Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Summer Fun Party


Well, last week we had a birthday party for our youngest son (six years old). It was the second-to-last day of school here, so I thought we'd go with a fun summer theme.

These were the invites:


Really simple but still fun. His favourite color is yellow, so we always have to incorporate it somewhere, but it's easy with a summery feeling invite. I think Just Beachy and the matching wheel is such a cute fun combo. Everything here is super simple. The sun and bucket are colored with SW Markers. The sand bucket is cut out and popped up.

And here's what we did for treat bags (or buckets in this case).


We found fun sand pails with shovels attached at the Dollar Store, and then added fun summer treats and activities inside.


I used the Top Note rolled with the wheel and the large oval punch for the labels (words run through the printer). Then just added a cute tag on for each child's name.

OY VEY were these kids energetic! I know they were beside themselves to be together, whew I was pooped when it was all over!

Recipe: Stamps: Just Beachy, Lazy Days Wheel, Hugs and Wishes; Ink: Summer Sun, Brilliant Blue, Real Red, Craft White; Paper: Summer Sun, Brilliant Blue, Real Red, Whisper White; Accessories: Top Note Die, Big Shot, Tab Punch, Circle Punch, Tag Punch, Large Oval Punch, SW Markers, Dimensionals

Sunday, June 28, 2009

What I've Learned about Copics

Have you looked at Copic markers and wondered if they'd be for you? Do you have them and aren't quite sure what to do with them? Are you ordering some from Flourishes and are waiting to start???

Well, today at the Flourishes Newsletter I get to show you my Copic 101 Tutorial, what I've learned as a newbie at this. It has a lot of pictures step by step of how I colored for a card. So please go and check it out, and hopefully you'll get some hints from what I've learned so far.

Here's the creation I made for the tutorial:


Actually the colors match a little more IRL, my camera seemed to think differently!

I used these two collections of Copic Markers from Flourishes
I also used my Labels Four Nestabilties Die, my new Spellbinders Ric Rack Scalloped Border and my Shapeabilities Floral Accents, as well as rhinestones and some fabulous white silk ribbon from Flourishes.


I have a friend since college days that is just precious to me. No matter how long the time goes between our talking, it's like no time or distance is between us. That's pretty rare in a friend. Anyway, she has always loved purple tulips...so this is for her!

Recipe: Stamps: Flourishes Thank You; Ink: Tuxedo Black Momento Ink; Rich Razzleberry; Paper; Rich Razzleberry, Razzleberry Lemonade DSP, Flourishes Classic White Cardstock, Whisper White; Accessories: Big Shot, Labels Four Nestabilties, Shapeabilities - Floral Accent, Pierceabilities - Ric Rack, Rhinestones, Silk Ribbon, Piercer, Dimensionals.

Blog Candy Winner!

The winner of the Blog Candy according to random.org is......


True Random Number Generator Min: 1 Max: 116 Result: 61 Powered by RANDOM.ORG



Which is Katie Ann Brooks! who wrote "Congrats! I love you blog and visit almost every day. Your creative abilities amaze me! This would be fitting for me too since the 28th is my 30th birthday!!!! WHOA! ;)"

How funny is that! Happy Birthday Katie! Congratulations! Please email me as soon as possible at christineokken@gmail.com and I'll get these goodies sent out to you!

And thanks to all of you who commented you have given me tons of great input for the year ahead!

Friday, June 26, 2009

So Proud!

Of my beloved. This is what he's doing today (Saturday) and tomorrow - riding his bike in the Ride to Conquer Cancer . It is a major fundraiser for Cancer research and support for the two main Cancer Treatment Centers in our province. The ride is about 200+ km long (I think that's about 150 miles?).

Why is he doing this? Because he is a two-time survivor of cancer. And he wants to make a difference. Two years ago was his second bout with cancer, and he was treated at an amazing facility - The Cross Cancer Institute. We feel incredibly blessed that he is in remission and that God has brought healing to him.

I'm proud of my husband because he is a hero to me. He is a leader, he is a fighter, and he has such deep compassion. He's the kind of person who doesn't sit on the sidelines, he gets in and makes a difference. And I see him making a difference every day.

This was a news story done on him in one of our local newspapers yesterday (isn't he cute in his riding jersey? hee hee). (here's the link but you'll have to sign in to see the Friday edition - page 3).



