Have you heard about the Dare to Get Dirty 08 Challenges going on this week over at Splitcoaststampers?  Here is a card for Christine’s challenge.

This beautiful floral image is from Inque Boutique’s “Victorian Flourishes”.  The sentiment and background script are from Inque Boutique’s “French Fancy”.  It is watercolored with SU! reinkers.

I did something kinda fun with the sentiment on this card.

Only part of it is showing on the card front.

The other half is on the inside of the card.

I used good ole Scotch tape to cover the part of the sentiment I didn’t want to stamp.

After inking the sentiment, I removed the tape and stamped.

Quick and easy and there are no worries about any ink getting on the unwanted part of the sentiment.

Since this is such a simple layout, I added lots of dimension for more depth and to add interest to the card.  I love my corner punch!

Hope you can find some time to play along with the Dirty Dozen Design Team and Alumni in the Splitcoaststampers DTGD 08 Challenges this week!

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Stamps: Inque Boutique’s “Victorian Flourishes” and “French Fancy”

Papers: SU! Basic Black, Very Vanilla, Cameo Coral

Inks:  Versafine Onyx Black; SU! Reinkers Glorious Green, Certainly Celery, Cameo Coral, Creamy Caramel, Bashful Blue, Black Gel Pen

Accessories: Pearl Brad, Ribbon, Corner Punch, Aqua Painter

I had been planning to make a card with my Crystal Clear Card Stock for some time.  However I hadn’t been inspired as to what exactly I wanted to do.  Then today as I was sitting somewhere “special” I happened to look at the picture hanging on my powder room wall.  (Yes, you can now guess where I was sitting!  *blushing*)

Oh my!!  That has been hanging there for at least 10 years, but only today did it become the perfect inspiration I had been looking for.  Guess that just goes to show you, you never know when or where inspiration will strike!  hehe

The main image is stamped with Flourishes newly released “Poppy Patch”.  I watercolored it using SU! reinkers.

As I was making this card, I took a few pictures.  First I cut out an oval from some regular card stock and taped the frame to the back of the acetate for a guide.  (The acetate was a half sheet measuring 5-1/2″ X 8-1/2″.)  I made sure that the frame was placed on one side of the card stock so that when I scored and folded it (to make a regular 5-1/2″ X 4-1/4″ card) the image would be centered on the front.

Next, using one of the crown images from Flourishes “Mardi Gras” set, I stamped one in each “corner” of the frame with White Stazon.  I then used a white gel pen to connect them with some faux stitching.

Finally I taped the acetate card to a 5-1/2″ X 4-1/4″ piece of Blush Blossom card stock.  I made a smaller card from Really Rust card stock and taped that to the inside of the acetate card.  With the regular card stocks taped to both the front and back of the back section of the acetate card, no adhesive is visible.  The main image is adhered to the front of the smaller card inside the acetate one.

Every Wednesday on Sharon Johnson’s Blog “No Time To Stamp?” she has a “May I Suggest” theme.  This week she has asked all of us on the Flourishes Design Team to get in the act, too, and give a suggestion of our own.  What I would like to suggest is that you consider the versatility and ease of the wonderful Flat Back Pearls.  I have put some copper pearls on this card today instead of brads.  I love brads, but with the clear card stock, they really are a problem.  What do you do with the metal fasteners?  They show through and there’s no easy way to prevent it.  But with the flat back pearls, “Voila”.  No problem.  They have a small little adhesive on the back so there is no need for any fasteners.  Just something to consider the next time you are using acetate or even making a one layer card.  The pearls are perfect for these, too, because there are no fasteners to show on the inside of the card either.

Check out the other design team’s posts today for more tips or suggestions:

Sharon Johnson

Leslie Miller

Julie Koerber

Faith Hofrichter

Linda Duke

Sharon Doolittle

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Stamps: Flourishes “Poppy Patch” and “Mardi Gras”
Papers: Crystal Clear Card Stock (Acetate), Blush Blossom, Really Rust
Inks: White Stazon, Really Rust Classic and Reinkers in Really Rust, Ruby Red, So Saffron Always Artichoke, Marker in Chocolate Chip, White Gel Pen
Accessories: Copper Flat Back Pearls, GG Ribbon

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Just a note:  This may be my last post for awhile as I’m off to CHA!!  So please be patient with me.  I plan to have a laptop at the convention, but getting it hooked up may be an issue for my limited computer knowledge!  If I’m computerless, I will respond to your posts and emails when I return.  Hope everyone has a great week!

Day three of Flourishes new releases brings me to my final set for July called “Poppy Patch”.  There have been some beautifully colored… oh so beautifully colored poppies shown by the design team members.  But today I want to show this stamp set with no coloring in at all.  These images are so beautiful.  I think they look simply elegant even standing all on their own.

I just inked up the images with my markers and stamped.  Quick and easy.. which I believe also qualifies this card for Sharon’s Stamp Simply Challenge.  Her challenge is to make a thank you card.  Since I again used that wonderful script background stamp from the new Flourishes “Thank You” set on my card, it works!

