You're Gunna FLIP!!!!

Hello all! This is an exciting day for Flourishes -- it's the first day folks can shop and qualify for the next fun-filled, money saving club we call..... 

FLIP NEW LOGO - 
Otherwise known as the Flourishes Loyalty Incentive Program! How do you become a member? Starting TODAY, the next time you go shopping in the Flourishes online boutique and spend $100 on a single purchase (not including taxes or shipping), you will receive this beautiful stamp set called Happy Thoughts! It was penned by artist Sam Pickard and the fabulous sentiments were the creative genius of Dina Kowal! Keep in mind, you can't purchase this set -- the only way you can get your hands on this lovely floral spray of Hydrangeas and these beautifully scripted sentiments is to become a FLIP member! 
 Happy Thoughts SS257-Web-WM   
AND.... that beautiful stamp set is only just the beginning! When you become a FLIP member, it's your pass to BIG SAVINGS!

MEMBER BENEFITS

On the first of every month, for one day only, we’ll have a sale you will FLIP over! ONLY members are able to cash in on this sale: 15% off nearly everything in the store! (Sale does not apply to gift certificates, Silhouette Cameo Machines or Copic Markers). A day or two before the sale, you’ll receive an email with a special “members only” coupon code to use on the first of the month. Just insert this code in the coupon code box at the time of check out, hit “apply” and 15% will automatically be taken off your entire order! This promotion expires July 31st, 2014. Customers receive benefits only from the time they qualify. So, unfortunately, you can’t make up for lost time. One more reason why you should become a FLIP member soon! Now it wouldn't be fair if we showed you this gorgeous set and didn't show you amazing samples thanks to our team of fabulous designers! Hop on over and see what these ever-so-talented ladies created using this exclusive set!
I did a little bit of experimenting with this fabulous new FLIP image!   I couldn't resist pulling out my Copic Airbrush and going a little... WiLd!


I die cut my image on Flourishes Classic White Cardstock, leaving my die still on my image, I airbrushed Copic YR04, Y19 and Y38 right across my flowers.

Then I took my Copic Blender Pen and pushed all the colour out of all the flowers and stems of the image.  I think the way it left them with a slight hint of colour and patchy is cool!   Then I added a splash of dark grey Copic speckle across the image.

As my final touch I added the beautiful sentiment on the front along with some beautiful "Mango Orange" Seam Binding Ribbon, gold metallic string and a Sunflower Light Button too!

Remember, the only way to get your hands on this beautiful new set called Happy Thoughts is to become a FLIP member. When you qualify, this stamp set is our gift to you! Coming soon, we'll be adding a Silhouette Cut File to the store, just for this set! Fun stuff! Before we go, be sure to tune back in tomorrow! The Senior Design Team will be focusing on one set that's been a Flourishes Favorite for quite some time. You won't want to miss all the creativity coming your way .... just in time for some weekend creativity. See you back here then!

~ Ally ~

Sponsored by:  Flourishes LLC

Supplies:
stamps: Flourishes (Happy Thoughts ~ FLIP)
cardstock: Flourishes Classic White
patterned papers: Authentique
die cut shapes: Spellbinders
ink: Memento, Copic
ribbon:  Flourishes
gold string: Flourishes
gems: unknown

Timeless Tuesday ~ Something Old, New, Borrowed & Blue

Hey everyone!  Happy Tuesday!  And that means it's time for Flourishes' Timeless Tuesday Challenge!!!  Hooray!!

I’m your hostess for this week’s challenge.  It’s July and we’re right in the throws of wedding season so this week, your challenge is to create a card or project where you use something “Old, New, Borrowed & Blue“:
  • OLD – use something older from your product stash (paper, embellishments, etc.)
  • NEW - the newest stamp that your just acquired
  • BORROWED – scraplift or CASE a “design” from our Flourishes Gallery (*PLEASE link & credit the project inspiration piece from our gallery.)
  • BLUE – add something blue on it!
**PS:  Your creation does NOT have to be a wedding themed project!**
Here is the card that I came up with using our “Old, New, Borrowed & Blue” theme…
I began by die cutting a circle from Flourishes Classic Ivory Cardstock.  I stamped my fairy image from the new “Garden Fairies” stamp set (my “newest” stamp!).  I borrowed my design from a card created by the lovely Christine Okken called “Watercoloured Tea Rose” (my “borrowed” design) from the Flourishes Gallery.
Then I coloured my image using the following Copic Collections:

