One Layer Blossoms!

Friday has come around again! We hope you have some fun plans for the weekend, and even better, some creativity planned in there. Our Design Team has pulled together some beauties again today with items in the store that are now discounted even more! Woo Hoo! It's week three of our six-week Gambler's Sale and we're stepping up the discount again -- this time to 30% off store wide! With that kind of discount, some of your favorite sets on your wish list won't last long!

Why is this sale a gamble? Well, ALL of the items now in the store will be going, going, gone -- never to return again. So, if you see something you really want -- buy it now or take a gamble to see how low the price will go! Like we said, this week everything is 30% off with the code GAMBLERS30. Just use that code in the coupon box at the time of check out to get 30% off your entire order, even on already reduced sale prices! Each Monday, between now and February 24th, we'll be adding another 10% off! So that means this coming Monday if you gamble longer...the discount is 40% off.

Okay... enough talking.. let's share a card!

I know this card isn't really my "style" -- but that was the point. :-) I am terrible at one layer cards and this is just that! I did add a little polka dot border on the bottom and then, I did cut some ivory linen paper to serve as an insert on the inside. Why? Well, for those of you that color with Copic markers, you know how they bleed through the paper. I needed to cover all that up. 

I started by stamping the set Summer Blossoms with Toffee Crunch Memento Ink onto Flourishes Classic Ivory Card Stock and then, grabbed my Copic markers. I actually used so many different Copic collections that I am not sure I can name them all! I'll try! I know I used the Lenten Rose, Candy Pink, New Leaves, Pistachio, Sunflower and Tiger Lily Collections for sure. And then, to add a little bit of shading, I picked up the Creamy Collection. What are those collections? Well, you can find them all HERE in the Flourishes Color Collections Swatch Book.

From there, I stamped the sentiment from the set in the bottom corner. I added some embossed lines using my Scor-Pal and then, added some pink square jewels and... ta da! Here's a close up! You can see that I also added a wee bit of glitter glue to the centers of the flowers and to the berries!

And that, my friends, is it!! While you're hopping, we do have a special deal for you to take advantage of!

Flourishes' MYSTERY BAGS were WILDLY popular in the past and so, why not bring them back? Each bag is valued at roughly $40 but... you pay only $25!!! Each bag has two stamp sets -- YES TWO! One is an unpackaged set that we cannot sell because it doesn't have an index sheet. But, it stamps perfectly and would love a new home! Each bag also has a fun tutorial sheet showcasing a card or technique. Add in a few yards of ribbon and an embellishment and that is what is in each Mystery Bag. It's one heck of a bargain! Click HERE to visit the store and pick one up today! Now here’s some of our Senior Design Team with fabulous things to show to you! If you love their creation and want to make one just like it -- don’t gamble too long!

• Allison Cope
• Christine Okken
• Cindy Lawrence
• Julie Koerber -- you are here!
• Stacy Morgan

Have fun shopping! Don't forget the code GAMBLERS30 -- and remember that once these items are gone they will be gone forever! Thanks for stopping by -- I'll see you back here Monday with a dose of creativity to kick off your week!

~Julie

Time for a change.....

Hello all! I'll be honest. This post was one of the hardest posts that I have ever had to write. So bear with me!

My journey with Flourishes began in May of 2008 when Sharon Johnson emailed me and asked if I would like to join a one of a kind design team. First of all -- it was THE Sharon Johnson asking ME if I wanted to join a design team! I was giddy! Then, she shared the names of the women who would be joining me -- Leslie Miller, Susan Roberts, Linda Duke, Latisha Yoast and Barb Schram. OH MY! Did I really belong there? Once I got over my shock, I couldn't wait for the package of new stamps to arrive so that I could play. Like everything I love in life, I dove right in.

These were a few of my favorite first cards!

Isn't it funny how our styles evolve over the years? I think I've changed a lot in 5-1/2 years! 

