and... almost done! I stamped the sentiment and image using Versafine Black Onyx, punched with a circle punch and then layered onto a scalloped circle punch. Voila! Even though I think I could do this technique better next time, it is a happy card! And, just like the message -- I am wishing Leslie MANY days of joy! I'm going to miss you girl!

Be sure to see how the rest of these fabulous Flourishes ladies found some Leslie inspiration!



  • Barbara Anders
  • Christine Okken
  • Cindy Lawrence
  • Dawn Burnworth
  • Julie Koerber -- you are here!
  • Stacy Morgan
  • Sharon Doolittle
  • Tammy Hershberger –Tammy is filling in for Danielle who was hit by Hurricane Irene, please keep her in your thoughts! 


  • Well, before I go, I have to pick the winner from last week's blog candy! Drum roll pllleeeeease!!!! And the winner is.....


    Naomi who said...
    Oh my gosh, SO much blog candy goodness! What a FABULOUS and GENEROUS blog candy you have! And the prize packs that Flourishes is giving away are AMAZING as well! There are going to be some VERY LUCKY ladies this week! Love the card, btw, that honeycomb background stamp looks GORGEOUS stamped....you just sold me on it...going to have to order that! August 26, 2011 12:46 PM


    Naomi, just email me at juliekoerber@bresnan.net with your snail mail addy and I'll get your goodies sent right out! Here's the fine print, if I don't hear from you before next Friday, September 9th,  the winner of next week will win your goodies too! Let's just call this PROGRESSIVE BLOG CANDY!! ;-)

    For the rest of you folks, that's right -- I have another delish grouping of candy that will start going up for grabs TODAY! You have until next Thursday at 5PM CST to enter! Want a peek? Here's what is inside...
    • 3 yards of ivory satin pleat ribbon
    • 1 yard of ivory trim
    • Flourishes Motherly Love stamp set
    • Rock-A-Bye stamp set by Flourishes
    • Honeycomb background by Flourishes
    • Impression Obsession Rose Stationary cling stamp
    • Spellbinders Fancy Tags 
    • Prima Sparkling Spring 6 by 6 Paper Pack
    • Prima Annalee 6 by 6 Paper Pack
    • K & Company Sweet Nectar Paper Pack
    • Prima Gems
    • Karen Foster Pastel Ribbon Brads
    • Annalee Essentials Flowers by Prima
    • Annalee Mini-Essentials Flowers by Prima
    Again, all you need to do is comment by next Thursday at 5PM CST and you are in the running! Good luck  and have a fabulous weekend!!

    ~Julie

    37 comments:

    Stacy Morgan said...

    LOL Oh Julie I totally forgot about that. How funny is that! Love the shot of Cindy's chest. bawhahah... Oh Beautiful card, oh I love the orange and I am not an orange fan. Beautifully done.

    Sue from Oregon said...

    A wonderful tribute to Leslie! She is a wonderful person and such a great artist too! One day I hope to meet her as we both live in Oregon! Love your creation!

    Naomi said...

    Julie, your card is GORGEOUS and the original is absolutely BREATH-TAKING! I wish Leslie lots of quality time with loved ones, relaxing, and doing things she enjoys! Fabulous candy, AGAIN, looks like you're going to make another lady very happy next week! Thank you SO much for everything...you made my week!

    Hugs,
    Naomi

    Dawn B. said...

    This is a beautiful case. I love the paper you chose. That sky looks so realistic. That photo cracks me up and it is so Leslie. Beautifully written.

    Glenda said...

    Your's is a blog I visit daily as I sit drinking my coffee and trying to stay quiet so my hubby can continue to rest. This is a beautiful card and quite a tribute to Leslie. I too shall miss her terribly!

    Misti said...

    Julie, your card is fabulous! What a great way to honor Leslie!

    Anonymous said...

    Beautiful case and a lovely post! She certainly will be missed!
    Beth Greco

    DottyA Cards & Things said...

    As much as I hate to see Leslie leave , I'm whishing her "Will" on this much deserved brake she's taking! I had often wondered how you girls can turn out such Beautiful project on a daily bases and still have time for a life outside the craft room..... For me I'm pleased when I can finish One really nice project a week... But you Girls just blow me away with you talent.

    Sewflake said...

    What fun and fond memories of your time together, I am going to feel sad reading all about all of your grand adentures. Your card is a fine tribute to a talented lady that knows how to have fun.

    stampqueen said...

    Great card - love the sunset and that DP is a perfect fit!!

    Benzi said...

    Such a beautiful card to honor Leslie on this sad farewell. I'm sure she'll will be missed terribly by the Flourishes girls.

    Debbi said...

    Your card is beautiful. Sounds like she is a super person and that you have many personal memories with her. It's nice to have someone step into your that makes you smile, even it it's just for a little while.

    Anonymous said...

