Friday, November 28, 2008

Flourishes Friday!!!

Forget 'Black Friday!' We have a flurry of Flourishes creations ripe for the picking this Friday and none of them are even close to black! LOL!

We're going to start with Christine who offers up an extra serving of creativity! She just got some new Flourishes sets and man, did she get inky! :-)

Her first card is just a gorgeous use of the All That Glitters set. I love that cool and serene blue with a dash of silver! Just beautiful! Her second card using the Poinsettia and Boxwood set actually made me gasp! I love the early colors of a young white poinsettia in bloom--- Christine nailed it with these soft greens! Mix in the layering and the fabulous layout and -- wow-- you have a gorgeous card! Becca's style is always so elegant and this week is no exception! I love the panels in her card and I also love how she hung the ornaments from the All that Glitters set right off one of the flourishes in the Flourished Elements set! Add a sentiment from the Holiday Greetings set and... voila-- an elegant card perfect for the holidays!

Cindy's card also has a holiday flair and is just a beautiful card with some exquisite detail! The only stamped image is her use of the Holiday Greetings set! I love the die cut she used for the front of her card, the poinsetta, the punched edge and the little cherub charm for some extra dazzle.
We hope you enjoyed this week's feast for the eyes! It will definitely get you in the spirt of holiday cardmaking!

And, before I go, if you haven't traveled down our blog candy trail, you should! We have a whole host of goodies that our design team is giving away that is all Just Rite! Time is running out! Our drawing will be Sunday evening,so make sure you sign up soon!
Sunday - Faith
Monday - Susan
Tuesday - Cindy
Wednesday - Laura
Thursday - Flourishes Newsletter
Friday - Latisha
Saturday - Julie
Sunday (evening) - Winner’s Roundup on the Flourishes Blog

Happy Friday! We'll be back with the winners and news of a HUGE sale that you won't want to miss starting Monday!

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Give Thanks And a Chance to Win Blog Candy!!

>fig-pom-give-thanks-green-1a

From the three flourishes, and Mike too, Happy Thanksgiving! You all have given us so much to be thankful for each day. Flourishes has grown so much, thank you for your wonderful support of Flourishes.


I read this recently and wanted to share these thoughts with you. They were written By Brooke Hewes and too good to paraphrase.


"Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. A full day dedicated to gratitude — someone had their thinking cap on when they declared this emotion worthy of its own day! Twenty-four sweet hours to celebrate family, friends, and food. Twenty-four hours to feel grateful for the blessings as well as the hardships that shape our lives and build our spirits. Twenty-four hours to notice how gratitude affects our bodies, minds, and relationships. fig-pom-give-thanks-brown-1a




Defining Gratitude


Gratitude is about feeling grateful. It is about thankfulness and appreciation.


Ask yourself “what have I received today?” Take note of all gifts, small or big, and pay particular attention to those things that you did not acknowledge as they occurred.


Second, ask “what have I given today?” Reflect on your day. Reflect on your actions. Reflect on the benefits of your generosity and courteousness to others."





Each night I spend some time and recount my day and what I have to be thankful for today. You would be surprised that I find the littlest things that happen in my day often end up on my list. It wasn't that way when I first started this practice, I assure you. I read today that Leslie Miller kept a written journal for a while. She too found it was the little things that ended up on her list. It is a practice I invite you to try.




I am so happy that you have taken time to visit my blog today. As I say so often I hope that you have gone away with something to add to your life. I know that all of our lives are busy. That you took time to visit here is so special to me.

For my cards today I used the very beautiful Figs & Pomegranates, but this time I used the small images. After stamping them with Palette Inks I watercolored them. I am so happy that Flourishes is now carrying a selection of 14 colors in Palette inks. They work wonderfully with polymer stamps and they are waterproof. These Inks are great for Copics and other mediums. The papers are from Basic Grey and Memory box. All the ribbons are from Flourishes. Viola!