If you're interested...Here is a link to his home page for the Ride. He's raised over $3000 for research and treatment! I'm so proud of him as that was his goal. He'll be riding with over 1000 other riders (including one of his best friends, and another friend) along the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains.

My prayers are with you my love!

ETA I just talked to my husband tonight, he's half way through the ride and it was a grueling day with a lot of up-hill climbing...but after almost 6 hours of riding today, he and the 1742 riders have the second half tomorrow. Together they have raised 6.9 million dollars! Isn't that amazing!

Spectacular Solid Stamps

******* BLOG CANDY ALERT click HERE*******

I really love today's Friday Focus: How to use Solid Stamps.

There really are so many wonderful uses for a solid stamp and the wonderful Leslie Miller has challenged the Design Team girls to show off new ways to use them. Be sure to check out Leslie's tutorial at the Flourishes Newsletter too!

One of the ways I love to use solid stamps is to ink them up with my Stampin' Write Markers and stamp them down giving an image multiple colors.

BUT...you can also step that up a notch too!


I sort of found this out by accident actually. When you used a water-based marker on a polymer stamp, sometime the ink beads a little and despite huffing and puffing you don't get a perfectly clean image. So, after stamping, I take out those same Stampin' Write markers and use the brush tip AND the fine tip, to create depths in the stamped image to make it look more realistic.

Here I've taken my Bashful Blue marker on these Checkered Lilies from the Spring Ephemerals set, and added some shadows at the top of the blossoms and at the petal tips with my brush tip, then added details lines with my fine tip. This takes a very light hand! And not too much color. Less is better. Then I added a tiny touch of Ballet Blue with the fine tip side to the deepest areas. The biggest thing to remember is leaving enough white or light space to keep it looking realistic. I find this technique works best on smaller images too.



Doesn't it give it a great look? On the leaves and stem I used Certainly Celery and a tiny touch of Old Olive with the fine tip.

And I LOVE how it turned out. Some cards you make and just fall in love! I think it's the Lily Kate Basic Grey paper too. I love the soft combinations of blues and greens.

I used my Pierceabilties border to trim the edges of the long horizontal panel and added simple satin ribbon tied in a knot and Kaiser pearls as accent.

Be sure to see what the rest of the design team has come up with - using their solid stamps.

Cindy Lawrence,
Laura Fredrickson
Julie Koerber
Faith Hofrichter
Latisha Yoast
Leslie Miller
Stacy Morgan


Recipe: Stamps: Flourishes - Spring Ephemerals; Ink: Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery; Paper: Certainly Celery, Bashful Blue, Whisper White, Lily Kate (Basic Grey) DSP; Accessories: Big Shot, Pierceabilities Border, Large Rectangle Labels Nestabilities, Blue Satin Ribbon, Kaiser Pearls , Dimensionals, SW Markers.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Teacher's Stationary Sets

Well, I thought I'd show you what we're taking to the Elementary Teachers today as Thank You presents for another year of school (yippee one more day after today!). Our kids are very blessed to have such great schools, our daughter's first year of Junior High went wonderfully, and our sons have a fantastic Elementary school. You don't always find that and we don't take it for granted.

But, seriously what do you get a Teacher when you're on a budget? I mean, how can you say thank you for something so important as what they do each day? What's something they might want or can use? I decided this year to make something practical - something very me, something inexpensive to me, but shows my heart for them because of the time I invested in creating it.

I made each of them six Personalized Monogrammed cards, stamped envelopes and a pretty stationary box. Do you have go-to gifts? This is mine!

I started out by asking the boys, "What are your Teacher's Favourite colors?" Well, I got the answer from one son...(sigh)...so then I asked the other, what colors does your teacher wear most often...that worked. So we had two blues and a burgundy. Here we have one of the blues:
Simple cards with the Top Note, some great papers (I really wish this set of papers hadn't retired so early on). I chose this Lovely Letters Alphabet set for this specific purpose - making pretty monogrammed things. Can you just see the very light flourished stamp tone on tone around the Monogram M? It's Versamarked for a very light but elegant look. The card base has the Bella Toile Background on it and the edges are sponged.

This second set...very much the same, with my favourite Bella Bleu paper. The box I made for the cards is my go -to box, Beate's tutorial for an A2 Box on Splitcoast.

I rolled the box tops with the wheel from the old Carte Postal set I also stamped the envelopes to give it a very finished and personalized feel. It's all the in the details isn't it?