Literally 600 posts later, yes, I reached my 600th post this week, I am deciding to change gears, take a step back and resign my post. What many don't know is that while I am a designer, I also have worked hard for Flourishes behind the scenes as well. I am so very grateful for all the opportunities that Jan Marie -- the owner of Flourishes - has given me. She had incredible confidence in my abilities and gave me unprecedented access to her company. I learned so much. I learned the ins and outs of helping to run a company. It was exciting. I had the chance to work with the artists. I had the chance to order inventory. I had the chance to organize an incredible group of designers. It was, in many ways, a dream. Over time, as Flourishes grew, so did my responsibilities. While I always put my best foot forward, I realized that with every work day, it meant less time for my family. As 2013 came to a close, I realized I needed to reclaim my family life. I needed to spend time with them instead of worrying about glitches with the company website or worrying about blog posts or customer emails or coupon codes for the latest sale. I decided that this company that I spent so much time trying to help build needed to move on without me. It was one of the toughest decisions I have ever made. I feared that I would lose my "sisters" at Flourishes (that's the entire Flourishes Design Team) and that I would forever grieve the loss of working with amazing artists like Marcella Hawley. Thank goodness they all assured me that I am stuck with them for life. I am so blessed!!! While I will be posting through February to help Flourishes promote its sale, I'm working only as a designer. My last day with the company in a marketing role is this Friday. After five years, it will be strange, but I am really looking forward to more free time.  

There's a saying that goes a little something like this -- For every door that closes another one opens. While I am not jumping into anything serious right now and will love having more time with my family, I will say I am looking forward to some new opportunities. I can't share everything now but trust me -- you are going to want to stay tuned! ;-)

Before I go, I thought I'd share some of my favorite Flourishes cards of all time! This is a recent one which uses the set Flowers for Jan.

This one uses the set Friendship and Flowers and a set I designed called So Distressed!

This one uses the set Spring Blossoms!

I had a blast coloring this creation using the Apple of my Eye set....

This one uses the set Falling Leaves....

This next card is Tokens of Affection. It's a concept design I wanted for my kids! My husband -- ever since we were first married used to sing that song, "I'm just a love machine..." It would make me crack up every time. And so, Marcy and I dreamt up this cute as can be robot. There's another image in the set that's a love tank. I wanted that image because I always tell my kids that they need to give me a hug to fill up my "love tank!" This set is super special to me!

I really had fun water coloring this image from the Berry Sweet stamp set...

And last but not least, the set Humming Along.  I urged Marcy to create a hummingbird set because these tiny and beautiful birds are my mom's favorite. I wanted a set she could use and color to her heart's content. After my dad passed away, a little hummingbird would visit and fly near her window and just flutter. My mom was convinced that it was a message from my dad letting her know he was okay. This set is beautiful to me in so many ways!

Thank you for stopping by today, for bearing with me as I penned this long post and for always sharing your wonderful words of encouragement. I love all my friends in blog land and I count YOU among my blessings!

~Julie

PageMaps U --- just for YOU!

HEY FOLKS! I am drawing a winner at the end of tomorrow!!! SO LEAVE A COMMENT TO WIN!

Registration is just around the corner for PageMaps U's first online class and it is one not to be missed! I'm happy to say that I'm joining some of your favorite artists in the card making industry in teaching this fabulous class! We've created 32 incredible cards for a variety of occasions, bringing you fresh, trend-setting techniques and designs you'll be proud to call your own! Click HERE for a peek at just a few of those 32 amazing cards.

Registration opens February 1st so save the date! But before then, I'm giving away a free spot into the class right here on the blog. For your chance to win a free class, just leave a comment sharing your favorite type of card to make or send! I'll draw a random winner on January 30th.

~Julie

Brewing Up Some Knitting FUN!

Hello all! Happy Wednesday! Gosh, it's been a long time since I've hopped on the blog to share a bit of what's on my knitting needles! The project I have to share today is one my son bought me for Christmas. He and his sister were in the knit shop looking for a gift idea when a finished sample popped out at him and he screamed.. "THAT'S IT!!!" He knows of my affinity for craft beers -- on a Friday night after work to unwind. So, he thought this would be the perfect gift! 

So, I started with some Cascade 220 in Hunter Green and Charcoal and this super fun pattern...

It's for a Growler Cozy! What's a Growler? Well, it's a 32 ounce jug that you can take down to your local microbrewery for some fabulous flavors that can go home with you! My friend, Linda, crafted this lovely pattern and you can find it HERE!