Here is a close up of my little fairy.  I added some fine clear glitter to her wings and the dandelion too!  For her wings, I stamped them twice and fussy cut them out and added some foam adhesive behind the ends to pop them up.
My patterned papers are an older line of BasicGrey (my “old” item) and I used blue ink on my image (my “blue” item).
I decided to decorate the inside of my card too!  I used the same image from the new “Garden Fairies” stamp set again using orange ink.  I also stamped a sweet little sentiment from the same collection using Memento “Lulu Lavender” ink.

Thanks for checking out the Timeless Tuesday Challenge today!  Please be sure to check out some wonderful inspiration from our extremely talented team:
I hope you'll join us for our challenge this week!  Don't forget to leave some comments for my fellow designers.  Have a great Tuesday!

~ Ally ~

Sponsored by:  Flourishes LLC

Supplies:
stamps: Flourishes (Garden Fairies)
cardstock: Bazzill, Flourishes Classic Ivory
patterned papers: BasicGrey
die cut shapes: Spellbinders
ink: Memento, Copic
glitter: Martha Stewart
string: Flourishes
gems: Doodlebug
other: thread.

Timeless Tuesday ~ Mailing Christmas in July!


Hey hey hey!  It's Tuesday and time for another Timeless Tuesday Challenge from Flourishes!

This week our lovely hostess is Katie Sims!  For our challenge this week, Katie wants to see...

Christmas in July!!!...
but there's a catch... your card needs to be semi flat for mailing, 
so NO big bows or lumpy, bumpy envelopes here!
FTTC228

For my cards this week, I started off by making a pair of flat cards.  I created some A2 card bases using some "Patch" cardstock from our Color Made Easy "Pistachio" collection.  Then I die cut a single piece of 4 1/8 x 5 1/4 Classic Ivory Cardstock and stamped all along the die cut edges using Memento "Pistachio" ink and my "Poinsettia & Pine" bough stamp.  I die cut a piuece of patterned paper to use on the opposite sides.  I created my greeting using a simple circle of Classic Ivory Cardstock and a mini doily die cut.  I stamped the greeting "JOY!" also from the "Poinsettia & Pine" stamp set.

Then I decided I would make another "matchy" set. I started this set A2 cards by creating their bases using some red cardstock.  Then I die cut again another piece of 4 1/8 x 5 1/4 Classic Ivory Cardstock and stamped all along the die cut edges using Memento "Bamboo Leaves" ink and my "Naturally Merry" holly bough stamp.  I again die cut a piece of patterned paper to use on the opposite sides.  I stamped my greeting using the "Happy Holly-days" stamp from the "Dove and Holly" stamp set using Memento "Black Tuxedo" ink.


Then I decided that I would make a little pocket to hold my 4 card set.  To create this A2 Card Fold Over Box you can download my tutorial HERE.

Here is the front of my card box.  I created the front panel with a triple layer of die cut circles cut from ivory cardstock.  I stamped the holly and the greeting from from the "Poinsettia & Pine" stamp set.  I used some crinkled up Basque Red Seam Binding Ribbon, some gold metallic string and an ivory button to decorate below my image.

Here is a side view of my card box:
Here is my card box open and filled with my 4 card and envelope sets:
I even decorated the back of the box...

Thanks for joining me today!  I hope you enjoyed my Christmas creations today and had a chance to look at my card box tutorial.

Make sure to check out my fellow Flourishes designers and their amazing Christmas projects today...

~ Ally ~

Sponsored by:  Flourishes LLC

Supplies:
stamps:  Flourishes (Naturally Merry, Dove & Holly, Poinsettia & Pine)
cardstock: Flourishes Classic Ivory, Bazzill
patterned papers: Authentique (Scatter Joy!)
die cut shapes: Spellbinders, Cheerylynn Designs
ink: Memento, Copic
ribbon, button, string: Flourishes
tools: Scor-Pal Tool
other: thread.