I really like how the tags turned out for the boxes. I layered the large oval, scalloped circle and 1 3/8 inch circle together. The nice thing about Lovely Letters is that there are several flourishy type stamps, so I used that on the ovals. After layering I put a simple black eyelet and tied it to the pretty ribbons on each box with Linen Thread.


On this one I just oriented the card horizontally. This Rich Razzleberry colors is awesome I think. The perfect mix between burgundy and purple. My early In Color favourite.

Think they'll like them? Hope so! I'll be back tomorrow with something pretty :)

Recipe: Stamps: Lovely Letters Alphabet, Bella Toile Background, Leaves al la Carte Wheel, Sweet Little Sentiments; Ink: Baja Breeze, VersaMark, Not Quite Navy, Rich Razzleberry, Soft Suede; Paper: Baja Breeze, Prestwick DSP, Kraft, Confetti Cream; Not Quite Navy, Very Vanilla, Kraft, Bella Bleu DSP; Rich Razzleberry, Soft Suede, Whisper White, Razzleberry Lemonade DSP; Accessories: Big Shot, Top Note Die, Modern Label Punch, Vintage Brads, Scalloped Edge Punch, Large Oval Punch, 1 3/8 Circle Punch, Scalloped Circle Punch, Wide Baja Grosgrain, Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon, Kraft Taffeta Ribbon, Rich Razzleberry Grosgrain Ribbon, Linen Thread, Black Eyelets, Sponge, Dimensionals.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Good To Dream

******* BLOG CANDY ALERT click HERE*******


Well, I'm pooped. I made 20 cards yesterday believe it or not (more on that tomorrow). But my Teacher's Gifts are done! Then I woke up in the night with a scratchy throat. YUCK. Getting a cold here. :(


So today's card is a quick one. I used today's Sketch from SCS and the new SU Razzle Dazzle set, and new InColors.




I stamped the main image twice, once in Crushed Curry, and then once using my NEW In Color markers coloring the image with both Melon Mambo and Rich Razzleberry, then I cut out the blooms carefully and added them on to the image, the main one popped up. Did you notice something about what I did? I *added * blossoms to the image. With stamping it twice I could add flowers to some stems leaving some Curry. It gives it a fuller feel I think.

Gave it a little shabby chic with the spiral punch and some simple ribbon. I really love this new Modern Label punch. A must have! The pretty DSP also adds to that whimsical, shabby feel too.


Thanks for stopping by today. I'm off to have a shower and go to my sons' Kindergarten class celebration! Hopefully this cold will cooperate.



Recipe: Stamps: Razzle Dazzle; Ink; Crushed Curry, Rich Razzleberry, Melon Mambo, Craft White; Paper: Melon Mambo, Rich Razzleberry, Crushed Curry, Whisper White, Razzleberry Lemonade DSP; Accessories: Spiral Punch, In Color Markers, Rich Razzleberry Ribbon, Modern Lable Punch, Piercer, Dimensionals

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Marrakech Blooms


Thank you for listening to that public service announcement :) I have lots to give away!

Today's color challenge colors are VIVID! Summer Sun, Pacific Point and Tangerine Tango. I was perusing through my papers this morning thinking how I'd make it work, when I saw the pattern and color in this Basic Grey Marrakech paper. It would work perfectly, and give it a really warm exotic feel.

This set is new to me from Flourishes, Summer Blossoms. I love it because of the delicate flowers in it and the great leaves and swirls. The blooms are watercolored and popped up. i did rock and roll in Summer Sun/Pacific Point to give the swirls behind the flowers (to make it a little green but stay to the challenge colors). I gathered the pretty Bittersweet ribbon and then added a gorgeous Finishing Touches brad. I touched the centers of the stamens with a white gel pen to give them some definition too. Otherwise, pretty simple!
Recipe: Stamps: Flourishes - Summer Blossoms; Ink: Tuxedo Black Momento Ink; Paper: Tangerine Tango, Whisper White, Pacific Point, Basic Grey - Marrakech DSP, Watercolor Paper; Accessories: Big Shot, Octagonal Nestabilties, Modern Label Punch, Reinkers, Aqua Painter, White Gel Pen, Flourishes Finishing Touches Brads (Copper), Dimensionals, Bittersweet Ribbon (Flourishes)

Blog Candy Time!