I ask that you keep my Mom in your thoughts and prayers. She was very unexpectedly rushed to the hospital with shortness of breath and chest pains. It was determined that she will need a triple heart by-pass surgery. She is 87 years young and for the most part very healthy and active lady. We affection ally call her the "Energizer Bunny" But the surgery is complicated with the positions of the largest blockage and the fact that she is a very tiny lady. She is very optimistic and looks good. I have spent most of my time with her so my blogging and stamping has been limited but it has been well spent. I am very grateful that I am close and have this time to spend with her.

Now read on….Sharon has a very nice article to share and ALL the details on how to have a chance to win a very nice bundle ofJustRite. Good Luck!


Happy Thanksgiving to all.


Ciao







What Are You Thankful For? Chance to Win Blog Candy?

Here at Flourishes we are Thankful for a successful...and busy...year! We have a busy year planned for 2009....but before we get get too far into our plans, its time to stop for a moment and reflect on what the last year has brought us.

It these weeks of economic upheaval I am Thankful that I have a job I enjoy, family that is safe and healthy. I do not know what tomorrow will bring, but for today "it's all good".

We would like to know what it is that you are Thankful for, leave a comment and have a change to win .............
this bundle of JustRite products.
The New
Sonnet Stamper Kit with 40 embellishments, 4 borders & 4 designer centers and Curlz font in three sizes. Plus the smaller C-30 monogram stamper kit with damask borders and times new roman font and an extra ink pad. Plus 10 designer centers and borders.....DYI stamper kit with special occasions alphbet set and 3 borders. And that's not all, you will receive the upper and lower case typewriter alphabet.

On November 30 we will choose, by random selection, one person to win this group, and start the sale that is JustRite. We will have all JustRite products on sale at 25% off while supplies last.

Check out the trail to other blog candy,
Sunday, Faith
Monday, Susan
Tuesday, Cindy
Wednesday, Laura
Thursday, Flourishes
Friday, Latisha
Saturday, Julie

Happy stamping and I will see you at the end of the goodies trail on Sunday, right here at Flourishes newsletter.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Poinsettia & Boxwood

It's back......You don't have to wait any longer for the poinsettia & Boxwood, we now have more at the store. Order now and still have it in plenty of time to make your Christmas cards and decorations.

And enjoy your Holiday Gatherings tomorrow!

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Poinsettia & Boxwood Update

Many of you are looking for our newly released Poinsettia & Boxwood on the Flourishes webstore without finding it. The demand for this set has been wonderful causing it to be currently out of stock. Have no fear this beautiful set by Marcella Hawley will be back in the store by this weekend.

We thank you for your support of Flourishes.

Monday, November 24, 2008

Featured Stamper---- And MORE!

Sorry I am a bit late with this post all..... I am a bit under the weather! :-( But, even though I am green around the gills, I am still able to be completely and utterly inspired by this week's Featured Stamper entries!

So... without further ado... This week's Featured Stampers are.....

Michelle Woerner from the SCS Entries!

And... Laurel Seabrook - my pick from the overall SCS Flourishes Gallery!

First up, Michelle! Her cards have such a classy and clean look about them that I just admire! This first card is a true stunner with the way she used the magnolia stamp from the Lilac set. It just looks so soft! Her second card is just beautiful with the Damask and one of my favorite flowers from the Spring Ephemerals set! Gotta love that sheer ribbon too!


And now on to Laurel! I just loved the rustic look this card took on with all the different Flourishes elements on it! Can you find the three... yes three.. Flourishes stamps she used?? Very clever Laurel! Love the distressed edges too!
Before I say goodbye, I have to share some of my other "faves" from this week's entries!