Timeless Tuesday - Make 'em Mini!

Howdy all!  It's Tuesday... my favourite day of the week!  Welcome to the newest Timeless Tuesday Challenge for Flourshes!

This week our hostess is the lovely Jenny Gropp!  This week Jenny is challenging us to create...

a minimum of three mini cards 
(approximately 3x3 - but as long as they are smaller than an A2 card, that's fine too!)  
(FTTC229)

I literally came back from vacation late Sunday night and didn't find my mojo until late Monday night so I had to find a quick and easy design for my three 3.5x3.5 cards.

I started off by creating square card bases from Flourishes Classic Black Cardstock.
Then I began to build my mini cards.  For the first one, I cut a square of Desert Marigold cardstock from the "Sunflower" Color Made Easy paper collection.  I then die cut a smaller more detailed square of African Daisy and backed it with a piece of purple patterned paper.

I stamped one of our glorious dahlia blooms from the new "Dahlias" stamp set onto Flourishes Classic White Cardstock and coloured it in using the following Copic Collection

For the second one, I cut a square of Tangy Taffy cardstock from the "Candy Pink" Color Made Easy paper collection.  I then die cut a smaller more detailed square of Sweet Tart cardstock and backed it with a piece of bright yellow patterned paper.



I stamped the dahlia bloom again from the new "Dahlias" stamp set and coloured it in using the following Copic Collection:

For my final card, I cut a square of Bouquet cardstock from the "Crocus" Color Made Easy paper collection.  I then die cut a smaller more detailed square of Snap Dragon cardstock and backed it with a piece of fun pink patterned paper.
I stamped the dahlia bloom once again from the "Dahlias" stamp set and coloured it in using the following Copic Collection:

I hope this inspires you to create some mini cards along with us this week!  But before you do, please take a moment and leave a comment and then check out my fellow designer creations...
Thanks for stopping by!  Can't wait to see what you create for this week's challenge!

~ Ally ~

Sponsored by:  Flourishes LLC

Supplies:
stamps: Flourishes (Dahlias)
cardstock: Flourishes Classic Black & White, Color Made Easy Collections (Candy Pink, Crocus, Sunflower
patterned papers: Authentique, Echo Park
die cut shapes: Spellbinders
ink: Memento, Copic

gems, pearls: Kaisercraft

It's All Black & White to Me!!!

Join me today for the first official challenge of our Flourishes 6th Birthday Celebration!!!!

Today I share with you a layout with a twist... a BLACK and WHITE twist! 

Here's a sneak peak of an element included in my layout...
So come on out and join me in celebrating Flourishes' 6th Birthday!

HOW TO PLAY: Create a little drama on your card by using the bold combo of black and white. Create a card, a 3-D item or even a scrap page. It doesn’t matter as long as you show off your black and white creation and link it up HERE using the Inlinkz widget! For this Birthday Celebration Challenge, enter as many times as you like. If you upload to an online gallery, use the keyword FLLCBC1. You have until 11:59 PM CST on July 31st to enter! Winners will be announced Saturday, August 3rd and winners will receive a goody bag from Flourishes valued at $30!  So, get those fingers inky and when you’re done, be sure to link up your creation below!Click here for more details.

~ Ally ~

Sponsored by:  Flourishes LLC

We're Havin' a Party!!

Light the candles, roll the music — we’re coming up on a VERY special day for Flourishes and boy do we have a celebration in store! Starting tomorrow and for the next two weeks, we will have a series of challenges designed to help Flourishes celebrate its 6th Birthday!! The official anniversary is July 27th and up until that day — we are going to have a blast honoring each and every one of those years! So… what does that mean for you? Well, you can look below and see when you’ll want to tune in. Mark your calendar and plan to get those fingers inky!

HOW TO HELP US CELEBRATE!

All of the challenges below will go live on the following dates. To enter, you have until July 31st at 11:59 PM CST and all winners will be announced on August 3rd — right here on the Flourishes blog!

