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

Flourishes New Release is HERE!

   

We’re wrapping up our January New Releases at Flourishes and we’ve had a fantastic time showing off these beautiful sets to you this week. Today the Senior Design Team brings you one more round of inspiration -- with our FAVORITES in this release!

On to my creation! When I first stamped this image -- I had an idea of cutting it out and popping it up and.... then I said, why? This image is just so beautiful all on it's own! So, I vowed that I would make this a clean and simple creation!

I stamped my image on Flourishes Classic White-- that beautiful peony from the new Flowers for Jan set -- in Tuxedo Black Memento ink and then colored it up with my Copic Markers using the Lenten Rose, Sunflower and Pistachio collections grouped by Flourishes. Around the outside of my image, I grabbed YR01 and YR0000 and added a little shading and "antiquing" around the outside. After I was done with that, however, I decided that I needed a little something more. So... out came the paper piercing tool! I used my template to make a double border, which I think is a fun little statement.  Add a sentiment from the set, pierce the edges, add a little shading, some beautiful 1/4" silk ribbon and, of course, a little splash of bling! 

Here's a close up of my flower... sigh. Aren't Marcella Hawley's illustrations just the bestest ever? She's so talented!

And that, my friends, is it! I can't wait to hop around and see what the rest of the Flourishes Design Team whipped up this Friday! How about you?

Allison Cope
Christine Okken
Cindy Lawrence
Heather Jensen
Julie Koerber -- you are here!
Silke Ledlow
Stacy Morgan
Tosha Leyendekker

Do you want to win Flourishes’ January Release?

• If you would like a chance at winning all newly released January sets…you can play in our Get in Shape Challenge – we will have multiple winners there! Deadline for entries is January 13th at 6 PM EST. Check out the link for the official rules!
• All three of our January sets are available now HERE! Take advantage our New Release Bundle and get 10% off when you purchase all three sets together in a bundle. This discount will only be available through January 17th, so you have to act fast!
• We’re also excited to offer companion Silhouette cut files for these new sets. Check them out here!
• And, don’t forget to come back to the Flourishes Blog tomorrow, Saturday, January 11th for the Winner’s Circle where we’ll announce the winners of this weeks’ Mystery Blogger challenges!

Now to finish things off beautifully….here is a look at our gorgeous new January sets....

Flowers for Jan

Under the Big Top

 

Wild Roses

 

Thanks so much for joining the Flourishes DT for this week’s celebrations and all your kind comments!  It's been a pleasure to bring these ideas to you and hopefully inspire you as you’re creating! I've got some other crafty fun up my sleeve including another edition of "What's on my needles?" This one is a FUN one -- so be sure to check back! ;-)

~Julie

Flourishes Sneaks Day 3: Wild Roses!

Hello all and welcome to DAY 3 in Flourishes fabulous January release! Today's set is timeless and romantic and.... all about LOVE!

  

With Valentine’s Day almost upon us we couldn’t miss out on giving you another amazing botanical set for the season, Wild Roses. This stunning set features a wild rose and a theme of "love" - perfect to tell those you cherish just how you feel - all year long! This set, illustrated by Sam Pickard with sentiments provided by Dina Kowal, measures 4" by 6" and offers three main images, three sentiments and a sentiment background stamp.

I decided to make that background a focus in my card. So, let's get to it!

When you look at these fabulous roses -- of course -- you want to color them right? Well, yes, you do! But, for my creation, I wanted to show you all how pretty they were on their own. I did that with some fun decorative paper and a little paper piecing! My papers were from Hello Again by Carta Bella plus Style Essentials and Keepin' Cozy -- all from Echo Park! After stamping the single rose and leaf on some decorative paper, I cut those beautiful blossoms out and layered them on the Perfectly Pierced Victorian Oval that I die cut from Flourishes Classic White. While my die was still on, I sponged on some Spun Sugar Distress Ink. Add one of the beautiful sentiments from the set and you're almost done! Gotta have some bling and..... see this below?

I love this verse from Corinthians. It makes a wonderful background or border! I used Pistachio Memento Ink. And that, my friends, is about all there is to it!

Today you’ll see some fragrant beauties from our Senior Design Team with this love-themed set, and while you’re enjoying their designs don’t forget to look for our:

 

Hidden among the Design Team’s blogs today is a Mystery Blogger. Comment on her blog and you could be chosen to win today’s set! The more you comment, the better your chances of winning.

Allison Cope
Christine Okken
Cindy Lawrence
Heather Jensen
Julie Koerber -- you are here!
Silke Ledlow
Stacy Morgan -- she is giving away some wonderful blog candy! 
Tosha Leyendekker

Do you want to win Flourishes’ January Release?

• If you would like a chance at winning all three of our January sets…you can play in our Timeless Tuesday Get in Shape Challenge – we will have multiple winners there! Deadline for entries is January 13th. Check out the link for the official rules!
• All three of our January sets are available for pre-order. You can take advantage our New Release Bundle and get 10% off when you purchase all three sets together in a bundle. This discount will only be available through January 17th, so you have to act fast!
• And, don’t forget to come back to the Flourishes Blog Saturday, January 11th for the Winner’s Circle where we’ll announce all of our winners of this weeks’ Mystery Blogger Challenges!