I love the bold color and whimsical feel of this card by Ilina Crouse! Isn't it beautiful? Butterfly Moments is one of my favorite sets and this card--- wow-- does it justice!
Karen Wallace brings on the "bling" in pure holiday style using the All That Glitters set along with plenty of sparkle and shine! It created such a classic card - don't you think?
And lastly, Lois served up two lovely creations perfect for the holidays that just have stunning elements tied in with a bow! First, I love the old time feel of this card using the Sleigh Ride set with such fun ribbon and decorative paper!
And this card using the City of David set is just too classy for words! I love how Lois used the Glittered Christmas Paper in the background for some extra sparkle!

So Michelle and Laurel, your names will be added to the hat for this month's drawing for a free set! The drawing will be next Monday, so stay tuned! We still haven't had a wild card week yet.... Hhhhhm. Better get those entries in!!! :-)
Until next week!
~Julie

Friday, November 21, 2008

Whew, this week went flew bye for me. The great thing about that is that it is time to take the Flurry of Flourishes express to see some sensational cards. Are you ready to see what these very creative ladies have put together for us this weekend? Let's Go!!

The first card is by Becca Feeken and it is a real stunner!



Becca's attention to detail makes this card the exceptional beauty that it is. Visit her site Amazing Grace and get all the details. She used Autumn Flourishes for this card.



Our Next stop is to visit Betty Wright's' Blog Stampin to the Wright. She has a real crowd pleaser today in this card.



This really talented lady is sharing the details and her insight into creating Christmas card that quick and easy. You will really want to visit her blog.

Christine at Christine's Creations has the most beautiful mouth watering card to share.



Don't you just want have some of that Cocoalucious Cocoa? Again, I have to say that again it is the details in this card that set it apart as well. She used Coffee with Friends, creatively placing elements of the set coloring-especially shading- make it star quality. Her choice of layout, and papers is so wonderful. Cocolacious wouldn't you say?

This next card I have for you is the sunshine to carry us through the week, Cindy Haffner



Her artistic placement of the Autumn Flourishes around the frame of the Nestabilities cut designer paper is just genius. Visit her at Cindy Haffner's Corner.

Thank you stopping in the Atelier at Flourish today. I am sure glad you came.

Ciao,

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

All That Glitters is..... Sparkly!

Did you happen to the see the Weekly Inkling this week over at Splitcoast? If you didn't, you need to!!! Miss Beate Johns did a FABULOUS tutorial on creating "Sparkly Stained Glass!" It is a stunning yet easy way to pack some punch to your holiday creations! Just look what she did above with the All that Glitters set! It's to die for! Check out the full tutorial HERE!

Thanks Beate for a stunning card and a wonderful tutorial! If you want to see some other beautiful work she did with Flourishes stamps, check out THIS post on her blog recently! If you own the Peony set, you'll have some fabulous new inspiration!!
Happy creating!
~Julie

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Non Traditional Traditional


Today I am sharing with you a card using non traditional colors but Flourishes traditonal stamp set Flourished Christmas.

flourished-tree-bg-blitzen-velvet-stocking

This was a very simple card to make and really could be mass produced. If you choose to you could just vary the cards and colors. The layout is simple and straightforward. I did do a faux bow on this card and several have asked how to do this. It is really easy and tonight I will put together a tutorial to show you how.

Card Elements

Papers: Old Olive, Basic Grey Blitzen (Velvet Stocking)


Inks: Encore Gold


Accessories: Ribbon from Michaels


Techniques: Faux Bow



Now for a little Christmas card making trivia.

Did you know ...


The tradition of sending Christmas cards started in 1843 - about the same time as the first Christmas seal was published. British businessman Sir Henry Cole asked artist John Calcott Horsley to print some Christmas cards. One thousand cards were printed in black and white and then colored by hand. The idea was well-received, because the following year, more than 25,000 Christmas cards were sold. However, the first Christmas card provoked controversy in certain circles in England, because the Christmas card pictured a company of people touching glasses and saying "Merry Christmas". Putting alcohol and holy Christmas in one picture did not please the English citizens then.