JULY 15TH:  Join Allison Cope (that's me!) for a fun-filled challenge that is bold and high on drama! It’s a color challenge designed to get you thinking in a way that’s all Black and White! (Yep... that was your hint!) Link up your creation on her post on July 15th and you will be in the running for a Flourishes goody bag (which includes at least one stamp set) valued at $30! FLLCBC1 – On July 15th, click HERE for details!

JULY 18TH: Join Cindy Lawrence and see how you can create birthday wishes in a jiffy by creating a fun and fabulous 10 Minute Creation! Play along and you will have a shot at a Flourishes goody bag valued at $30!  FLLCBC2 – On July 18th click HERE for details!

JULY 20TH: Today kicks off a bit of Christmas fun! Not only are we celebrating Flourishes Birthday, but we’re ushering in a little Christmas in July spirit! Join Julie Koerber for a Christmas inspired challenge and then taking in some serious savings! From the 20th through the end of the month, all Christmas sets will be 25% off. Stock up now to get those holiday creations done many months early! FLLCBC3 - On July 20th click HERE for details!

JULY 22: Join Heather Jensen as she helps us color our world with a fun and inky background technique. Follow her lead and use her tutorial to inspire a creation of your own and you’ll be in the running for a Flourishes goody bag valued at $30! FLLCBC4 - On July 22, click HERE for details!

JULY 26: Join the Flourishes Design Team as they usher in a six part challenge (for all of Flourishes’ six years) in this recipe inspired challenge! There’s a little bit of something for everyone — a sketch, some color inspiration, and some items you’ll need to add to your card in order to qualify for one of our fabulous Flourishes goody bags!  FLLCBC5 – On July 26th, click HERE for details!

JULY 27TH: No Challenge today, just leave some love on the Flourishes Blog in the form of a comment and you’ll be in the running to win a goody bag. Share some birthday wishes with Flourishes and our fearless leader, owner Jan Marie Caruso!

So you see, there is a ton of fun planned over the next two weeks! It’s fun YOU won’t want to MISS! See you back here starting tomorrow when I kick off the festivities with Challenge #1! Thanks for helping us ring in another fun-filled year!

~ Ally ~

Sponsored by:  Flourishes LLC

Introducing... Pinwheels & Popsicles!

Hasn't this been a fun July Release? I know you've enjoyed it as much as we have in bringing it to you, but it's not over quite yet! We're so excited to bring you one more stamp set, and it's a fantastic new Birthday and Celebration set today! We think it's the cutest thing ever, and we know when you see it you'll agree!  

Introducing.... 
 PinwheelsGraphic 

Light it up and help those in your life to wish big! This set is perfect to send a little note of celebration in an envelope. From "cool" images to "sweet" sentiments, Pinwheels and Popsicles illustrated by Marcella Hawley is the perfect birthday stamp set! Set measures 4" by 6" and offers five main images and seven fun-filled coordinating sentiments.
 Mystery Blogger Graphic 
Let us show this set off to you with the Senior Design Team, and remember today is your last chance to find out who is the Mystery Blogger in the Design Team. Comment on that Design Team Member's Blog and you could win today's set!

For my project today, I needed a last minute card and gift bag for the two gifts for my son's teachers.  So I went to the dollar store and grabbed two bright, polka dot gift bags to put their gifts in.

I started off by making two mini tags for the gift bags so I could make sure the right teacher, got the right gift.

I made two mini card bases, approximately 2 1/4 x 2 1/4, using Flourishes Classic White Cardstock.  Then I stamped the cute little popsicle image from the new Pinwheels & Popsicles stamp set using my favourite ink, "Tuxedo Black" ink by Memento. 

I created a quick mask and placed it over my popsicle image, I masked the edges of each card and then stamped the cute gingham back ground from the Berry Sweet Frames stamp set right over top.  For one mini card I used Memento "Rose Bud" and for the other "Lilac Posies". Next I stamped my popsicle image onto some fun green paper, fussy cut each one out and adhered it to my mini card.  I tied each card on using some Metallic Silver String.

Next I wanted to make two very simple cards to tuck inside each gift bag.

First I made a A2 card base using Flourishes Classic White Cardstock. I embossed 3/4 of each card front using the a double sided embossing folder.