I wanted to show you the bottom of this pattern. It's started on 4 double-point needles and then transfered to a circular needle. so fun! And, while my finished project photo doesn't show the tint of green, you can see it in this photo pretty well....

And... here's my finished project, complete with a Buffalo Nickle Button! Now I am ready to rock and roll when it's time for a beer tasting event. We have those every now and then with friends. ;-)

Thanks for stopping by. Hope your "hump day" is off to a great start! See you back here soon!

~Julie

A Passion for Purple in this week's Timeless Tuesday Challenge!

Hello fellow Flourishes fans! It's Tuesday and we're here with another fantastic Timeless Tuesday Challenge for you! Have you checked out the latest and greatest Gambler's Sale this week? You don't want to miss this... it's 20% off everything in the store. Things go fast, so shop now to ensure you get all those stamps on your "must have" list! Click here for more details and your shopping code.

I thought since I had kind of a light work week, I would jump in and play along in this week's Timeless Tuesday Challenge!  This week Allison is our hostess and she is challenging you to create using the newest Pantone Color of the year... Radiant Orchid... Check out this bit of loveliness!

Since 2000, the Pantone Color Institute™ has been designating a Color of the Year -- a color that will resonate around the world. It's a color crossing all areas of design which is an expression of a mood and an attitude! So, why not be inspired by "Radiant Orchid" and have fun creating? I did! And, here's a peek at my creation!

I started with the Color Made Easy Violet Paper Collection and layered up the two lightest colors. The lightest shade was my card base that I ran through my Grand Callibur with the Fancy Fan Embossing Folder by Stampin' Up. Add a strip of Bo Bunny decorative paper and that's the layers! I used some white seam binding ribbon, the Classic Tags die set and the cute little sentiment is from the Tiny Flowers and Tags set! My main image was stamped on the largest Spellbinders Labels Fourteen. While the die was still on my Flourishes Classic White Card Stock, I stamped the Gerbera Daisy image using Tuxedo Black Memento Ink. I then grabbed my Copic Markers and used the Violet Collection and  the Morning Glory Collections grouped by Flourishes in THIS color stack. After I was done coloring, I did add some dots thanks to a white paint pen. I found THIS pen (in Signal White)and man -- LOVE IT! My new favorite white paint pen. The color is solid and the fine tip really helps keep the paint where you want it! Oh, I should also mention that my background was actually colored with the V01 Copic Marker. I like the effect!

Here's a close up!

And that, my friends is it! Now take a hop, skip and a jump over to these lovely ladies' blogs and leave some "lavender love" on each one of our designers blogs this week!

• Allison Cope
• Cheryl Lea
• Christine Okken
• Cindy Lawrence
• Deborah Anton
• Jenny Gropp
• Julie Koerber -- you are here!
• Katie Sims
• Silke Ledlow
• Stacy Morgan
• Tosha Leyendekker

Thanks so much for stopping by! I'll be back here soon with more projects to share! I have a fun "What's on My Needles for my knitting friends out there -- this one will have you in stitches and I mean it! ;-)

~Julie

Flourishes is Upping the Ante!

Hello all and Happy Monday! Well, quite a few of you took advantage of  Flourishes' 10% discount last week but... we can tell some of you are holding out for bigger discounts. That's okay because today Flourishes is upping the ante in our Gambler's Sale with a little bit more of a discount for you! So get ready to grab some of those items you've had your heart set on and save..... 

 

Why is it a gamble? Well, all of these items will be going, going, gone -- never to return again. So, if you see something you really want -- buy it now or take a gamble to see how low the price will go! This week, all prices will be 20% off with the code GAMBLERS20. Just use that code in the coupon box at the time of check out to get 20% off your entire order, even on already reduced sale prices! Each Monday, we'll be upping the ante and adding another 10% off!

Well before I get to another fun announcement -- let's share a card!

I have another old to me, new to you creation today! This one using the Popsicles and Pinwheels set! I stamped the four images on scraps of Flourishes Classic White using Tuxedo Black Memento ink and then... grabbed my Copic Markers! I used the Spring Green, Flesh Tones 2, Lenten Rose, and Sweet Pea Collections Grouped by Flourishes.  After stamping and coloring -- the rest is just matting it up. I used Echo Park's True Friends paper, some glitter paper I had in my stash and then, while I used silver Candi -- there are some Gold Candi's that are for sale in the Flourishes store HERE! I added a tab with some Hot Pink Cotton Ribbon. And, as you can see with the closeup -- I had to add a little razzle dazzle with the help of some glitter glue!  

