Big News Announcement & a GIVEAWAY!!!

CONTEST CLOSED!
BIG NEWS!!!

I have been asked to join the Senior Design Team for Flourishes!!!!  I will still however, remain as part of the Friends of Flourishes team and still coordinate for that team. I'm ecstatic!

Thanks to Julie and Christine and the rest of the Sr. DT for a very warm welcome!

You can even learn a little bit more about me too!  I'm being featured as the...
... for this week on the Flourishes blog.  Come and check it out!  Click here.

To celebrate, I'm giving away a "Bees & Blooms" stamp set!


To be eligible to win, first you must;
  1. Leave a comment on THIS Flourishes Blog post.
  2. Leave a comment below and tell me which of the cards displayed in the above linked post you liked the best and why?
That's it!  I'll draw a lucky random commenter sometime on Saturday September 7th and post the winner here on my blog.

Good luck!

~ Ally ~

Timeless Tuesday ~ In Distress

Howdy Flourishes lovers!  It's the LAST Tuesday before school begins for us!  My munchkin is off to Grade 3 this year and Mama is certainly ready for quiet days of endless creativity!!

For this week's Timeless Tuesday Challenge at Flourishes, our lovely hostess is Deborah this week!  Deborah is challenging us to...

...create a project with DISTRESSING!  
Let's get "In Distress"!
FTTC235

I had a lot of fun with this challenge this week!  Here is what  I created for Deborah's fabulous challenge this week...

Here are the steps I used to create my distressed back ground...

Each number corresponds to the numbered image above:
  1. I took a piece of Flourishes Classic White Cardstock, using Memento "Black Tuxedo" ink, I stamped 4 of the different sentiments from the new "Chrysanthemum" stamp set all over it.  I even stamped them upside down for interest! 
  2. Then I used a stencil and applied some areas of 3D molding paste to give the card front texture.
  3. Then I rubbed on some Ranger "Tattered Rose" ink using an Ink Blending Tool.
  4. Then I applied a heavy layer of gesso using a brush.
  5. While the gesso was quite wet, I took a damp sponge and wiped off some of the gesso to reveal the colour and stamping.
  6. Next I took some dark pink Ranger ink; rubbing it in some spots and not others.
  7. Then I added some "aging" to the back ground with some darker brown ink.
  8. And finally, I added some fun metallic bronze paint to the raised portions and edges of the back ground for that touch of sparkle!
For my focal image I used the rather fabulous chic lady in the veil from the "Glamour Girls" stamp collection!  I cut my shape from Flourishes Classic White Cardstock using the amazing Glamour Girls Silhouette Cut File, and then I stamped my image using Memento "Black Tuxedo" ink.  I coloured her in using all of the fun Distress Inks I used to create my back ground!

To give her some focus, I popped my fabulous gal up onto a vellum cut of our Perfectly Pierced Victorian Ovals!   I love how the vellum allows you to peek at the back ground behind!  

For a touch of colour and texture I wrapped my card front with "Basque Red" Seam Binding Ribbon, a piece of White Floral Venice Lace and quite couple of loops of the Ivory Jute!

Now... take a moment and check out my fellow DT member's creations this week...
Thanks for stopping by!  Enjoy your journey checking out all the fabulous distressed creations today!~ Ally ~

Sponsored by Flourishes LLC

Supplies:
stamps: Flourishes (Chrysanthemum, Glamour Girls)
cardstock: Flourishes, Bazzill
corrugated cardboard: K & Company
die cut shapes:  Flourishes/Spellbinders
ink:  Memento, Ranger
paint:  Ranger
ribbon/lace: Flourishes
3D molding Paste: American Traditional Designs
tools:  Scor-Pal
other:  vellum, pins, flower.

Timeless Tuesday ~ Dainty Doilies



Howdy all! Time for another fabulous challenge at Flourishes... the Timeless Tuesday Challenge!

This week the fabulous Judy is our hostess and she is challenging us to...

...to create a card or project where we use doilies!
You can use an actual doily or a die cut doily shape.. whatever you have on hand.
FTTC234

For my card I decided I wanted to play with blues!  There is something so rich and beautiful about blue hues.

To begin, I cut a piece of "Kevin Burlap" blue and "Evening Surf" blue cardstock from the "True Blue" Color Made Easy Cardstock collection.  I stamped all of the beautiful blooms from the NEW "Chrysanthemum" stamp set using dark blue ink.  Then I took my Periwinkle Letraset Aquamarker and outlined each bloom.