See you tomorrow for a recap of these January beauties!

~Julie

Flourishes Sneaks Day 2: Under The Big Top!

 

Welcome to Day Two of our January New Releases at Flourishes! We have your ticket to fun in this great set called, Under the Big Top! You’ll find our own company of trained animals, circus elements and a clown to give you a wonderful performance on your next celebration. This silhouette-style set illustrated by Lauren Pope measure 4 x 6 inches and includes 9 whimsical circus images and 3 sentiments for occasions far and wide. What a fun set to usher in a little celebration!

On to my creation...

What's more fun than a bear riding a bike on a tightrope? Dare I say.. not much??? :-) Well, I have to say it was strange. A card... without coloring? Really? I mean, I colored a little bit of that darling bear's skirt, but it was over and done with in less than five minutes! Because of the ease, I know that this set is bound to be one I reach for to make kids' birthday cards. The spirit of it is just too fun! 

I started by making cuts using Flourishes Classic White Card Stock, my Silhouette Cameo and the Under The Big Top File that will be released this Friday!! After I was done cutting the bear, the pennant and a couple tickets -- time to stamp! I inked up the bear in brown (Rich Cocoa Memento) and then went back over the bike with a red marker and the wheels with black. Super easy peasy! Add a few little dots with a white gel pen, some sparkle thanks to a sparkly gel pen (Sakura), and.. then some bling with the help of a rhinestone! You can't really see the sparkle of the gel pen -- but trust me, it's festive! ;-)

Here's a close up.... I attached the bear with foam tape to give this little lady some POP! 

I matted it all up with the help of some fun decorative paper -- Echo Park Keepin' Cozy, and Style Essentials.   Love the bold splashes of blue and red -- those primary colors remind me of the circus!

Have fun taking a trip through our Senior Design Team’s Blog to see their creativity with this set, and while you’re enjoying their designs don’t forget to look for our:

 

Hidden among the Design Team’s blogs today is a Mystery Blogger. Comment on her blog and you could be chosen to win today’s set! The more you comment, the better your chances of winning.....

Allison Cope
Christine Okken
Cindy Lawrence
Heather Jensen
Julie Koerber -- you are here!
Silke Ledlow
Stacy Morgan
Tosha Leyendekker

Do you want to win Flourishes’ January Release?

• If you would like a chance at winning all three of our new January Release sets…you can play in our Timeless Tuesday Get in Shape Challenge – we will have multiple winners there! Deadline for entries is January 13th. Check out the link for the official rules!
• All three of our January sets are available for pre-order. You can take advantage our New Release Bundle and get 10% off when you purchase all three sets together in a bundle. This discount will only be available through January 17th, so you have to act fast!
• And, don’t forget to come back to the Flourishes Blog Saturday, January 11th for the Winner’s Circle where we’ll announce all of our winners of this weeks’ Mystery Blogger Challenges!

Come back tomorrow when we show off a beautiful set that’s full of love! See you then!

~Julie

Flourishes Sneaks Day 1: Flowers for Jan!

Hello all and welcome to a very special kick off to Flourishes' January Release! Not only are we ushering the new release in with a fun-filled Timeless Tuesday Challenge but we are showcasing a set designed to honor Flourishes' owner and founder.

INTRODUCING....

 

Wisteria, Peonies and Bearded Iris -- all three of these flowers are favorites of Flourishes' founder and owner Jan Marie Caruso. Sentimentally illustrated by Marcella Hawley, these beautiful blooms honor the lady at the helm at Flourishes. Three breathtaking flowers paired with three beautifully scripted words and five accent words. This 4" by 6" set is sure to be one you reach for just to send creations to friends far and wide for any and all occasions!

So what is the Timeless Tuesday Challenge?

That's right -- just make a shaped card of any kind! On to my creation!

For my shaped card -- I picked up Spellbinders Labels Twenty. I cut my card base by using the largest die in the set. And then, created the pink mat using the next largest die. For my green panel (Alphabet Junction Paper), I used the largest die, embossed, sanded and then cut off the edge so that it would reveal the white base. FYI: I did have to add a full size white panel on top of my card base because of the way this card folds -- at the top. From there, I used the new Silhouette Cut File (released on Friday!) for this set. I cut it out of Flourishes Classic White, stamped with Tuxedo Black Ink and then colored with Copics using the Pistachio, Sunflower and Lenten Rose Collections Grouped by Flourishes. 

On my inner mat, I sponged on some Spun Sugar Distress ink and then stamped the peony on this panel to give it a little extra something. Stamp the "peony" word and then it's just assembling! Add in a Cotton Candy gemstone, some white seam binding ribbon and attach the flower with some foam tape and... ta da!

Here's a close up for you! I forgot -- I did add some dots of white gel pen to the center of my flower! 