1st Cmas Card



For more than thirty years, Americans had to import greeting cards from England. In 1875, German immigrant to the U.S. Louis Prang, opened a lithographic shop with $250, and published the first line of U.S. Christmas cards. His initial creations featured birds and flowers, unrelated to the Xmas scene. By 1881, Prang was producing more than 5 million Christmas cards per year.


A reminder:
10% OFF SALE ENDS WEDNESDAY!

Save 10% on all BASIC GREY PAPER AND BRADS! Check out the selection HERE.

Save 10% on all TWINKLING H2O'S, POLISHED PIGMENT POWDERS AND MICA POWDERS - see the selection HERE!

Save 10% on VERSAMARK INK PADS

Save 10% on the JUSTRITE BAKING ENSEMBLE and CHRISTMAS ENSEMBLE as well as the 2 5/16" and 3 1/4" WOODEN STAMPERS HERE.

New Release Bundle Sale! Save 10% when you purchase all three new releases for November - select the NEW RELEASE BUNDLE product

Thanks for stopping in at the Atelier at Flourishes today. I am really glad you came.

Ciao,



Monday, November 17, 2008

Serving up the Featured Stampers with a twist!

Happy Monday everyone! Hope everyone had a fabulous weekend! I got away for the weekend to get my dose of fresh mountain air and I am back, refreshed and after looking at the Featured Stamper submissions-- inspired! I am jonesing to create now!

So, after looking at so many fabulous entries, I picked three that hit me in different ways. Without further ado...... Two of this week's Flourishes Featured Stampers are.....
Christine and Liz!

You'll have to keep reading to find the twist in this week's challenge!
But first, Christine! In her post she said she has been dreaming of this card since last summer. What took you so long Christine??? It's gorgeous! LOL! She paired the Coffee With Friends set with the magnolias that are a part of the Lilac set. Oh my! Love the punch colors, the elegant images and all the little extras Christine threw in!
Liz's card drew my attention just for the subtle colors, the pearls, the ribbon and the fun punched edge. Add it all together and you get a very soft, inviting card. Liz doesn't know this but I hope to CASE this in different colors! Wouldn't that just be such a fun card set for a friend with different sentiments? The Mixed Greetings set she used is PERFECT for a card set!
Ok... now for the twist! Every week I am going to surf the FLLC gallery at Splitcoast Stampers and find a random target. Someone that blew my socks off and this week - that is Ilina Crouse!
I love the way she colored these fabulous poppies and all the things she did to make this card sing! The ribbon, the brads, and that darling punched butterfly!
So, Christine, Liz and Ilina - your names will be thrown into the hat to win a free Flourishes stamp set of your choice! The drawing will be the first Monday of December! Thanks so the fabulous creations!

Until next week.......
~Julie

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Inspired Happy Thanksgiving

This card today was created for the Inspiration Challenge (IS154) on SCS. We were to use a scarf from The Felted Garden as our inspiration. And I choose this one

felted-garden-scarf-copy



For this card I used the aqua, brown, and creamy colors for a truly "Inspired Thanksgiving". Using the newly released Autumn Flourishes I put a nontraditional Thanksgiving look on this card. autumn-flourishes-happy-thanksgivinga

My card base is Cappuccino Metallic paper with layers of Chocolate Chip and Aqua. I used a Cuttlebug folder-Dotted Swiss for the Aqua paper, then scored in 1/4" from the top , bottom, and right side with my Scor-Pal. On a separate piece of aqua I stamped the Autumn Flourishes large image with Brilliance Pearle scent Beige. In real life the beige is wonderfully pearl scent, calling to mind the soft glimmer of Pearl Ex, but without the work. Next, for my focal image I stamped the sentiment in Chocolate Chip and tips of the Autumn Flourishes large image on the top and bottom. Then using my new Nestabilities Labels One I cut it and embossed in and then repeated the process with the one size larger die and cut it from Chocolate Chip. The SU two slot punch was used and then I did a faux bow with May Arts Reversible ribbon in Gold and Brown. The same ribbon was used to join the two pieces of Aqua card stock. I assembled all the layers and then added the finished focal image to the card face with large pop dots and Viola! I was finished with my Inspired Thanksgiving card.