Then I die cut a circle form Flourishes' Classic White Cardstock and stamped m sentiment and more blossoms from the "Chrysanthemum" stamp set.  I inked up the edges of my image in the die using some Ranger "Tumbled Glass" Distress Ink.  Before adhering it down, I added some of my favourite ribbon, White Seam Binding and a spot of bling.


To finish off my card this week, I cut more "Kevin Burlap" blue and "Evening Surf" blue cardstock from the "True Blue" Color Made Easy Cardstock collection and stamped a few more Chrysanthemum images and a quick sentiment on the inside.


Super fun and easy to make!  For further challenge details, please visit the Flourishes blog HERE.

Now... check out what my fellow designers creating using our fabulous challenge this week...
Thanks for stopping by!  Enjoy your journey checking out all the fabulous doily creations today!
~ Ally ~

Sponsored by Flourishes LLC

Supplies:
stamps: Flourishes (Chrysanthemum)
cardstock: Flourishes
die cut shapes: Spellbinders, Cheery Lynn Designs
ink:  Stampin' Up!, Ranger
ribbon:  Flourishes
gems: Doodlebug
other: thread.

Stamps & Scraps ~ Wax On... Wax Off!


Come and check out my latest column for Stamps & Scraps over on the Flourishes blog today!

This month I'm playing with wax crayons and sharing how this collection of shells...


 ... becomes this fabulous layout!

Come and check it out!!!

~ Ally ~

Sponsored by:  Flourishes LLC

Supplies:
stamps: Flourishes (Seaside Life, Just My Type, Lace Edges, Beach Life)
cardstock: Bazzill
patterned papers & stickers: Carte Paper
die cut shapes: Klic n'Kut
inks: Memento, Ranger, Dylusions
washi tapes:We R Memory Keepers, etc.
ribbon:Flourishes
tools: crayons
masks: Prima
other: thread, gesso, 3D moulding paste.

Introducing... Autumn Blessings

Welcome to our last day of August New Releases at Flourishes!  We're thrilled with your response to these beautiful fall-themed sets, and to finish our week out we know you'll love today's little treasure too!  You can celebrate all that Autumn has to offer with a spirit of thanksgiving. This beautiful and earthy set penned by Marcella Hawley features three main images, two accent images and six mix and match sentiments. Set measures 4 by 6".  It has a wonderful homespun feel and the Design Team had a lot of fun playing with it.

You'll also be glad to hear that it has it's own cut-file for extra creating options. So while you're visiting the Design Team remember that you're also looking for one last...

Mystery Blogger Graphic

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.

In addition to this beautiful stamp set - we have something even more exciting to offer. This month's...

Classinabox-AugGfx

If you like what you see with the cards above, you should click HERE and pick up our August Class in a Box Kit. The last one sold out in a matter of hours! With each kit you receive pre-cut paper and detailed instructions to make the three cards and 2 of each design for a total of six cards. Just stamp, color and put them together! When you’re done, save the full-color, glossy instructions to make all of these cards on your own in the future. It's inspiration delivered right to your door! The instructions are great layout ideas for any and all of Flourishes sets! The kit comes with the Autumn Blessings stamp set (SS256) embellishments, twine, buttons, trims and pre-cut decorative paper, the remaining Autumn Harvest 6 by 6″ paper pack plus card stock for card bases.You can check it out HERE! But, hurry before this kit is gone!

Also, have you heard about our Overstock Sale? All sale items are an additional 25% off when you use the code OVERSTOCK25 in the coupon code box at the time of checkout. Keep in mind, this discount only applies to Sale Page Items. We have paper, ink, ribbon and even overstocked stamp sets! Click HERE to see for yourself and pick up some goodies before they are gone!

DO YOU WANT TO WIN OUR ENTIRE RELEASE?

If you would like a chance at winning all three of our now released August sets…
  • You can play in our Colorful Creations Challenge – we will have multiple winners there! Deadline for entries is TODAY FRIDAY August 16th at 5 PM EST. Check out the link for the official rules!
  • All three of our August 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 three together in a bundle. And, for even more creative options, there are Silhouette Cut Files for some of the stamp sets in this release -- Chrysanthemum Silhouette Cut File and Autumn Blessings Silhouette Cut File!
  • 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!
Here's what I created using this gorgeous new stamp set...
This card measured 5.5 x 5.5 and let me tell ya... this image was so fun to colour!  I loved making each pumpkin just a little bit different.

