My Stamping Thyme: September 2011

Friday, September 30, 2011

World Card Making Day Challenge

In honor of World Card Making Day on Saturday, October 1st, we're kicking
things off one day early in a wild and wacky fashion! Have we got a challenge
for you! It's all about that inner kid and why we love card making in general -
we get to be creative! So, think like a kid and share your favorite animated
character. Find a picture of that character and then, be inspired by the colors
for one fun-filled color challenge! We'll take entries through next Thursday,
October 6th at 5PM EST. The winner of this challenge gets a fun-filled prize
pack with 5 Flourishes stamp sets of our choice. Once you're done with your
creation, simply link up on this post using our Inlinkz widget. If you upload to
Splitcoaststampers, please use the keyword FLLCWCMD11. Th-th-tha-that's all
folks!

As you can see I picked Minnie.. She is one of my favorite cartoon characters. I thought that the Apple Of My Eye was the perfect set to use for my inspired card. I used the MME Rosy paper for my colors on this card. I wanted to use black, white, red and yellow. I also chose the Spellbinders Teardrop Circles and Grand Nestibility Label 23 die. The buttons are from the Rosy and Boyish Collection and ribbon from May Road. I colored my image with the Flourishes Copics Collections Fuchia and Spring Greens.

Check out what the rest of the gang has for your inspiration:

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Furry Friends

It is time for a new Mo's challenge today. This week the challenge is to create a card with a "Furry Friend". I have always loved this Girl and Dog image from Mo's Digital Pencil. She is so sweet carrying Bella. I colored with copics and added a crocheted heart and my favorite gingham ribbon.

Head on over to Mo's Digital Pencil Challenge blog and check out the details and get creating.

Friday, September 23, 2011

Pumpkin Book

This week it is our "free" for all Friday at Flourishes. I love these weeks the most because we get to create whatever we want. I have been swamped at work but took a day off this week and spent some time trying to create this pumpkin. Yes that is a book you see there. It is a very scary children's book I bought with a group of books for my son. It must have had bad karma because this sweet little gal chewed off the cover. They both look innocent but one was not..:)

So I decided to recycle the book. I took off the remaining cover and used it as my template.

I drew out a pumpkin shape ( half of it anyway). Then using scissors I cut this shape on every page. I then used a hot glue gun to glue a few pages together so it would stand open. Then I used the MME Vanity Fair paper that Flourishes carries and the Spellbinders Label Twenty Two Die to cut out my stem. I added some leaves and the sentiment from the Season Of Thanks set that is still available as a Bundle Bonus over at Flourishes store. Hurry the offer ends today. I sponged with some orange ink around the edges of the pages to give it depth.

I cut the Season Of Thanks sentiment out with the Spellbinders Curved Rectangles die. I added a button from MME Rosy Collection ...

I am not all that crazy about this one but my daughter came home and raved over it so I thought I would share. I made it for her new apartment and forgot to hide it before she got home. :) Next time I think I would use a thicker book with more pages to make a fuller pumpkin. This one looks a little puny. Sorry for the poor photography. Lots of dark gloomy days with much needed rain.

Do you want more inspiration? Of course you do....

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Fall Pumpkins

It is time for another Mo's Digital Pencil Challenge. This week the challenge is to create a card with the this beautiful fall bouquet as your inspiration. I chose the fall colors in the bouquet to create my pumpkin card.

I chose Bethany's Wagon and Patrick in the Pumpkin Patch to create my image. I merged them together in Photoshop Elements 7. I hand wrote the sign above Patrick. It makes me giggle every time I look at it because this is what my daughters would say sometimes about their little brother.

I created my pumpkin with my Spellbinders Label Ten die. I then embossed it with my Cuddlebug pumpkin folder. I added some leaves and a stem cut from the Spellbinders Labels 22 die.

Head on over to Mo's Digital Pencil Challenge Blog and join our Fall Challenge.

I am still really busy at work but have been coloring away so I will hopefully be back on track in about 2 weeks. Hope you are all having a great fall. Stay tuned tomorrow for another fun pumpkin project.

Friday, September 16, 2011

A Season Of Thanks

It is the final day of Flourishes September Release Week. This set is going to knock your socks off. What a great way to start out the fall season.

This set is called A Season of Thanks. Marcella really captured the feeling of fall with this set. I will use this over and over again. I stamped my image out on Flourishes Classic White Cardstock. Then I colored it in with Flourishes Copics Collection Evergreen, Tiger Lily, and Flesh Tones 1.. I cut out my image with my Spellbinders Oval Die and matted it with the Spellbinders Label 18 die. I added some of this beautiful brown wrinkled ribbon from Flourishes ribbon collection. The embellishment, Kaiser's Cameo Sparklets, are one of my favorite new things in the store. The designer paper is the Lost and Found Breeze and Kaiser Craft Hunt and Gather.

Want to win this set. There is a Mystery Blogger so be sure to leave a comment.