A reminder:
10% OFF SALE ENDS WEDNESDAY!




Save 10% on all BASIC GREY PAPER AND BRADS! Check out the selection HERE.
Save 10% on all TWINKLING H2O'S, POLISHED PIGMENT POWDERS AND MICA POWDERS - see the selection HERE!


Save 10% on VERSAMARK INK PADS


Save 10% on the JUSTRITE BAKING ENSEMBLE and CHRISTMAS ENSEMBLE as well as the 2 5/16" and 3 1/4" WOODEN STAMPERS


New Release Bundle Sale! Save 10% when you purchase all three new releases for November - select the NEW RELEASE BUNDLE product HERE.



Thanks for stopping in at the Atelier today. I am really glad you came.



Ciao,





Friday, November 14, 2008

Flourishes Friday



Flurry of Flourishes Virtual Express

This week our blog team has put together a delightful "Flurry of Flourishes" trip worth waiting the entire week for. We are ready to depart, so climb on board the Flurry of Flourishes, our virtual express vehicle of creativity. You'll be glad you did. The stops at each of the Friends of Flourishes blogs will be ones you will be glad you made. As usual are they beautiful, each totally unique. Each shows style that will get your creative juices flowing for sure.

Becca Frecken

The first stop is at Becca's blog and her AH moment card is a beautiful example of creativity! Don't you agree. AMAZING and FULL OF GRACE.



I



She is using Flourishes newly released Figs & Pomegranates. She says that Marcella Hawley's newest set for Flourishes "it’s a sultry, sultry image and it colors up beautifully."

Are you ready to travel to our next stop. OK let GO!

Our virtual express of creativity takes us to Cindy Haffner's blog. This stop brings us to a lady that has wonderful ideas to share.

She also is using our Figs & Pomegranates set. The set has images in two sizes allowing you greater flexibility in using them. In this card she has used the smaller version of the image.

Cindy's use of rich bold colors and texture embodied in this WOW truly make this stop on our virtual trip a great destination for adaptable techniques that are easy to CASE and I am sure that Cindy would be honored.





Betty Wright decided to do a Winter Wonderland card using Flourishes Sleigh Ride stamp set. She said she is in love with this very regal and elegant deer. A great choice of papers and layout make this card a show stopper. What a elegant winter wonderland!





Next stop is at Christine Okken's blog. Hold on tight as the virtual express vehicle pulls in for another look at creativity and usability at it best.



Are you ready to make Christimas cards, because she will make you drool. She's been making Christmas cards like crazy and says it's a great opportunity to look at your stamps in a new way, how can you use a non-Christmas stamp in a new way to give it a Christmas feel?
A lot of it comes down to paper and color choice, and rich embellishments for me, if it isn't an obvious Christmas stamp. Christine's stamp set for this wonderful card came from the Siberian Iris set. It sure looks right at home on this Christmas card.

Well our trip is over and I hope you have enjoyed this trip on the Flurry of Flourishes virtual creative express. Come back next week for another worthwhile trip.

Here is a little bit of what our FABULOUS DESIGN TEAM has put together. I am putting out a carrot for you to go to each of their sites. This is surely one you will want to visit!

Cindy Lawerence is creative and generous. She is sharing with us another OH MY statement at this Flurry of Flourishes stop. At this site you will be pleased in many ways. Just look at the richness she has achieved in this card. She is using You Are Invited another of the Flourishes releases for this month.



Cindy says "This set is gonna come in SO handy for all of those occasions when I need an invitation that isn't 'cutesy', like so many of them are. This one is elegant and truly beautiful! And so is this beautiful card full of rich paper and emblishments.

You'll want to be sure you visit her blog and get the details because she is giving away BLOG CANDY today.