I stamped my detailed image and my sentiment onto Flourishes' Classic White Cardstock.  This white cardstock is the BEST for colouring with Copics.  I actually buy it in several packs at a time to ensure I always have lots!

I also wrapped my card using some rich Chocolate Brown Seam Binding.  Flourishes' sells an amazing variety of beautiful colours and each colour matches our Color Made Easy cardstock!  Too perfect!

I coloured my image using the following Copic Collections today...


Now on to our next blogger...  Christine Okken!


Thanks for your great support, and encouraging words again this month and we look forward to what you create with our August Releases!

~ Ally ~

Sponsored by Flourishes LLC

Supplies:
stamps: Flourishes (Autumn Blessings)
cardstock:  Flourishes, Bazzill
patterned papers:  Farm House Paper Company
die cut shapes:  Spellbinders
ink:  Memento, Copic, Ranger
ribbon:  Flourishes
gems:  Micheals
other:  thread.

Introducing... Mountain View


There is something so majestic about seeing mountain wildlife in their element, and today we have an amazing scenic set to show off to you.  It's an elk standing ready with a beautiful mountainside in the background - that's the centerpiece of this 4" by 3" set penned by Lauren Pope. Perfect for the guys in your life, this set features one main image as well as three sentiments.

We think it's an impressive and stately image and our Design Team is ready to show it off to you bringing it to life!  Don't forget to look for:
Mystery Blogger Graphic

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.

DO YOU WANT TO WIN OUR ENTIRE RELEASE?

If you would like a chance at winning all three of our soon-to-be released August sets…
  • You can play in our Colorful Creations Challenge – we will have multiple winners there! Deadline for entries is FRIDAY August 16th at 5 PM EST. Check out the link for the official rules!
  • All three of our August 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 three together in a bundle, this discount will be available for only 1 week following the release.
  • 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!
And... as you are hopping and making your wish lists -- don't forget about our...

OVERSTOCKGRX

.....Overstock Sale! If you click HERE, you can take a trip to our SALE page you'll find hundreds of items with prices that will be slashed at the time of check out! Just add the coupon code OVERSTOCK25 and 25% will be deducted from your total. This coupon code will ONLY work on SALE  PAGE items. We have inks, paper, embellishments, ribbons and even overstocked stamp sets. On those items with sale prices, you will be able to take an ADDITIONAL 25% off! It's the deal of the season! So click HERE to shop early for the best selection!

Hi again everyone!  This stamp set is very near and dear to my heart.  It reminds me of both my Dad whom was an avid hunter and outdoors man, whom I lost last year but it also reminds me of our life living in BC for 4 years.  Almost every month of year, we would see some kind of elk in the valley we lived in. I mean I didn't live in the "Elk Valley" for nothing!!!  Here's a shot of an elk herd with the snow capped Rockies in the back ground...

So I had to take this beautiful new stamp set and just have fun with it!  There is so much dimension built into the focal image that I knew I would have to layer it up...

I stamped my image 6 times onto Flourishes Classic White Cardstock to get all of my layers!  I fussy cut each layer and build my image back up to put inside my card's window.

I added some fun glitter to my image to mimic snow!

I used the following Copic Collections to colour my layers:

Here's a better close up of all the different layers of paper...  (Note to self:  Next time, mask or eliminate the elk in the final sky layer!  Too hard to line up all those super fine antlers.)

I even decorated the inside of my card too!

Hope you enjoyed my trip to the wilds today.  Check out Christine Okken's blog next!

Join us back here tomorrow for a thankful Autumn set that will bless you!

I also created this card for the Christmas Card Challenges blog; Challenge #37; "Evergreen Trees".

~ Ally ~

Sponsored by Flourishes LLC

Supplies:
stamps: Flourishes (Mountain View)
cardstock: Flourishes, Bazzill
patterned papers:  Simple Stories
die cut shapes: Spellbinders
ink: Memento, Copic
metallic string: Flourishes
gold pearls: Micheals
other: thread.

Introducing... Chrysanthemum

We are so excited to be back with a new round of beautiful stamps for you this August!  Today's stamp set is a new offering from illustrator Sam Pickard and it showcases the unique blooms of the Chrysanthemum flower that is a staple for fall color and bouquets.  This 4 x 6 set contains several arrangements of single or grouped flowers, a buzzing bee, plus wonderful sentiments around a sunshine theme.  It's sure to bring wonderful cheerfulness to your designs on those crisp Autumn days that are coming. And for even more creative options, we'll have a cut-file available for this set as well on Friday.