Then I die cut two Classic Large Ovals using Spellbinder dies, and stamped the adorable row of Chinese lanterns from the new Pinwheels & Popsicles stamp set using my favourite black ink again.


I popped each oval back inside the die and airbrushed the sky using Copics.  I didn't bother to mask off my lanterns since I knew I was going to paper piece them with patterned paper.

Next I stamped each lantern twice on to scraps of fun and bright patterned papers.  I fussy cut each lamp out and adhered it to the correct image.

Then I took some more scraps of the same patterned papers and cut out banners to drape below my ovals.

Finally I die cut two banners, Copic airbrushing each one in a corresponding colour and stamped the fun sentiment on them.

Viola... my gifts were finally done!!

I used the following Copic Collections for my project today:
B21, B23, Y15 and RV14.

 

Thanks for joining me today!  Now... off you go and check out all the other stunning creations using this awesome summery party stamp set!

DO YOU WANT TO WIN OUR ENTIRE RELEASE?

If you would like a chance at winning all four of our now released July sets…
  • You can play in our It's Sketchy Challenge– there will be multiple winners there! Deadline for entries is TODAY at 5 PM EST. OR, play along with the gals for this week's Timeless Tuesday Challenge! Check out the links for the official rules!
  • All four of our July sets are NOW AVAILABLE and you can check them out HERE. Take advantage our New Release Bundle and get 10% off when you purchase all four together in a bundle. And, for even more creative options here's the coordinating cut files for this release. Thank you for joining us for this month's New Releases and all the great fun! We can't wait to see what you create with this month's sets!
  • Join us back here on the Flourishes Blog tomorrow for the Winner's Circle where we'll announce all of our winners of this weeks' challenges!
~ Ally ~

Sponsored by:  Flourishes LLC

Supplies:
stamps: Flourishes (Pinwheels & Popsicles, Sweet Berry Frames)
cardstock: Flourishes Classic White Cardstock
patterned papers: Echo Park
die cut shapes: Spellbinders
ink: Memento, Copic
embossing folder: Spellbinders.

Introducing... Anemones!

There are some sets that are so touching and fit a purpose that you really needed. Something that conveys those messages of concern and care that is really meaningful, and we think this is one of those beautiful sets.  

We're please to introduce to you....

 AnemonesGraphic 
The latest offering from artist Sam Pickard is a perfect stamp set to have on hand to let your friends in need know that you care. This 4 by 6" set features a beautiful bunch of Anemone flowers, a single stem, plus five beautifully scripted sentiments all with a calm and caring message. We think you'll love it and we're excited for the Design Team to show you what they have in store today...

Mystery Blogger Graphic 

There's another Mystery Blogger to find today. 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.

With only a few days left of school for my son, I knew I had one last teacher's gift to make.  I wanted it to be simple and easy so here's what I came up with...

I started with a rectangle of Flourishes Classic White Cardstock (approximately 4 1/4 x 3).  I used a large Post-It Note to mask of a section of the rectangle, then I used Copic Y15 and air brushed it on, towards the top of the masked area.
 

Then I took Copic YR16 and airbrushed it towards the center of the area.

Then finally I took Copic R14 and airbrushed it towards the bottom of the masked area.  Then I carefully removed the masks.

Then I took some Memento "Black Tuxedo" ink and stamped my Anemones over top of the air brushed areas.  I wanted some of the flowers to pour over into the white space.  I backed each panel with Flourishes Classic Black Cardstock and added it to a Flourishes Classic White Cardstock card base...  so simple but pretty!

Each card is slightly different...  Some of the airbrushed areas are larger than others.
 Some have single Anemones on them...
 ...and some have the large bouquet image on them!
For the final part of my gift set, I made a simple A2 Card Box to send them in.  You can see the tutorial on how to make that here at Splitcoaststampers.

For the focal image on my box top, I used the beautiful Tailor-Made Classic Keyhole Die and some gorgeous "Tiger Lily" seam binding.  I also used some African Daisy cardstock from the Color Made Easy "Sunflower" Collection to create the base for my gift box.

Now... check out what the rest of my fellow designers have created using the fabulous new Anemones stamp set!

DO YOU WANT TO WIN OUR ENTIRE RELEASE?