Want to win OUR ENTIRE RELEASE? Well you’ll have a few chances! You can play in our Colors of Fall Challenge – just click HERE to find out how. You can also play in our Noon Time Challenge that we’ll be posting right here at Noon CST today. You could also check out our fabulously fun Sketch Challenge that we posted at noon yesterday HERE! So click on back, get those fingers inky and good luck! Winners for ALL of our giveaways will be announced in our Saturday Winner’s Circle — right here on the Flourishes blog at 12 noon CST!

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Three Please

It is time for the Flourishes challenge of the day. Today the challenge is to create a card with 3 layers or less.

It is time for the Flourishes challenge of the day. Today the challenge is to create a card with 3 layers or less.

I created a tag for my gift that I showcased this morning. I stamped my Medallion Motif stamp onto some Lost and Found Rosy designer paper with white ink and embossed with white embossing powder. I then sponged on some Tim Holtz distress ink to bring out the white. I added some buttons from the Breeze Buttons from the Lost and Found Collection. I added some of this awesome ribbon from Flourishes ribbon selection. I love this ribbon. It is so easy to work with.

Do you want some awesome inspiration? Check it out here:

Cindy Lawrence
Tammy Hershberger

Medallion Motif

Welcome to day two of Flourishes New Release Week. Up today is this beautiful Medallion set. Oh the possibilities with this set. As you will see today this set is a must have. The sentiments are perfect for many different occasions.

I started off just making a card for project today. I stamped my Medallion Motif with Versafine ink and then embossed it with clear embossing powder. I used Spellbinders Grand Labels Twenty Three and my Grand Calibur to cut out my card shape. The paper I chose is from the Kaiser Craft Hunt and Gather collection. I added a button and some May Arts Celery Crocheted Trim from the Flourishes ribbon collection.

Then I had some more fun with this set. I had seen a pillow in the Pottery Barn store that was very similar to this only it was navy blue with white motifs. They had a price tag of $39.

I stamped my Medallion Motif with Versafine ink onto some twill fabric I had. I let it dry for a day. Then I added the buttons and made it into a pillow. I made two of these for my daughter as a housewarming gift. It was so easy and the materials were less than $5.

That’s right — one of our designers on the link list below is the Mystery Blogger! So, you’ll want to leave comments on all of their blogs. Why? Because one of them will be choosing one lucky comment on today’s post and that commenter will win this set!

OTHER WAYS TO WIN!
Do you love a good challenge? If so, you’ll have to tune back here to the Flourishes blog at noon for one of our special Noon Time Challenges! This one promises to be great fun and if you play along, you could win Flourishes ENTIRE SEPTEMBER RELEASE!

Did you check out our Color Challenge yet? You could also win our release that way too! Click HERE for all the details! We’ll announce ALL of the winners Saturday in our Winner’s Circle Post – check back Saturday, September 17th at noon CST to see if you’re one of the lucky names chosen!

WHEN CAN YOU SHOP?
You might ask, when can we get our hands on these new sets? They will be ready for the taking— first thing Friday morning! Can’t wait? Well, if you like what you see on the designers’ blogs and want to pre-order the sets, you’re in luck – you can! Just click HERE to visit our “Shopping” page! We also have our New Release Bundle as well – 10% off all four of our new sets when you buy them in a bundle!

Tomorrow’s set is one for those who love to savor the flavors of life! Yep, that was your hint – so be sure to check back!

Mo's Digital Pencil 100th Challenge Celebration

It is hard to believe that Mo's Digital Pencil Challenge has had 100 challenges posted.

It seems like yesterday that we had our first. It was this time 2 years ago that I got that amazing email from

Mo telling me I mead the team. Thank you Mo..

We are kicking off the festivities with a huge giveaway. Be sure to check out the Mo's Digital Pencil Challenge blog for all the details.

This week's theme is of course "CELEBRATION". Create a card that demonstrates a celebration. I chose Mo's Bella Carrying The Cake.
Come join the fun today..MO's Digital Pencil Challenge.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Feminine Charm

It is time for another new release at Flourishes. Today we are showcasing a set called Feminine Charm. I fell in love with this set from the first moment I saw it. I love to sew and was once upon a time a Fashion Design major in college. Unfortunately I could do the sewing but not the drawing it required. This dress form is so pretty and reminds me of those days long gone.

For this card I stamped my image on my Lost and Found Rosy designer paper. All of the designer paper on this card is from that collection. I added some pretty lace trim from Flourishes new ribbon collections. I added some dimension to my card by using a button from the Lost and Found One of a Kind Rosy button collection. Pretty simple card.

Now do you want a chance to win this set. There are so many possibilities:

Tomorrow’s set is one for those who love to savor the flavors of life! Yep, that was your hint – so be sure to check back!

Friday, September 9, 2011

Have Faith

It is hard to believe it is time for another Flourishes Release Challenge. With the cool crisp air here in NC I am ready. We have had temps over 90 every day since April. It is also time to say goodbye to my hummingbirds for the winter. I thought this would be a great set to use.

Our challenge this month is to use the above color palette. Don't you just love all those yummy colors? I chose honeysuckle, coffee liqueur and cedar.

I chose lots of the new AMAZING goodies Flourishes has in the store now. Wow did those CHA girls do a great job picking out goodies. I used Hello Hyacinth and Humming Along for my stamps. The paper is from My Minds Eye Vanity Fair and then I added this beautiful trim and pearls.