So we want to show of some of our Chrysanthemum creations to you today and there's a chance for you to win today's set! All you have to do is find:

Mystery Blogger Graphic   

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.

DO YOU WANT TO WIN OUR ENTIRE RELEASE?
If you would like a chance at winning all three of our soon-to-be released August sets…
  • You can play in our Colorful Creations Challenge – we will have multiple winners there! Deadline for entries is FRIDAY August 16th at 5 PM EST.  Check out the link for the official rules!
  • All three of our August 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 three together in a bundle, this discount will be available for only 1 week following the release.
  • 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!

Along the way this week as you're hopping you'll notice the beautiful goodies from our new 123 Create Kit called Isabella.  Be sure to check it out. It's our way of pulling together all of your design elements so you can create beautiful things!
123CreateKit-Isabellaw-banner+copy

If you want to see this kit and all it has to offer in the store, just click HERE. And, one more piece of fun news for you! Just in time for release week shopping, Flourishes is sweetening the deal by offering an..... 

OVERSTOCKGRX

Overstock Sale! If you click HERE, you can take a trip to our SALE page where we've added hundreds, yes hundreds of items! Keep in mind, some items are listed at retail prices. It's only when you add the coupon code OVERSTOCK25 that the 25% will be deducted from your total. This coupon code will ONLY work on SALE  PAGE items. We have inks, paper, embellishments, ribbons and even overstocked stamp sets. On those items with sale prices, you will be able to take an ADDITIONAL 25% off! It's the deal of the season! So click HERE to shop early for the best selection!
*************

Hey everyone!  You are going to LOVE this new stamp set!  It's so jam packed with not only gorgeous images but some beautiful sentiments too!  Here's what I created using the new Chrysanthemum stamp set...

I began with a piece of Flourishes Classic White Cardstock (yup! I did!) and I stamped each one with a chrysanthemum image using Memento "Rich Cocoa" ink.  I took a few of the Chrysanthemum stamp set sentiments, inked them up with the Rich Cocoa ink again, stamped off on a scrap piece of paper and stamped them on the back ground.  I also created a mini panel using the single Chrysanthemum image as well.
I used the following Copic Collections to colour in my chrysanthemums:
 


I added a touch of simple Gold Metallic String and some gold pearls to each card...
I hope you have a great time hopping along and checking out all of the amazingly talented members of the Design Team.  Your next stop is...  Christine Okken.

Join us back here tomorrow where we'll show you a gorgeous set with a view!

~ Ally ~

Sponsored by Flourishes LLC

Supplies:
stamps:  Flourishes (Chrysanthemums)
cardstock:  Flourishes Classic, Bazzill
die cut shapes:  Spellbinders
ink:  Memento, Copic, Ranger
string:  Flourishes
pearls:  Micheals
other:  thread.

Timeless Tuesday ~ Autumn Beauty


Hey hey hey everyone! Welcome to another fabulous Timeless Tuesday Challenge for Flourishes!

This week our lovely hostess is Broni!  And Broni's challenge is to...

...create a card or project using Autumn colours!

I decided to work with some fun yellows, oranges, reds, browns with a splash of light greeny-blue.

I started my card base off by using some Color Made Easy "Sugar Cookie" cardstock from the Sunflower collection.  Then I took my two pieces of patterned paper and stitched then onto a mat of "Festive" from the Tiger Lily cardstock collection. 



Then I wrapped a piece of beautiful burlap ribbon around my card front from the June "123 Create Kit ~ Trial Mix":


I cut a piece of Flourishes Classic White Cardstock using the Spellbinder's Tailor-Made Classic Keyhole Die and I stamped the very ornate urn with all the harvest veggies in it from the A Season of Thanks stamp set using Memento "Black Tuxedo" ink.


I coloured my image using the following Copic Collections:


For the final touch, I added a layer of die cut vellum paper and embossed on my sentiment, also from the A Season of Thanks stamp set.  I added some punched branches, a wrap of Ivory Jute and pretty yellow bow made from "Golden Rod" seam binding. Voila!  An Autumn colour inspired card!

Now... check out what my fellow designers creating using our fabulous challenge this week...
Thanks for stopping by!  Enjoy your journey checking out all the cool Autumn coloured creations today!