I added one of my favorite accessories some black flat back Pearls to the center of the poppy. The designer paper is Basic Grey’s “Scarlet’s Letter”. The ribbon is May Arts’ Sheer Polka Dot.

Be sure to visit the other Flourishes Design Team member’s blogs to see more of the new releases:  Sharon Johnson-No Time To Stamp?, Leslie Miller-Running With Scissors, Linda Duke-Works of Heart, Faith Hofrichter-Stampin’ w/Markie’s Mom, Julie Koerber-Out to Impress

Stamps: FLLC “Poppy Patch”, “Thank You”

Papers: SU! Whisper White; Basic Grey Scarlet’s Letter

Inks: SU! Rose Red, Old Olive; Versafine Onyx Black

Accessories: Pearls; May Arts Ribbon

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Okay if you have a queazy stomach you may not want to click on the picture below.  But I just HAVE to share.  It’s the whole proud mom thing goin’ on here.  lol  It’s my son.  He is in dental school and yesterday he called me very excited.  A milestone for him as he performed his first procedure that has to be performed by a doctor.  Everything he has done up until yesterday could also be performed by a nurse/dental assistant.  His “patient” is another dental student.  Yes!!  They practice on each other!  lol  He had his turn in the chair, too, and drove home with his mouth completely numb from all the injections!

I LOVE Fridays!!  Hope everyone has a great one!

Today’s card shows another one of this week’s new releases at Flourishes called “Thank You”.  It is this month’s Stamp Simply set and is unbelievably FABULOUS!!  I love the tulip images and the graceful elegant sentiments.  AND what about that script background?  Well I can’t put it down!

Using my SU! markers I inked up the tulip with Old Olive and Elegant Eggplant.  I colored in the flower with Lavender Lace.  It was so quick and easy.  (I need easy!)

I stamped a second tulip and cut out a portion of the flower and stem.  It is adhered at the stem and then popped up on the petals.  It adds a fun little bit of dimension to the flower.  The gorgeous ribbon, flat back pearl and Basic Grey designer paper can also be found at Flourishes.  The sentiment is part of the script background stamp.  What a wonderful set this is!!

Oh and don’t forget to visit the other Flourishes Design Team member’s blogs to see more of the new releases:  Sharon Johnson-No Time To Stamp?, Leslie Miller-Running With Scissors, Linda Duke-Works of Heart, Faith Hofrichter-Stampin’ w/Markie’s Mom, Julie Koerber-Out to Impress

Did you know that Julie is a finalist in the Paper Crafts Idol Contest?!?  If you haven’t already cast your vote, it’s not too late to do so.

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Stamps: Flourishes Stamp Simply “Thank You”, IBB

Papers: Whisper White, Lavender Lace, Elegant Eggplant, Old Olive, Basic Grey’s “Euphoria”

Inks: Lavender Lace, Elegant Eggplant, Old Olive

Accessories: Satin Ribbon, Pearl

Today is Flourishes Day!  Three new sets are being released, and each one is as wonderful as the next!  The butterfly on today’s card is from the new set called  “Butterfly Moments”.  The background script is from the new Stamp Simply set called “Thank You”.  I just love it!  The sets are so easy to use together even though each is distinctly different and unique.  How cool is that!  The third set is called “Poppy Patch”.  They are all just so beautiful!

For this card I first stamped the script background and the three butterflies that are around the border of the main panel.  They are colored with SU! markers.  I sponged and faux stitched around the panel.  I then put on a couple of beautiful May Art ribbons found here and here and gold cording.  Three more butterflies were stamped, colored, cutout and adhered to the card.  I applied flat back black pearls to them.  Lastly I added a prima, another pearl and a corner accent.

Be sure to visit the other Flourishes Design Team member’s blogs to see more of the new releases.  Then head on over to Flourishes to get these wonderful sets!

Sharon Johnson
No Time To Stamp?

Leslie Miller
Running With Scissors

Linda Duke
Works of Heart

Faith Hofrichter
Stampin’ w/Markie’s Mom

Julie Koerber
Out to Impress

Julie hosted her first Motivate Me Mondays challenge on Monday (of course!) in the FLLC Forum.  You can play along anytime during the whole week.  Did you know that Julie is a finalist in the Paper Crafts Idol Contest?!?  Voting begins today.

Also in the FLLC Forum, Faith hosted a Flourishes Tuesday Challenge.  (I think it was yesterday on Tuesday… okay okay j/k OF COURSE it was yesterday on Tuesday!!  lol)  And again, you have all week to play!  Check out these fun challenges and play along if you can!

