You've got a friend... and a SALE!

All of you folks looking for a bargain? We've got one at Flourishes! This week, prices are dropping again in our six-week Gambler's Sale. Starting now, all prices STOREWIDE are 40% off! With prices this low, your favorite sets won't be on our store shelves for long! In fact, many are already gone for good!

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 40% off with the code GAMBLERS40. Just use that code in the coupon box at the time of check out to get 40% off your entire order, even on already reduced sale prices!

Ok... on to my creation!

For my card, I used one of my old-time faves, Sweet Nature. I just love the sweet blossoms in this set! I stamped on Flourishes Classic White using Tuxedo Black Memento Ink. And then, I colored my image up with Copic Markers.I used the Lenten Rose, New Leaves and Pistachio Collections grouped by Flourishes. You can find all of the collections HERE in this handy, dandy swatch book! The shape is from a Silhouette Cut file I created. After I was done coloring, I took the faded damask image from the So Distressed set and stamped it around my image to create a kind of halo effect. I just love the way you can add texture with that set! From there, I grabbed from scraps from my decorative paper scrap bin, added some lace and some bling and... almost done! I did also grab some white seam binding ribbon for a little bow. The sentiment was stamped on a scrap of white and punched out with a 1-1/4" circle punch. 

And here.... is a closeup! 

And that, my friends, is it! An easy peasy card with a pop of color. I love having these kinds of cards at the ready for a little pick-me-up for a friend! And remember my promise of 2014 -- send more cards! ;-)

Before I go.... don't forget about Flourishes' MYSTERY BAGS! Each bag is valued at roughly $40 but... you pay only $25 (before the discount)!!! Each bag has two stamp sets -- YES TWO! Each bag also has a fun tutorial sheet showcasing a card or technique, a few yards of ribbon and an embellishment. What a bargain! Click HERE to visit the store and pick one up today!

Want to hop on over and see what Flourishes Design Team whipped up? Most if not all of the sets that they used are still there for the taking -- so hop on over and be creatively inspired!

• Allison Cope
• Christine Okken 
• Heather Jensen
• Julie Koerber
• Stacy Morgan
• Tosha Leyendekker

Thanks for stopping by! Don't forget the code GAMBLERS40 for 40% off storewide! See you back here soon!

~Julie

Call Me!

Friday has come around again!  We hope you have some fun creativity planned for your weekend ahead! The Flourishes 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 Flourishes' 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.

On to my creation! I just adore this set and sadly, it is close to being sold out. :-( I just think it is the sweetest set to have on hand for those "anytime, any day" kinds of cards!

I started with the Silhouette Cut File for the Call Me stamp set. Then, I stamped this image from the Call Me set on Flourishes Classic White using Tuxedo Black Memento Ink. Then... I grabbed my Copic Markers and used the Cool Neutrals, Creamy, Sunflower, Lenten Rose, Candy Pink and Iced Aqua Collections grouped by Flourishes HERE in the Copic Swatch Book.

The rest of the card is die cuts -- using Spellbinders Classic Circles LG, and Flourishes Perfectly Pierced Windows die. Papers? Well, I used the Eclectic Everyday and Memorabilia paper packs.

And that, my friends, is it! I love the super feminine feel this card has! I'll set it aside for one of those "just because" kinds of reasons to write a friend across the miles! :-)

Oh.. and one last reminder about the sale... while you're shopping, be sure to check out Flourishes' Mystery Bags. We've been telling you about this special deal and let me tell you --- folks are snatching them up like wildfire! They are listed at $25 (before the sale discount) and they are valued at more then $40! What's inside? 2 stamp sets, a tutorial sheet, ribbon, embellishments -- wow! 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
• Silke Ledlow
• Stacy Morgan

Have fun shopping! Don't forget the code  GAMBLERS30 --  and remember that once these items are gone they will be gone forever!

~Julie

More Stamps

All of these stamps are used unless otherwise noted. Please ask if you have any questions! juliekoerber@gmail.com. I will invoice via PayPal, my preferred form of payment. I will try to secure discounts for multiple orders and like to stick as much as possible in flat rate boxes!


IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN ANY OF THESE SETS/ITEMS PLEASE EMAIL ME AT juliekoerber@gmail.com. Or, leave your email in a comment so I know how to reach you!

STAMPING GRAB BAGS!

RUBBER CLING GRAB BAGS OF STAMPS - EACH GRAB BAG CONTAINS AT LEAST 8 STAMPS (MANY BAGS HAVE MORE) IN THE THEMES BELOW. THIS BAG OF STAMPS VALUED AT MORE THAN $60-$80 RETAIL. Some are brand new. Others are gently used in good condition. Fabulous deal for beautiful stamps! I absolutely love all of these collections -- I just have to many stamps to use them well! :-) If you would like to see the stamps in each grab bag, simply click on the links!