It's my One-year Blog-a-Versary next week, and I want to celebrate with you! It's my way of saying thank you for coming by this little blog and seeing what I've been up to creatively, for your kind comments and notes. It's been a fun year!

So, I've been collecting a little of this and that in preparation for this wonderful occasion! Some of it is BRAND SPANKIN NEW and just for you. Some things (which I'll tell you about) I've used one or two items from it and realized, it could have a better home elsewhere.

Included:

from my stash of Stampin' Up!

Stamp Set - God's Beauty
Stamp Set - Best Yet
Ribbon Bundle in Saffron and Celery
Prints Pack of 6 x 6 papers
Creamy Caramel Classic Ink Pad
More Mustard Classic Ink Pad
Love and Happiness Rub On's
2 packs 8 1/2 x 11 Cool Carribean Paper
Fresh Cuts Notes
Long Envelopes
Saddle Stitch Book Kit in Chocolate, Kraft, Mellow Moss and Always Artichoke
Boxes and Tag Purse in Soft Subtles
Vellum Tags (opened - 4 full sheets)
Wintergreen DSP
some twill tape (a couple of yards)
numerous metal edge tags in silver, gold and copper (so cute but I never use them!)
Classy Brass Template (Squares and Minis) (gently used)
Whisper White and Real Red 3 x 3 notecards and envelopes

From my stash of other companies:

Avery Shipping Tags (I used a few of these for a project)
Paper Crafts sticker sheet
Sandylion Pirate Epoxy Stickers
K & Co Epoxy Stickers (studio k and roam)
Scenic Route Chipboard letters
Prima Leaves (I used 2 of them)

All you need to do is leave a comment on this post and tell me what you'd like to see featured here in the next year! Deadline is Sunday the 28th at 11:00 pm Mountain Time, I'll draw a number from Random.org then and post the winner.

The box is packed and ready to ship on Monday the 29th! I'll send to anywhere in Canada or the USA.

Monday, June 22, 2009

Fantastic Flourishes News!

Two big things happening right now at Flourishes!

First the Wounded Warrior Project


Many of you know that some of the proceeds from the new Patriotism on Parade set are going to the Wounded Warrior Project, but Flourishes didn't want to just stop there, they're inviting you to a challenge that will also benefit those fighting for freedom, and YOU can benefit too! Stop by the Flourishes Blog on this post to find out more details.


Second How about Copics without the Guesswork at Flourishes

I'm very excited about this announcement! New TODAY in the Flourishes store are Copic Markers! But not just markers - Flourishes has done all the hard work for you and has grouped colors for you in 20 named families of colors so that you don't have to wonder what shade or number goes with what. It's fantastic! This was one of the hardest parts for me in learning to use copic markers. We've got a whole week ahead for you of learning, tutorials and great creations with the Copic Collections. So stop by the Flourishes blog every day for more!

AND my favourite news of all! Flourishes is now carrying their own line of amazing Copic paper in both white and ivory. I've tried other papers for copics, but I will never go back. This paper is fantastic and gives you great results for blending with copics. And it works great with watercolor pencils, and prismacolors too.
I'll be back tomorrow with something special....hint...it could be something for you!

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Flourishes Friday Focus-Romantic Spellbinder Sweetpeas

A beautiful Friday to end another beautiful week! What more could you ask for!

Well, how about another Friday Focus with the Flourishes Senior Design Team? Latisha is challenging us to show off our Spellbinders Nestabilities. So we're here to show you fun creative ways to use them!

I have to say that when I finally decided to branch out into Spellbinders Nestabilties, it brought a whole new life to my stamped creations. I really love them. They are portable, graduated in size, you never have to wonder if something will fit because you have so many options, they are light weight and fit in most any die cutting machine. They emboss, cut, provide a template for sponging ....they're fantastic. Alright enough talk...here's what I made today:
In this card I used my Small Scalloped Square and my Small Square dies to create frames for my Sweetpea image. First I cut out the square shape and popped out the middle (that I would normally use).

Then I took my scalloped square, lined it up and cut out the scalloped shape to create a frame.

I also took the cut edge of my Pierceabilities template to create a scalloped edge on the patterned papers and also as a strop on the *Sweet Peas* word section.

So many ways you can use Spellbinders...so head on over to the rest of the Design Team to see their creativity!

