Wednesday, January 29, 2014

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


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21 comments:

Cheryl said...

Julie, I am going to miss you at Flourishes! I haven't been on the DT but a few months, but I've been enjoying your Flourishes creations for a long time, and it just won't be the same with you missing from the DT lineup. I will definitely keep tabs on you through your blog, though, and I look forward to hearing about your new opportunity!!! Enjoy the extra time with your family, and all the best to you, in whatever direction you go! Great Big Hugs! ~Cheryl

Barbara said...

I will miss you here and your wonderful, creative cards. I've always loved your card style and Flourishes Stamps really brought that out, they are all so beautiful. Thank you for sharing your story and the best of luck to you and your family.

Pat said...

Best of luck in whatever you pursue. I am enjoying receiving your blog updates in my mailbox and look forward to what is coming next. You have an incredible style and I as blog follower have learned so much from you!

Tricia T said...

Julie, I have so enjoyed your work as a designer and I look forward to seeing where you will "land". :) Enjoy your time to breathe!!

Tricia

Ravengirl said...

Oh Julie! I am so sad to see you leaving Flourishes. I will miss your beautifuldesigns and I am sure that I will miss you in your behind the scenes role as well. Good luck and enjoy your break! I'll be staying tuned to see what venture you are off on next!

Leslie Miller said...

Yes, a difficult post to write. It feels like the end of an era, doesn't it? When I resigned I did it for more family time, but I felt like I was leaving another family behind. Turns out they're still with you. We have somehow stuck together. So many beautiful cards in this post, Julie. You are one awesome designer. I'm giddy over what's coming down the pike for you in the future. I know it will be worth sticking around for. Enjoy your break before the next adventure starts!

The Rubber Maid said...

With your deep faith I know God has a special plan for you in the near future and whatever you undertake you will do as always, the very best. Take some time and just sit, breathe, and feel good.
Love you DD Mom

Suz said...

Change happens, whether we want it or not. Glad you were in charge of this change.
You keep posting and I'll follow. I like your style, no matter what you are coloring.
Thank you for sharing your talent.

ChristineCreations said...

Well friend, God has put us on a new pathway. I’m grateful that no matter what we have a friendship I treasure.

Such a beautiful walk down memory lane here too...you are a beautiful creator!

Rosy Newlun said...

I felt a lump welling up as I read your story. I hope you are able to spend much more cherished time with your family. I love looking at your cards, and esp now the robot love machine lol!!!! ♥

Bridget said...

Julie, it was good to read your story and hear about your journey with Flourishes - thanks for all you did to help make the products and the Design Teams so fabulous! And your gallery of favourite cards - wow, such beauties! Every single one is gorgeous.

Stacy Morgan said...

This was hard to read let alone type up girlie I know. God has a great adventure ahead for you and the family. I am excited to see it unwrap before your eyes. Remember the knowing the difference list... ;-) God is good! Hugs sweet friend...

Dina Kowal Creative said...

When it doesn't make sense you KNOW God has something unspeakably better! Enjoy the time to breathe and regroup. Love you.

Heather Rogers said...

So sad to see all this in writing. I can't tell you how much I have enjoyed working with you on the various teams I was on with Flourishes. You have been someone I look up to and aspire to be like. You are a beautiful person and an amazing designer.

Big Hugs to you GF!

stampqueen said...

Going to miss you at Flourishes!!!
Good luck and will look forward to seeing what you do next :)

Linda Carson said...

Flourishes is going to miss you! I'm thankful for all you've done behind the scenes plus create beautiful artwork! Blessings for your creative days ahead!

Kathy Jones said...

Sweet Julie, you have been such an amazing role model and co-ordinator at Flourishes (I remember feeling the same when THE Julie Koerber wanted me on the Flourishes team!) and now I feel blessed to call you friend. Trust me, you won't be leaving us behind! Even though a new chapter is beginning in your life, I'm sure there are new and wonderful things ahead for you!! Thank you for everything and blessings to you for the future!!! Big Hugs!

Anita said...

Thank you for sharing your creativity!

Uhu work said...
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Terry said...

Thanks, Julie, for all the blog, papercrafting, cardmaking, CARDS4KIDS volunteering, and, of course, lovin' dishrag and rubbermaid crazy love along the way! Skilled talent and a joyful sharing have made this a Flourishing ride.
Keep Looking UP! mt23stamperatydc

Uhu work said...
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