One of the things I learned from Stacy Morgan is how to make those shaped cards "stand!" She shared that you just cut off the bottom edge of your shape so that you have a straight surface on the inside of your card. She's so smart! ;-) You can see that I added a few more peonies and a sentiment on the inside!

Would you like to win this set along with the other two sets being released this month? All you need to do is play along with us!!! We have a special treat for you today -- two actually! First, in honor of Jan Marie and this very special set, Flourishes' Senior Design Team is joining along in this challenge to give you double the inspiration! As you hop around getting inspired on ways to "Get In Shape", don’t forget to try to figure out….

Hidden among the Design Team’s blogs today is our Mystery Blogger of the day. Comment on her blog and you could be chosen to win today’s set! The more you comment, the better your chances of winning.

• Allison Cope
• Cheryl Lea
• Christine Okken
• Cindy Lawrence
• Deborah Anton
• Heather Jensen
• Jenny Gropp
• Julie Koerber
• Katie Sims
• Silke Ledlow
• Stacy Morgan
• Tosha Leyendekker

Don't forget to come back tomorrow to see what the Senior Team has in store! Tomorrow's release is one that's meant for celebration and a little "clowning" around! See you back here then!

~Julie

It's a PageMaps Monday!

Hello all and happy Monday! I thought I'd share one of the BRAND new PageMaps sketches for you this morning to jump start your creative week! If you missed it, there were close to a dozen new sketches revealed over at pagemaps.com on Saturday and boy are they fun! Click HERE to see for yourself!

On to my creation! First up, here's my sketch......

And here's my "take" on it! 

I have to laugh, I am so "literal" when it comes to sketches. This was a stretch for me because guess what -- I didn't use a cupcake on my card! LOL! I actually used one of Flourishes stamp sets called Lots of Thoughts -- perfect for any and all occasions! Pair that up with some Alphabet Junction and Eclectic Everyday Papers blue seam binding ribbon, some bling and a fun die designed by Becky Fleck/Pagemaps! I also, as you can see, added some paper piercing around my squares just to add a little more interest. It's funny -- when I have a regular piece of cards stock -- I have to pierce it, die cut it or sand it. I can't just leave it alone. I wonder if there is a support group for folks like me??? 

And, here's a peek at the sentiment which is actually from the Friendship and Flowers set from Flourishes. There's also a better shot of that darling little die. It's called Address Book (just click on the link to see!)

And here's a close up of that fun little flower bunch! I stamped with Tuxedo Black Memento Ink on Flourishes Classic White Card Stock and then colored it up with a mix of Copic colors! Add a little razzle dazzle with glitter glue and... voila! 

And that, my friends, is it! Be sure to hop on over to Pagemaps.com and click on the CardMaps link. You'll see some of my Flourishes gal pals there with their stunning creations and get some fabulous sketch ideas too!

Mark your calendar! Tomorrow starts the sneak peeks for Flourishes January Release -- and a challenge that could have you walking away with all three new sets! I'll have a card and some of the details right here so be sure to come back. You don't want to miss it!

~Julie

It's a fun-filled FRIDAY!

Happy first Friday in 2014!! We want to extend our best wishes to each of you for the New Year! Since this is the Friday before Flourishes new release, you are probably wondering where our Pre-Release Challenge is? Well, we decided to let the Friends of Flourishes gals run this month's challenge! Be sure to tune in next Tuesday and play along with the Release Week Timeless Tuesday Challenge! We'll have three winners that week for the FULL release! Play along as many times as you want for multiple chances to win!

   

Now for some fun today, the Flourishes Senior Design Team has a bit of beautiful variety to show off. Some of the team got to play with Becky Fleck’s new round of January Sketches at PageMaps and others on the team are going to surprise you with some of their own creativity.  Yours truly got not one but TWO sketches to play around with. I'll share one today and another one coming up on Monday! So... stay tuned for more fun.

On to my creation! First up, here's the PageMaps sketch. Isn't this a FUN one???

And here's a peek at my card! 

I knew that I would have a blast with this one. I used last month's Lots of Thoughts stamp set. Love the variety in this set and this sunflower is super cute! I paired it up with some fun Everyday Ecclectic paper (it's the chevron design), some twine, wood button and a doily I found in one of my embellishment drawers! Of course I started with the Lots of Thoughts Silhouette Cut File and some Flourishes Classic White Card Stock. I stamped in some Memento Tuxedo Black Ink and then... grabbed my Copic Markers! 

Here's a peek at the finished colored image! You can see that I did accent a bit of the flower with a few dots from a white gel pen..... 

And here's the sentiment I used. It is actually from the Always Blooming stamp set!

And that, my friends is it! A little birdie told me that Becky will have this month's card sketches up tomorrow. So, if you need a little creativity to kick off your weekend, be sure to click on over HERE tomorrow!

Until then, join these lovely ladies for some fabulous inspiration to kick-off your New Year! And don't forget to mark your calendar for next Tuesday when the Timeless Tuesday gals help us kick off Flourishes' January release!

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

Thanks for stopping by! Have a fabulous weekend and I'll see you back here soon!

~Julie