Cindy Lawrence Faith Hofrichter Julie Koerber Latisha Yoast Laura Fredrickson Leslie Miller Stacy Morgan Sharon Doolittle

Recipe: Stamps: Flourishes Sweet Peas; Ink: Tuxedo Black Momento, Basic Gray, Pink Pirouette; Paper: Pink Pirouette, Whisper White, Basic Grey - Urban Prairie, Jenni Bowlin - Spring Picnic, Copic Paper; Accessories: Big Shot, Scalloped Square and Square Nestabilties, Pierceabilities, Copic Markers, Pewter Kaiser Pearls, Flourishes Scalloped Pink Ribbon, Dimensionals.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

A Harvest of Warm Wishes

Good day everyone! It's gorgeous here...we've finally had a taste of summer these past weeks.

I seem to be in a Kraft crafting mode lately. That color just appeals to me. So I went very masculine and neutral for the Sketch challenge today at SCS.


First I stamped the wheat stamp in VersaMark and embossed it with Winter White EP on Kraft paper (I really wish we'd have a vanilla or cream embossing powder). Then I sponged Soft Suede all over that focal piece. The rest is actually pretty simple. It's a great sketch with lots of layers!
Short and sweet today! :)
Recipe: Stamps: Autumn Days, Beautiful Borders; Ink: VersaMark, Soft Suede; Paper: Soft Suede, Kraft, Confetti Cream, Kraft Patterns DSP; Accessories: Sponge, Winter White Embossing Powder, Piercer, Vintage Brads, Kraft Taffeta Ribbon, Dimensionals

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Under the Big Top

New rubbah again! Today's color challenge (Baja Breeze, Ruby Red, Whisper White) worked well for me as I needed a birthday card for our youngest's son's friend's birthday this weekend.

This is a new set called Animal Stories. I thought the colors gave it a circus feel, so I tried to recreate that feeling.


The elephant and the owl are popped up (OK, I realize there are not owls in a circus, but work with me here :) ) I embossed the owl on DSP in White Craft ink and White embossing powder. I also embossed the greeting.
I gave it a little whimsy with the Paisley textured background. To create the tent topper all I did was measure the width of my focal image (about 3 1/8 I think), then cut a piece of cardstock about 3 1/8 x 2 inches. I used the scallop punch on the edge, then scored 3/4 and 1 inch. This makes your folds and you have a large enough section to tuck behind and adhere. White gel pen gives you the stripes.

Hope you have a great joy filled day today!

Recipe: Stamps: Animal Stories, Party Punch; Ink: White Craft, Ruby Red, Baja Breeze; Paper: Baja Breeze, Ruby Red, Whisper White, Baja Breeze Patterns DSP; Accessories: Big Shot, Texturz Plate, Ruby Red Brads, Ticket Corner Punch, White Embossing Powder, Dimensionals.

Monday, June 15, 2009

All New SU!

That's always fun to say isn't it?

My sneak peek SU box came just the other day. Last night I had a chance to dig in! Here's a first creation:
I stamped the pheasant (beautiful stamp I think) twice in Rich Razzleberry and then in Soft Suede ink on Confetti Cream paper (seriously I LOVE Confetti Cream - I don't know why it took me 5 years to find this paper in the catalogue - it's the perfect deeper cream!) Then I cut out the head and added the wing in Soft Suede popped up. The wheat stamp is added on Kraft. I used the new polka-dot grosgrain in Razzleberry (just used it reversed on the non-dotted side).
I also used the new Modern Label punch for the sentiment. It's a great sized punch.

So far I LOVE the new In Colors, they are deeply saturated, which of course I love. So far I've only used these two, and I think Razzleberry is FANTASTIC! The Soft Suede is reminscent of True Thyme - just more of a neutral, less green. It will work really well. I'm also crazy about Bermuda Bay, looking forward to using that later this week.

Big plus...Markers in the new In Colors. Woo hoo!

Alright - my little guy has the day off of school today (yes we're still in school up here...till the end of the month)...so we're heading to the Library this morning...thanks for dropping by!

Recipe: Stamps: Autumn Days, Sweet Little Sentiments; Ink: Rich Razzleberry, Soft Suede; Paper: Rich Razzleberry, Soft Suede, Confetti Cream, Kraft; Accessories: Big Shot, Top Note Die, Kraft Corduroy Brads, Polka-dot Ribbon (Razzleberry), Linen Thread, Dimensionals, Corner Rounder Punch.

Friday, June 12, 2009

Last of the Sneak Peeks!