~ Ally ~

Sponsored by:  Flourishes LLC

Supplies:
stamps: Flourishes (A Season of Thanks)
cardstock: Flourishes
patterned papers: BasicGrey
die cut shapes: Spellbinders
pearls: Recollections
ink: Memento, Copic
ribbon, jute:  Flourishes
gems: Prima
other: thread.

Thanks "Fur" Everything You Do!

I thought I'd have some fun with some cute Mo Manning images from Mo's Digital Pencil today.  I used all of the Fat Cat images on one card front.  It actually is quite glittery but you can't see any of it!
I love how each kitty turned out so different!  I think my favourite is the little Siamese one! Awwww.... don't ya just wanna scratch her belly???

I also thought I'd incorporate this into this week's DP2 Challenge, "Water, Water.. Everywhere!".  I only a little bit of water, in my gold fish bowl, but I figure it still counts!  LOL!

Have a great Friday everyone!

~ Ally ~

Supplies:
stamps: Digital Pencil by Mo Manning, Flourishes
cardstock: Flourishes
ink: Memento, Copic, Versamark
ribbon: unknown.

Playing with Autumn Colours!

The month of August has rolled in and many of us are beginning to think ahead to Autumn (oh Summer, please stay a little longer!). How about we throw a fun color challenge at you that mixes Summer and Autumn colors together and challenge you to create something with the potential to WIN our August New Releases! Here are the colors:

A lovely teal, a rich rust and a neutral gray. What we love about this challenge is that all of these colors can be found in our Flourishes Color Made Easy Collections. Emerald Coast, Terra Cotta and either Cool Neutrals or Tonal Neutrals, isn't that great? Some of the Flourishes Design Team were blessed to be able to gather together just a few weeks ago in Yellowstone National Park for a wonderful weekend. We realized that there was some beautiful scenery right in front of us that matched the colors of our challenge this month, so we thought we'd show that off to you as well...

DSC_0036-WM 
Beautifully colored mineral Ink Pots in just the right shades! 

Hi everyone.  Ally here!  Isn't Christine's photo above amazing?!!  One day I'm going to see that for my very own eyes.

Here's what I did with our challenge today...
First I made a card base out of Color Made Easy Emerald Coast collection, "Sea Salt".  Then I created matts of "Smoky" from Cool Neutrals, "Burning Ember" from Terra Cotta and finally a layer of "Rain" from the Emerald Coast collection again of which I used my Scor-Pal and embossed some lines on it.  I tied a pretty "Teal Blue" seam binding ribbon and some silver metallic string around my layers.

To create my focal image, I first die cut a piece of Flourishes Classic White Cardstock using the Spellbinder's Perfectly Pierced Classic Window die.  I layered with two fussy cut images from the glorious autumn inspired stamp set, "Autumn Blossoms".  I stamped my simple greeting using Memento "Potter's Clay" ink.

Here's a close up...


I coloured in my blooms using the following Copic Collections:  
(Y15, Y17, YR18, YR61, YR65, YR68, G000, G24, YG93, YG95, E71, E74, E77)
 
 
 

Thanks for stopping by and checking out my Autumn Color Inspiration!

Now, for some lovely card inspiration with these colors, here's what the Design Team has to show off…
THE OFFICIAL RULES:
  • Simply create a card using these colors in the graphic above.
  • Entries need to be in by Friday August 16th at 5 PM EST.
  • Those entries using Flourishes Stamps will be counted twice.
  • You must link your creation on our InLinkz Widgit to be counted.
  • You must have a link to our challenge in your blog post or gallery post.
  • Please DO NOT combine challenges. Only those entries that don't combine will be in the running.
  • If you upload to SCS please use the keyword FLLCAUG13.
  • We'll announce the winners on Saturday in our Winner's Circle Post here on the blog on Saturday August 17th, so check back then to find out if you are a winner!
Thanks for stopping by today and we look forward to seeing what you create! We'll see you here on Wednesday August 14th when our wonderful August Sneak Peeks start! Enjoy creating with these colors!

~ Ally ~

Sponsored by:  Flourishes LLC

Supplies:
stamps: Flourishes (Autumn Blossoms)
cardstock: Flourishes
die cut shapes: Flourishes, Cheerylynn Designs
ink: Memento, Copic
ribbon, string: Flourishes
gems: Prima
other: thread.
 
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