If you would like a chance at winning all four of our soon-to-be released July sets…
  • You can play in our It's Sketchy Challenge – there will be multiple winners there! Deadline for entries is FRIDAY JULY 12th at 5 PM EST. OR, play along with the gals for this week's Timeless Tuesday Challenge! Check out the links for the official rules!
  • All four of our July sets can be pre-ordered now, even before you see them all! Take advantage our New Release Bundle and get 10% off when you purchase all four together in a bundle.
  • All sets will be live first thing Friday morning along with the coordinating cut files for this release.
  • Come back to the Flourishes Blog Saturday for the Winner's Circle where we'll announce all of our winners of this weeks' challenges!
Join us back here tomorrow for a Summer set that's ready to PARTY!

~ Ally ~

Sponsored by:  Flourishes LLC

Supplies:
stamps: Flourishes (Anemones)
cardstock: Flourishes (Classic White, Black & African Daisy)
patterned papers:  Echo Park
die cut shapes:   Spellbinders
ink:  Memento, Copic
ribbon:  Flourishes
other:  thread.

Timeless Tuesday ~ Seeing Clearly with Dahlias!

Welcome to Day 1 of the Flourishes July Reveal Week!  Yeehaw!  Are you as excited as I am about seeing what Flourishes has to offer this month?!  We are simply giddy about introducing our first of FOUR new stamp sets this month.  Don't forget, you'll have many instances to WIN some of our new stamp sets for your very own! And this, our first new stamp set....

...are as though they are fresh clipped from the garden.  These breathtaking Dahlias would be a prize on any card or creation. Illustrated by Marcella Hawley, this 4 by 6" set features two gorgeous main images plus five all occasion sentiments, perfect for all kinds of creations.

AND...here's one way to win this gorgeous new stamp set for your collection...
You need to find out who today's Mystery Blogger is!  Hidden among the Design Team is one Designer who has this set to give away. Comment on that blog and you could win today's beautiful Dahlias stamp set!

Now...on to our challenge...
Deborah is our lovely hostess this week.  And her challenge this week is to...

...use ACETATE anywhere in your project or card (FTTC228).

That's right, it's time to dust off those clear pieces of "paper" and create something fun and unique!
I started off by creating a tri-fold card base using Flourishes Classic White Cardstock and our Clear Cover Cardstock for the two outer wings of the card.

Then I cut 3 of the Taylor-Made Classic Keyhole Die shapes, again using Classic White Cardstock and then I airbrushed them with some shades of pink Copics.

Then I stamped the gorgeous large dahlia image from the new Dahlias stamp set twice using Memento "Tuxedo Black" ink and began to colour them.  I coloured only the larger of the blooms on one image and fussy cut them out. I coloured all the greenery on the other stamped image plus I coloured the blooms with a base pink colour, just in case you can see under my fussy cut 3D blooms once assembled.


To colour my dahlias, I used the following Copic Collections:
R000, RV23/25/29, YG21/23/25/45, Y13.

 
 


Then I placed my layered dahlia blooms on the front of my card, adding some pretty Metallic Silver String and a fun Sparklet.
On the second, inner flap I chose to stamp the top of the dahlia bouquet from the new Dahlias stamp set using Memento "Rose Bud" ink and this wonderful sentiment...
 

And finally on the inside of my card, I stamped a birthday greeting.  The top of the greeting is from the Dahlias stamp set and I finished it off with the "Happy Birthday to you" from the Sentimental Favorites stamp collection...


Today we have both our Flourishes Finest Design Team AND our Friends of Flourishes Team sharing their "Seeing Clearly" inspirations with you!  Take a moment and leave some love on all of our designers' blogs for your chance to win this gorgeous new stamp set.
Have fun!  Thanks for stopping by today! Don't forget to leave a comment for your chance to win this beautiful new stamp set for your very own.

~ Ally ~

Sponsored by:  Flourishes LLC

Supplies:
stamps: Flourishes (Dahlias, Sentimental Favorites)
cardstock: Flourishes
patterned papers: Echo Park
die cut shapes: Spellbinders
ink: Memento, Copic
string: Flourishes
edge punch: Fiskars
gems: Flourishes
 
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