Whew! We've just had a fabulous Power Hour Release party at the Flourishes Forum! They're so much fun. Just wanted to pop in yet tonight and let you know the store is open, so you can purchase all these fabulous new releases, and all the other wonderful goodies Flourishes has to offer!

Here's a few cards I haven't shown you yet...

These two are from the Life Love and Lemons Set

A really fun and vibrant one making lots of juicy juice with these slices, the orange has Crystal Effects and Dazzling Diamond glitter on it for fun and uses Lime Rickey DSP from Basic Grey.


And I just used the blossoms and leaves on this one matching my colors to this Basic Grey Perhaps paper. Don't you love the Finishing Touches brads? I colored my ribbon into three tones with my copic markers too.
And here's one with the Waterlilies set....

I used White Stazon to do the mirror image of the flowers and watercolored the lilies on watercolor paper and popped up. To give it all a really cool look I pulled out my Metallic pencils and colored in the water. It has a really beautifully shimmery effect. Paper is Basic Grey Euphoria.

So, head on over to the Flourishes Store! Patriotism on Parade benefits a fantastic cause and the new release bundle is 10% off! Thanks for partying with us this week.
...and I just received my SU Sneak Peek box today....look for some new SU really soon!
Thanks for coming by!

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Sneak Peek - Patriotism on Parade

Today's sneak peek set is a special one from Flourishes. A whole lot of heart has gone into this...read on.....

We feel very blessed that our children, and my husband are citizens of both the United States and Canada. And we try to teach our kids a love and respect of both countries, their rights, privileges and responsibilities of being American and Canadian. So this next set is really dear to me. I'll show you the cards and then tell you why it's also dear to Flourishes as well, and how you can make a difference!

In God We Trust

I find this to be one of the most profound statements that you could make of a Nation....that corporately its people Trust in God...not in things, not in prosperity or a lack of it, not in influence or might...but in God - because He is trustable! Oh that all of us could live that out!

I colored these American Flag swags with Copic markers and added a Stardust glitter pen to the stars. I popped one swag up in front. To achieve the pretty edging on the layers I used my Pierceabilities template to cut it, and then the Labels Four Die for the sentiment.

How did I do that ribbon? I took the white Organza Ribbon from SU and colored in 1/3 of the center section in stripes with my copic markers. A few rhinestones and it looks very patriotic don't you think?

And Lauren Pope didn't forget a thing when she illustrated this set....she added some Canadian elements too!

O Canada!

Part of our Canadian anthem sings "Oh Canada...our home and native land, true patriot love in all our sons command....(then further on) God keep our land glorious and free!" Now that's something to celebrate!

Now this fun children's parade is celebrating July 1st, Canada Day! I've embossed the children's parade in Real Red Craft and Clear Embossing Powder, as well as the fireworks. And then embellished them with clear rhinestones and gorgeous silk ribbon, like a flag is unfurling... This mirrors the pattern of a Canadian flag too: red white red.


And now for the special part: We know many see the Fourth of July in the US as a day of celebration to honor the United State's independence. But, as many military men and women will tell you - Freedom is not free. In times of war, soldiers come home wounded and are in need of a hand-up in life. Having deep ties to our country's military, Flourishes wanted to be a part of the solution. We are proudly donating a portion of the proceeds of our brand new Patriotism on Parade set to the Wounded Warrior Project. It's a not for profit who's mission is to honor and empower wounded warriors. We believe in the work they do and we can't wait to support this group's amazing efforts. Please click on http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/ to learn more.

All of us Flourishes girls feel very good about making a difference in this way, many of the girls have very personal stories of their connections to men and women fighting to preserve freedom.

To win this set today see the Flourishes Newsletter!

To see all the girls Patriotic creations: Cindy Lawrence, Faith Hofrichter , Julie Koerber - D.T. Coordinator , Latisha Yoast , Laura Fredrickson , Leslie Miller , Stacy Morgan

Recipes: In God We Trust: Stamps: Flourishes Patriotism on Parade; Ink: Tuxedo Black Momento, Brilliant Blue; Paper: Brilliant Blue, Whisper White, Copic Paper, Basic Grey DSP; Accessories: Big Shot, Labels Four Nestabilities, Organza Ribbon (SU), Copic Markers, Stardust Glitter Pen, Rhinestones, Dimensionals, Pierceabilities Template, Ornare Piercer

O Canada: Stamps: Flourishes Patriotism on Parade; Ink; Real Red Craft; Paper: Real Red, Whisper White; Accessories: Big Shot, Labels 4 Nestabilties, Clear EP, Rhinestones, White Silk Ribbon (Flourishes), Dimensionals.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Sneak Peek - Life Love and Lemons

What says summer better than a nice tall icy glass of lemonade? Sometimes when it's so cold up here in Alberta over the winter that I dream of Groves of citrus fruit!