Want to continue on the Flurry of Flourishes virtual creative express?......a simple click will get to each of the stops at the DT's blogs:

Julie
Faith

Linda

Latisha

Laura

Susan

And stop at our Flourishes Webstore, you will see the special on Basic Grey products, Lumin Arte products and selected JustRite items.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

New Releasea and 10% off Sale!

It's release day at Flourishes and we have a great sale for you - from now until November 19!



Save 10% when you buy all three new sets – the New Release Bundle!

Save 10% on all BASIC GREY PAPER and BRADS!

Save 10% on VERSAMARK and BRILLIANCE INK PADS



Free shipping on USA orders over $50. Free shipping on International Orders over $100

Remember - help us reward our designers! When you make a purchase at Flourishes, type in your favorite Flourishes designer name - first name and last initial - in the promotion code box at checkout. We'll give the designer a bonus!

juliek faithh lindad susanr lauraf cindyl latishay

Here is a look at the new sets for November:

Figs and Pomegranates - Marcella Hawley's beautiful botanical images of Figs and Poms are showcased in this set, created exclusively for Flourishes. Susan Roberts, Julie Koerber and Latisha Yoast cards shown below provide some wonderful inspiration for you!

























































Autumn Flourishes contains nine images and three sentiments, all in the timeless and classic Flourishes tradition. Susan Roberts' beautiful fall colors brings out the detail in one of the leaf sprigs included in this set. Latisha Yoast's card combines images from Autumn Flourishes with a bowl from the Mixed Greetings set for a pretty Thanksgiving card.






































The final set this month is You Are Invited, created by Diane Roche and is the perfect set for extending invitations to friends and families this holiday season. Susan Robert's card combines images from You Are Invited with sentiments from Holiday Greetings for this great New Year's card. Latisha Yoast created an elegant invitation with the new set and Basic Grey Papers.



































Here's a snapshot of the new releases! Buy all three and save 10% - the New Release Bundle!


































Monday, November 10, 2008

Featured Stamper 25!

Happy Monday! It's a new week, with a new featured stamper! This week the entries were off the charts beautiful. I think it was the best week we've had in a long, long time! If you have a minute, grab a cup of coffee or tea and check out the entries HERE. You won' t be disappointed!


So, without further ado, this week's Featured Stamper is......


Michelle Woerner!


This first card is the card that did it for me. I mean, the winter white look with sparkle and lush ribbon is just enough to make you gasp! Surprisingly, the only stamp she used was the Thank You stamp from our Many Sentiments set. It just goes to show that sometimes, that's all you need -- a nice elegant saying. And, I might be biased, but we here at Flourishes are all about nice, elegant sayings!

The second card is one of those creations that looks homespun. It's warm and cozy and perfect for this time of year! Michelle used the O Christmas Tree set. The papers she chose and the bit of sparkle with the gold cording is just perfect!

Michelle, your name will be thrown in to the hat along with the rest of the November Featured Stamper winners. We'll pick a name the first Monday in December and the winner will be able to pick a free stamp set. We'll also throw in a bundle of our lush ribbon!
Of course, I can't sign off without showing some of the other cards that were true stunners!
Lois' card in a non-traditional pink and brown just has so much depth! I love how she layered the trees from the Forest of Trees set and then add hints of "snow!" Gotta love her use of the Glittered Christmas Paper too with the sparkly pine cones!
Christine's card using the Siberian Iris set just might be one of the prettiest cards I have ever laid eyes on using this set! Her watercoloring is breathtaking and the punch of color makes this card a stand out!
And last but not least, I love how Betty used the little snow guy and tree from the Sleigh Ride set to add just a little touch of whimsy to her card! Too cute! The main sentiment is a set from JustRite from the Harmony Classic Oval II Stamper Ensemble!

Thanks everyone for the fabulous cards! We can't wait to see what you cook up this week! Don't forget to stop back Wednesday for a look at all of our new releases! There are some stunning images that will be perfect for your fall and winter stamping! We are so excited about this release!!!