Here's a close up!

And that, my friends is it! If you missed last week's notice, we've added a fun item to the store and what's inside is a mystery! Consider it a special little surprise that is sure to spark some creative fun!  It's Flourishes Mystery Bags!! Each bag is valued at roughly $40 but... you pay only $25!!! Each bag has two stamp sets -- YES TWO! One is an unpackaged set that we cannot sell because it doesn't have an index sheet. But, it stamps perfectly and would love a new home! Each bag also has a fun tutorial sheet showcasing a card or technique. Add in a few yards of ribbon and an embellishment and that is what is in each Mystery Bag. There are limited quantities of these bags so.... pick one up while you can! Some of the Flourishes Designers have some eye candy for you to take a peek at this week using some of the items still available! So, hop on over and see their fine creations!

• Allison Cope
• Christine Okken 
• Cindy Lawrence
• Julie Koerber -- you are here!
• Stacy Morgan
• Tosha Leyendekker

Have fun shopping -- don't forget the code GAMBLERS20 -- and remember that once these items are gone they will be gone forever! Have a wonderfully creative week!

~Julie

Time for a little Flourishes Friday!

With our wonderful world of savings going on in Flourishes Gambler’s Sale right now - and we thought we’d bring you even more wonderful ideas this week. We want to inspire you with things you might want to put on your shopping list before they’re gone! 

On to a card I'd like to share with you today! I actually made this card last fall for a Class in a Box and haven't blogged it yet! I am sharing because this set -- Autumn Blessings -- only has a small number left in stock. If you've been following our sale, you know that once these sets sell out, they will be gone forever!

I stamped the wheat image on Flourishes Classic Ivory using Memento Rich Cocoa Ink and then, colored it up with Copic Markers. I used  a mix of Creamy, Flesh Tones 2, and Tiger Lily collections grouped by Flourishes. I then cut out my image using Flourishes Perfectly Pierced Hourglass die. While the die was still on, I sponged on some Antique Linen Distress Ink. Add some Natural Burlap Twine and a wooden button and the rest is just layering it up! 

Here's a close up!

And that, my friends is it! Moving on.... our Talented Senior Design Team have some beautiful designs to show off for you today from our Sale so head on over and visit:

Allison
Christine
Cindy
Heather
Julie - you are here!
Stacy
Tosha

And, just as a reminder for you, here’s the SALE details….

Why is it a gamble? Well, all of these items will be going, going, gone — never to return again. So, if you see something you really want — buy it now or take a gamble to see how low the price will go! This week, all prices will be 10% off with the code GAMBLERS10. Just use that code in the coupon box at the time of check out to get 10% off your entire order, even on already reduced sale prices! Each Monday, we’ll be upping the ante and adding another 10% off! So…if you dare wait, this coming Monday brings 20% off prices!

~Julie

YOUR Chance to WIN a Fun-filled Class!

Registration is just around the corner for PageMaps U's first online class and it is one not to be missed! I'm happy to say that I'm joining some of your favorite artists in the card making industry in teaching this fabulous class! We've created 32 incredible cards for a variety of occasions, bringing you fresh, trend-setting techniques and designs you'll be proud to call your own! Click HERE for a peek at just a few of those 32 amazing cards.

Registration opens February 1st so save the date! But before then, I'm giving away a free spot into the class right here on the blog. For your chance to win a free class, just leave a comment sharing your favorite type of card to make or send! I'll draw a random winner on January 30th.

Thanks for stopping by!

~Julie

A Sale? Or... a Gamble?

Hello all! 2014 brings new challenges, and a new vision for Flourishes! That means that what you'll find in the store will be smaller in scope, but always something to appeal to your creative side. With that in mind..... Flourishes needs to clear its shelves!  And as a result, you get a chance to save and save big! They are bringing back the....