So, I have two little somethings for you today again from a fabulous new set again illustrated by the equally fabulous Marcella Hawley. (We LOVE her!)

Lemon Tree Very Pretty...
Ok, I couldn't resist throwing that little song in there (hopefully you recognize it too!)

Marcella draws trees really well doesn't she? I love the idea of a lemon tree, so I colored this one with copics and then paired it with crisp whites to make the green and yellows stand out. I added scoring lines on the white on the diagonal and colored some rhinestones yellow with a Sharpie marker. Doesn't the yellow silk ribbon go perfectly?

Alright on to number TWO

Limes and Life

I could not resist doing something a little different with this set. It so easily can become limes! (which I love by the way....give me lime flavoured anything and I'm a happy camper).


I watercolored these limes and leaves and blossom with reinkers in lots of shades of green and pale yellows. I tried to capture the texture of the limes and how the light bounces off the fruit.

I found this great paper from K & C CO that I thought looked really fun with the limes, and then added some Jenni Bowlin paper too, and then found found some great Prism paper to go with it (Candle Glow Light, Island Mist Light and Herbal Garden Dark).
I gave it an old world feel with the crochet ribbon from Flourishes and some elegant Kaiser pearls in a row, and a few of the blossoms stamped and trimmed out.

The Design Team has lots of other great stuff cooked up for you today...so to see more of this gorgeous set:

Cindy Lawrence
Faith Hofrichter
Julie Koerber
Latisha Yoast
Laura Fredrickson
Leslie Miller
Stacy Morgan

To win this set today see the Flourishes Newsletter.

Be sure to join us Friday for a fantabulous Short and Sweet Power Hour Release Party in the Splitcoast Stampers Forum on Friday night beginning at 9:00 PM Central time (8 PM for Mountain Standard people like me!). Games, prizes, FUN!

Recipe:
Lemon Tree: Stamps - Flourishes - Life, Love & Lemons; Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black, Summer Sun, Certainly Celery; Paper, Whisper White, Copic Paper, Basic Grey - Lily Kate DSP, K & Company - Roam Mat Pad, hmmm and either Yoyo Yellow or Summer Sun...I can't remember now!; Accessories: Big Shot, Labels Four Nestabilities, Rhinestones, Flourishes Silk Ribbon (Yellow), Dimensionals, Scor It.

Limes and Life: Stamps: Flourishes - Life, Love & Lemons; Ink: Black Stazon, Kiwi Kiss; Paper: Prism: Candle Glow Light, Island Mist Light, Herbal Garden Dark, Flourishes European Watercolor Paper, K & Co Roam Mat Pack, Basic Gray Lily Kate DSP; Accessories: Big Shot, Labels Three Nestabilities, Labels Two Nestabilities, Crochet Ribbon, Kaiser Pearls, Eyelet Punch, Dimensionals, Reinkers, Aqua Painter.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Sneak Peek - Waterlilies

Oh...I have something lovely for you today. Actually two somethings!
It's a New Release week at Flourishes! And as you've come to expect...beautiful stamps once again!

I love the peace of this new set.... so many images to create your own watergarden complete with beautiful sentiments, waterlilies, lily pads and koi!

Koi Pond

I took two of these great Koi fish and a pretty waterswirl stamp and created a little whirlpool for my fish. I colored with Copics, and gave the water swirls of color to create the feeling of movement in the water. I like the look it gives. The Octagonal Nestie shapes are perfect for this image.

On the background I wanted to give the card a real Asian feel so I added my Jenni Bowlin designer paper in simple rectangles, and also a deeply embossed white layer - almost like a Shoji Screen (did I spell that right?).


Elegant but simple ribbon and one of our new Architectural Brads from the Finishing Touches Line.

Dream Come True


I love how this next card turned out, mostly because I love the rich color. I went searching for images of waterlilies and they are often a deep rich majenta color, with deep green lilypads. So I watercolored this little pond with some newly blossoming lilies coming up. I love how the varigated lilypads turned out with the watercoloring.
This paper is actually Christmas paper! K & C Co, Christmas Cheer I believe, but the colors worked perfectly for what I was doing, and I love the swirly pattern on the green layer, a little like the swirly water feel.