Hearts and Flowers Grab Bag - $15 Contains (8 cling stamps)

Sm. Fresh Picked
Double Daisies
Floral Bird CagePeony
Bloom Spray
Swirl Dot Heart
Worn Rose Gingham Heart
Love Score

St. Patrick's Day (3 sling stamps) $5
St. Patrick Stamps
St. Patrick's Day
March Martini


Halloween/Autumn - $12 (13 cling Stamps)
Tricks & Treats
Witching You
Eat, Drink & Be Scary
Skulls About Town
It's All About The Candy Corn
Candy Corn
Cat in the Jack
So Spooky
Scarecrow Girl
Fall Leaves
Autumn
Watch the Leaves
All Seasons


Scripted Sentiments Grab Bag #1 - $15 (14 cling stamps)
A little birdie told me
You need cheering Up
It's your birthday
Celebrate the Day
To my Charming Friend
Forget-Me-Not Charm
Captured My Heart
Peace, Love & Joy
Being You
Full Bloom
Ever After
Your Wishes
New Little One
Sending thoughts


Scripted Sentiments Grab Bag #2 - $15 (11 cling stamps)
Heartfelt Thanks
What's Cookin'?
Friendship Multiplies Joy
Yesterday
Blooming With Happiness
When life gives you limes...
Stand Out in a Crowd
Simple Pleasures
Comfort & Charm
Grateful to the Charming Gardener
Beauty of a Garden

Mini Words
Mini words - clear set  - more than 50 mini mix & match words perfect for tags - $8

Thanks for looking!

~Julie

The stakes are getting higher!

Well folks, the stakes are getting a wee bit higher! It's week three of  Flourishes' six-week Gambler's Sale and they are 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!

On to my creation!

Well, for my card today, I picked up a set that needed a little love. I chose In Nature. I needed to make a masculine card, and I thought this image was perfect. It's funny, while my family and I were watching football, I had my little case of Copic markers and some images and I just sat and colored! This was one that I just didn't seem to want to stop coloring -- I wanted to add more to the clouds, to the trees, to the grasses, to the water. I finally said -- Ok -- pur your hands up and step away from your markers! For my papers, I picked up some green scraps and took the kraft style paper from THIS paper pack. The strip is Flourishes Kraft. And... I stamped on Flourishes Classic White.   After stamping using Tuxedo Black, I used the New Leaves, Fields, Iced Aqua, Creamy and Poppy Collections grouped by Flourishes. 

And, one fun addition? I took the kraft paper and I accented it using the chevron stripe and the faded background from the So Distressed stamp set. There are SO many fun backgrounds in this set. They are all subtle designs when you want to add a little interest! Below you can see the chevron off to the side.... 

And below, you can see the faded stamp to create a kind of antiqued background. Add in some twine and a wood button and... ta da! Almost done! I did add the sentiment from the Mountain View stamp set because it was perfect for my card. 

And that, my friends, is it! This card is going to my brother. He just came to Montana for a wee visit for his birthday and I thought I would drop this in the mail to let him know how much we loved seeing him. I vowed to try to SEND as many cards as I made in 2014. Let's see if I can stick to that resolution! ;-)

Each Monday, between now and February 24th, we'll be adding another 10% off! While you're shopping, be sure to check out Flourishes' Mystery Bags! You pay $25 (before your discount) and inside are two stamp sets, some ribbon, a fun tutorial sheet for a stamping project along with some other goodies! It's a pack valued at more than $40. Click HERE to visit the store and pick one up today!

The Flourishes Design Team put their creative powers to work this week sharing some inspiration to help you kick off your week! Keep in  mind, if you love their creation and want to make one just like it -- these stamps won't last long!

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

Have fun shopping! Don't forget the code  GAMBLERS30 --  and remember that once these items are gone they will be gone forever!

~Julie

The card class has arrived!

Hello all! Fun news today! Registration is now open for PageMaps U's first card class! I was so happy to be part of this online, 4-week class, loaded with 32 cards and sketches, exclusive cutting files, slide shows, pdf color instruction sheets, techniques, and so much more. To register, preview sneak peeks and learn more about PMU, visit http://www.pagemaps.com/pagemaps_U.htm.  Can't wait for you to join in all the fun!

I did want to also let you know that I threw all the names into a hat and the winner of my class giveaway was..... BRIDGET FINLAY! Hope you enjoy Bridget!

Thanks for stopping by today -- see you back here soon!

~Julie

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