I colored with Flourishes Copics Collection Lenten Roses.

I cut my image out with my Grand Calibur using the Spellbinders Eighteen die. LOVE this new die.

Come join in the fun. You have until Next Friday to complete a card using these colors.

One more thing before I go.. A big welcome to Tammy Hershberger who is joining the Senior Design team. We are very happy to have her.

HOW TO PLAY: Simply incorporate one or more of these colors on your card or creation and you'll be in the running! After you create your card, be sure to come back here and link up using our Inlinkz widget. You’ll need to share your link here to be in the running! You have until September 16th at 5PM EST to enter! This month we have 3 new stamp sets to share. The previews start next Wednesday and just think, you could WIN them all!

Now check out our talented teams creations:

Now, when you make the rounds to our fabulous designers, you might notice something about their creations! A handful of them are using Flourishes brand new 123 Create Kit called Garden Girl! It's hot and trendy and guess what? It uses some of those fabulous "in" colors for fall! Check it out!

With this kit you get a 6 by 6 Bo Bunny Garden Girl Paper Pack, matching Bo Bunny jewels, 10 fun-filled daisy charms, 2 yards of 1/2" purple May Arts ribbon, 2 yards of olive green wrinkled May Arts ribbon and one yard of beautiful pleated satin ribbon in a lush chocolate brown! All of this for just $17. Think of the fun you'll have creating with all of these goodies! You can click HERE to pick up your kit before they are gone!

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Boy Attitude

It is time for another Mo's Digital Pencil challenge. This week's theme is boy attitude. I chose Bronte and Louis for my cookie recipe. Every little boy needs a cookie.

This recipe I have had for 20 years. My middle daughter made these cookies for a 4-H fair. I love making these recipe cards. They are fun to put in my recipe holder. Thanks to my friend Christine I have made several.

Here is a little girl attitude..:)

This is another family favorite. My Mother In Laws caramel corn. I used Kat At The Carnival from Mo's Digital Pencil for this card.

Hope you have time to make a "Boy's Attitude" card and come join the fun this week over at Mo's Digital Pencil Challenge Blog.

Monday, September 5, 2011

Blog Candy Winner FINALLY and Apples

I cased one of my own creations from last fall to give to my son's teacher. She has started the year off with such enthusiasm and energy. I used Flourishes Apple of My Eye set. I dusted off my prisma pencils for this image. I love the depth it gives to your stamping.

Now on to the winner of my blog candy. I am so sorry it has taken me so long to get to this. I am swamped at work and have not had one free minute to spare. I am working on claims from Hurricane Irene's devastation. The magnitude is indescribable. Keep these folks in your prayers.

The winner is Sherri.. here is her comment:

Sherri said...Such beautiful cards & such a perfect scripture verse. We all need to remember those words, not just in bad times but in good ones too. I will miss your postings but am glad you are able to get away to refresh your spirit. I haven't been able to check your post for a couple of weeks due to computer & health issues. Both are recovering. Enjoy your month away!

July 31, 2011 6:55 PM

Sherri please contact me with your choice of gift certificate..

I have you all on my list to catch up on blog visits.. I have missed you.

Friday, September 2, 2011

Saying Goodbye to Leslie

In March of 2010 I was asked to be on Flourishes Design Team. I was honored and felt like I had a lot of work to do to create with this fabulous team. Not only are they talented they are the nicest team you could ever ask to be a part of. That is the reason it saddens me to say goodbye to one of Flourishes very first designers. Leslie Miller has decided to step down and we will definitely miss her. I had the pleasure and honor of meeting Leslie in July of 2010 at CHA in Chicago. She is one of those people you meet and instantly feel at ease.

Today we are honoring Leslie with a little CASEing of one of her creations. I chose her watercolored creation she named.. Poppies at Dawn.

I followed this fabulous tutorial she has on her old blog. She makes it look so easy. I think I have asked her a million questions about watercoloring with Tombow makers.

I kept my card very simple so that it would emphasize the watercoloring. I did color my Poppy Patch stamp from Flourishes twice and cut one set out and popped them up.

Good luck Leslie.. I know the future is yours to behold. I can't wait to see more of Wally on your blog and your amazing garden. Take care my friend. You can also visit Leslie at Running With Scissors.. You will love it there.

Now check out what the rest of the design team has to show you:

Thursday, September 1, 2011

I Cherry-ish You

Hard to believe that a month has gone by without stamping. I really enjoyed my break. I think it is good for your body and mind to just let go of things and relax.

Thank you all that have emailed me with concerns about our well being here in NC. I had lots of phone calls and emails. I feel blessed. Luckily we had no damage. I am swamped at work right now dealing with many insurance claims for those that did. Even some of our design team at Mo's were affected by this devastating storm.

This week at Mo's the challenge is a sketch. Here is the card I created for the challenge:

I chose Mo's Digital Pencil Image Cherry. I used my Spellbinders Grand Label Twenty Three die for my card shape and my circle dies for the image. I added the leafy vine and some heart cherry buttons. Come play along with our challenge..MO's Digital Pencil Challenge.