I've given the sentiment and the top of the card some elegant piercing with my Pierceabilities template, and a beautiful ribbon slide as my Finishing Touch.


You'll see some gorgeous cards today with this set by the Senior Design Team, be sure to check them out!
Want to win this set? See the Flourishes Newsletter today!

Want to win all the new releases? Join us in the Easy Breezy Lemon Squeezy Challenge by Friday!


Recipes:
Koi Pond: Stamps: Flourishes - Waterlilies; Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black, Tempting Turquoise, Tangerine Tango; Paper: Tempting Turquoise, Tangerine Tango, Copic Paper, Whisper White; Accessories: Big Shot, Textures Plate, Octagonal Nestabilities, Finishing Touches - Architectural Brads (Copper), Dimensionals, Flourishes Ribbon, Copic Markers
Dream Come True: Stamps: Flourishes - Waterlilies: Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black, Paper: Taken With Teal, Always Artichoke, Flourishes Watercolor Paper, K & C Co DSP; Accessories: Corner Rounder, Big Shot, Pierceabilities, Ornare Piercer, Deckled Rectangle Nestabilites, Lots of Labels Sizzlits, Gems ( K & C Co), Dimensionals, Velvet Ribbon (Flirty), Aqua Painter, SW Markers and Reinkers.

An Amazing Hurrah

Ok, somebody take my temperature! This is two Clean and Simple cards in one week! This is Amazing! So unlike me. But today's color challenge was to use an all white card base with one color as accent. One layer. GASP!

So I decided to pull out Pretty Amazing another set on the Last Chance list.... There are some really pretty stamps in this set. I really love the branch stamp but decided to use the flowers and a little Rock and Roll for this one.



I inked the flowers in Baja Breeze and then rolled some of the edges in Pacific Point, masking the bottom half of the card off. After I liked the look of the flowers, I ran the bottom half of the card through my Big Shot with the large Dotted Texturz plate. A pretty Baja Satin bow in the middle keeps your layers defined. I also added a row of punched scallops along the bottom layer.

But then I looked at it and it still needed something...I think that's what's hard for me about CAS cards. What do you add? How does it stay clean and simple and still be interesting? So I got out my Crystal Effects and my Dazzling Diamonds and gave it sparkle and texture. A sure fire way to add interest without becoming too complex.

Alrighty! Back tomorrow with one of my favourite times of the month...sneak peeks of new releases :)

Recipe: Stamps: Pretty Amazing; Ink: Baja Breeze, Pacific Point; Paper: Whisper White; Accessories: Big Shot, Texturz Plate, Scallop Edge Punch, Baja Breeze Satin Ribbon (Valet Ribbon Originals), Crystal Effects, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

A Last Heartfelt Hurrah

I'm back with another Last Hurrah with a Last Chance set for you tonight. I think Heartfelt Thanks is one of the most classic SU sets out there. It was probably one of the first two step stamping sets I ever used. Tonight the Clean and Simple Challenge (CAS) over at Splitcoast is to use Kraft, Pink/Coral shades and one other color in a Clean and Simple Design. I knew it would be perfect for Heartfelt Thanks.


I'm not a traditional CAS girl. But sometimes it works, I'm hoping you think this is one of those times!




I really love Kraft as a color, it gives you such a warm palette, and pairs so well with many colors. AND what I most love about Kraft is how white looks on it. Stamped especially!


Here I 2-Step stamped the flowers on the white, added an additional flower popped up and also stamped the bloom on the Kraft layer in VersaMark and in White Craft.


The focal layer has a simple row of patterned paper and pretty ribbon. Because the other side of the Kiwi satin ribbon is cream, I twisted it a bit in the knot so only the Kiwi side would show and not clash vanilla against the crisp white. A simple sentiment flag and a corduroy brad sets it off just nicely!


Thanks for popping over!


Recipe: Stamps: Heartfelt Thanks, Hugs and Wishes; Ink: Cameo Coral, Kiwi Kiss, VersaMark, White Craft; Paper: Kraft, Whisper White, Raspberry Tart DSP; Accessories: Big Shot, Top Note Die, Corduroy Brads Kiwi, Kiwi Satin Ribbon, Dimensionals