    Love the colors you used on that card. It is so beautiful. Thanks for sharing, and I will miss Leslie also.
    Mary L Schreiber

    Ann said...

    Julie, did you use glossy paper for the DTP? Your card is lovely, as is Leslie's inspiration card.

    Ann

    ChristineCreations said...

    ha ha ha! I love the photo strip! I can totally see it happening too! This is gorgeous too Julie...the shadows on the kids are awesome, and it's so warm and vibrant. Love the ribbon combo too. Beautiful words for Leslie too :)

    Cheryl said...

    Your card is so beautiful. Great job with all the sponging. Are your fingers still orange? :) Love the photo strip and story snippet. You girls must have a blast when you are together!

    Sue D said...

    Fabulous case of her card! Thanks for the chance of blog candy.
    slrdowney at hotmail dot com

    Amanda said...

    Double, Double, WOW! WOW! And *BAM* you woke me up better then my coffee did! The colors you used for your sunset are spectacular! I don't know how you and Leslie did it but I love that technique!

    On a more personal note, I am going to miss Leslie too, Julie. I get so much inspirations from you Ladies I can't bear to see anyone go! Your like my Fairy DT Godmothers that help us out and open our eyes to new designs and inspirations! She will greatly be missed by us all, especially me. Even though I never met her, she was always so fun at our Release Parties :)

    Emily Keaton said...

    This card is an absolutely beautiful CASE, Julie! So sad to hear that Leslie is wrapping up her time at Flourishes. But everyone's Leslie-inspired creations are gorgeous and ease the pain of her departure! Thanks for the wonderful inspiration today. :)

    Linda Carson said...

    Fabulous artwork Julie! Leslie will be proud! I wish you gals would sit on her so she would stay...!!

    Leslie Miller said...

    Okay, well, you had me crying all over again... and then you brought up our photo booth adventure and then I remembered a whole bunch of other stuff, and here I am just cracking up. Dang, that was fun! I had the BEST time and that's what I'm taking with me. Thanks for that! Beautiful job on this card, Julie! I love the warm colors, and the paper is awesome! Bless your great big heart for this day. Sure took me by surprise. Be seeing you around -- count on it!

    Tammy Hershberger said...

    I know without even looking which beautiful card of Leslie's that you CASE'd! I debated that one too, but knew I couldn't do it justice! Your version is stunning, Julie! I LOVE the Fall colors, the Life of the Party paper perfect for the occasion, and the crochet trim an excellent finishing touch! And LOVE that photo booth strip of pictures! What a ton of fun you guys were having!

    Tanya said...

    Wow, your card is amazing! I love the colors! And what a beautiful tribute to Leslie.

    Barbara said...

    Yep, I almost chose that card, too, but I was skeered, LOL! You did a great job on it Julie!

    Janet L. said...

    Looks as if you all had a great time together!! I like your card, you did a great job with a many, many step card.

    McStamper said...

    Great card. Thanks for a chance to win the wonderful candy.

    lisa808 said...

    Gorgeous card! You did the original justice and then some.

    denise g. said...

    Nice job - - makes me think final summer sunset before we march into fall. Your shadow effect is great and I cannot believe you had the perfect orange crochet trim without having to die it - - amazing! Oh and I want in on this blog candy. I am about panting after those Spellbinders tags. It's not that the other stuff isn't great, Ms Generosity (luv prima paper), but some things just excite me more than others - like seeing the ice cream shop vs seeing Jeff's behind for 6 miles in 90 degree heat as I pedal along... It's all good and I hope you're having a Happy Holiday Weekend!

    Oma said...

    Wow! Just had a peek at Leslie's blog and I know I would have a very difficult time caseing her cards! You did a great job Julie!
    That's some serious blog candy you are offering. Thanks for the chance to win!

    Cin said...

    Beautiful card. Thanks for all your inspiration and your GENEROUS blog candy. I would love to win it and put it to good use!!

    Bev J. said...

    I get Leslie's posts in my inbox as I do yours, and enjoy them both. She is a stellar artist but you are in your own right. Great case of her card.

    Thanks for a chance to win the wonderful blog candy.

    Shannon White said...

    Wow, Just Gorgeous Miss Julie! Love your amazing talents both artistic and Literary too. What a lovely post honoring Miss Leslie. 8-) Love the story about the photo booth, Made me smile just to read about it!

    Hugs to you Miss Julie
    Shannon 8-)

    Yogi said...

    nice take on Leslie's card.

    Kelly Massman said...

    Great card! Thanks also for a chance to win!

    Brenda said...

    Beautiful card and a wonderful case and tribute to Leslie.

    Ravengirl said...

    Wow, what a beautiful card! It's perfect to honor Leslie. I'm so sad to hear of her departure :(

    Anita Kejriwal said...

    Thats very generous of you. We have dearth of craft supplies in India so winning it will be great. Best of luck Leslie and hope you have many bright days ahead. I loved all your work Julie and you truly inspire me. hugs Anita