   

Why is it a gamble? Well, all of these items will be going, going, gone -- never to return again. So, if you see something you really want -- buy it now or take a gamble to see how low the price will go! This week, all prices will be 10% off with the code GAMBLERS10. Just use that code in the coupon box at the time of check out!

On to my creation for today!

This card is one I actually made a while back for one of Flourishes' Classes in a Box. Since that kit has long sold out, I thought .... why not share! There are only a few of this stamp set left -- it's called Pinwheels and Popsicles and is PERFECT for festive birthday cards for ALL ages! I stamped the lanterns on Flourishes Classic White using Tuxedo Black Memento ink and then, grabbed my Copic Markers! I used the Lenten Rose and Iced Aqua collections grouped by Flourishes. After I was done coloring, I matted it up with some oval and scalloped oval die cuts. Add a little pink cotton ribbon and some decorative stick pins and that... is pretty much it!

One fun thing I also did was -- once I was done coloring -- I added some yellow dots to show the light bulb glowing from underneath my paper lantern. Of course, I HAD to accent those little dots with some glitter glue to add a little razzle dazzle! 

And that, my friends, is it! One note about this fabulous Gambler's sale.... each Monday, Flourishes will  be upping the ante and adding another 10% off! One item to try to get your hands on?

      

Flourishes' MYSTERY BAGS were WILDLY popular in the past and so, why not bring them back? Each bag is valued at roughly $40 but... you pay only $25!!! Each bag has two stamp sets -- YES TWO! One is an unpackaged set that they cannot sell because it doesn't have an index sheet. But, it stamps perfectly and would love a new home! Each bag also has a fun tutorial sheet showcasing a card or technique. Add in a few yards of ribbon and an embellishment and that is what is in each Mystery Bag. It's one heck of a bargain!

 Before you go, get ready to HOP! Our fabulous designers whipped up some creativity giving you a wee bit of eye candy before you shop! So, head on over and see...

• Allison Cope
• Christine Okken 
• Cindy Lawrence
• Heather Jensen
• Julie Koerber
• Tosha Leyendekker

Have fun shopping -- don't forget the code  GAMBLERS10 --  and remember that once these items are gone they will be gone forever! Have a wonderfully creative week!

~Julie

 

The weekend is here! Hopefully you have something fun in store for yourself. The Flourishes Senior Design team is delighted to bring you another round of inspiration created with our brand new and beautiful January New Release Sets. There is just so much more you can do with these stamps and we can’t wait to show you more. And, the good news is, you can still purchase the January New Release Bundle at a discount! Today is the last day this discount is available and we don’t want you to miss out!

On to my creation!

Ok, I have a confession to make. You know those weeks where you hardly have time to breathe, let alone make a card? Well, my dear friends, that was my week this week! So, when I hit the craft room with a cup of Java and a few minutes to spare, I knew whatever I did had to be quick! 

I have always admired those ladies who can create and make their creations pop because of their use of white. So... that's what I had in mind with this card! I started with a piece of Classic White Card Stock - half was my card and then a quarter was run through my Grand Callibur with a fun Stampin' Up Embossing Folder. I took a scalloped punch and took that from the quarter sheet left. Stamp Wild Roses in Tuxedo Black ink, grab the Copic Markers -- Lenten Rose and Pistachio Collections grouped by Flourishes and go to town coloring. I ended up "scribble coloring" -- not really going for a realistic look -- just a splash of color. Once I was done, I added some shading with BG0000 and BG000. Add some dots of white with a white gel pen and... ta da! The rest is so easy peasy! Stamp the sentiment in the lower right corner, add a splash of color and a dash of glitter glue. Add a strip of decorative paper, and then adhere the main image with some foam tape! 

Here's a close up of my flowers....

And that, my friends is it! An easy peasy lemon squeezy creation! I didn't time this card because half of it was spent picking that darn teeny strip of decorative paper! Oi Vey! But, if I had to do this again, I would say 20 minutes tops!

Thanks for stopping by this Friday! Make sure you hop on over to see what our very talented Design Team has in store for you today with these sets:

• Allison Cope
• Christine Okken
• Cindy Lawrence
• Heather Jensen
• Julie Koerber
• Silke Ledlow
• Stacy Morgan
• Tosha Leyendekker

Enjoy and have a wonderful weekend! I'll see you back here soon!

~Julie