***Oh yes and there’s just one more thing.  The winner of my blog candy is Post #20 Diane Lapointe!!  I will email you so that you can send me your address!  Congratulations!!  Hope you have tons of fun with your new set!***

Stamps: Flourishes “Butterfly Moments” and “Thank You”

Papers: Very Vanilla, Basic Black, Whisper White

Inks: Versafine “Onyx Black”, More Mustard and Markers: Really Rust, Summer Sun and Yoyo Yellow, Stardust Clear Glitter Pen, Black Gel Pen

Accessories: May Art Ribbon, Pearls, Cording, Prima, Corner Punch

Oh how I have loved playing with this wonderful set “Coffee With Friends” from Flourishes this past month.  And just like that sweet brad inside the heart on the card, this set will forever hold a sweet and special place in my heart as Flourishes first “Stamp Simply” set by my friend Sharon Johnson (notimetostamp).

And so I want to share with a friend.. with one of you.. a brand spankin’ new “Coffee With Friends” set.

For a chance to win this set, just leave a comment here on this post.  You have until Tuesday, July 8th at midnight pst (tomorrow).   At that time a number will be picked with random.org.  The winner of this blog candy will be announced here in the morning on Wednesday, July 9th.

Here are a few more details about the card.  The glazed brad is from Basic Grey’s “Sultry” collection.  The designer paper is also Basic Grey and from the “Euphoria” collection.  I sponged the dp all over with Memento’s “Rich Cocoa” ink.  That yummy 1″ sheer chocolate ribbon is from May Arts.

Now what is that little flower peeking out from behind the mug?  That’s not part of the Coffee set.  Ah-ha maybe it’s from the new upcoming Stamp Simply set. Did you notice it trying to show it’s sweet little face today?  Well it must wait until Wednesday before it’s full reveal!  Yes!!  This Wednesday is Flourishes release day and have they ever outdone themselves this time.  Three fabulous sets are on their way!!

Oh and just a couple of things of which to take note:

1. For those of you who may already have the “Coffee With Friends” set, over on Splitcoaststampers in the FLLC Forum, Sharon is running a fun challenge with it.  AND there are PRIZES!!  The challenge ends Thursday at 6pm est, so there is still time to play!  Check it out here.
2. Also starting tonight, again over on Splitcoaststampers in the FLLC Forum, Julie Koerber will be hosting a weekly “Motivate Me Mondays” challenge.  It sounds like great fun.  You can find her challenge here and read all about it.

Stamps: FLLC Coffee With Friends and Unknown Flower *chuckle*
Papers: Very Vanilla, Purely Pomegranate, Chocolate Chip, Basic Grey Euphoria
Inks: Memento Rich Cocoa, Marker: Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Basic Grey Glazed Brad Sultry, May Arts Sheer Ribbon, Corner Punch

THIS POST IS NOW CLOSED TO COMMENTS.

Red White and Blue… and Pink Green and Purple!  Happy 4th of July Basic Grey Style.  I love this new Euphoria designer paper from BG.

Aren’t these fireworks fun!  I used some Stickles and my Stardust Clear Pen directly on the Euphoria dp.  The “4th” was made using the JustRite Monogram Stamper.  The word “Happy” is from Flourishes “Many Sentiments” set.

This card was made for the Splitcoaststampers Sketch Challenge #138.  I LOVE this layout!

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Oh and I just have to share a picture of my son’s LAN (Local Area Networking) party that he had last week.  Here are the guys with their computers all hooked together having fun playing their favorite game World of Warcraft (WOW).  I think this was taken around 3:30 a.m.!!

And speaking of fun and games, hope everyone has a great holiday weekend!

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Stamps: Star-Studded Season, FLLC “Many Sentiments”, JustRite Monogram Stamper

Papers: Purely Pomegranate, Whisper White, DP Basic Grey “Euphoria”

Inks: Purely Pomegranate, Versafine “Onyx Black”, Pre-inked Monogram Stamper

Accessories: GG Ribbon, Stardust Clear Pen, Stickles, 1-1/4″ Circle Punch, Brads

I LOVE this little bee from Flourishes Peony set.  So last Friday when the Limited Supply Challenge (LSC) on Splitcoaststampers was to make a card using brads as the only embellishment and to incorporate those brads into the image(s), I immediately thought of this sweet little guy.

Well someone didn’t read the instructions quite carefully enough.  See those brads in the corners.  Yup the ones that are NOT part of any image.  Not allowed for this LSC.  D’oh.  Oh and I added some sparkle to the bees’ wings with my Stardust Clear Pen.  I love my Stardust pen.  It is so easy to apply and dries so quickly unlike other glitter products I have tried.  But no matter.  Glitter was not allowed for this LSC.   D’oh.  So needless to say I didn’t upload this for the LSC.

And since this card wasn’t going to be for the challenge, I added some ribbon (which had been painful to leave off in the first place.  lol)  I used Flourishes Harlequin and Accessories set for the background and that cute little flower.  The sentiment is from Flourishes Sweet Treats set.

Next time I must learn to read the instructions/restrictions more carefully!

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Card measures 4-1/4″ X 4-1/4″.

Stamps: Flourishes “Peony”, “Harlequin and Accessories”, “Sweet Treats”

Papers: SU! Soft Sky, Only Orange, Basic Black, Whisper White

Inks: Versafine “Onyx Black”; SU! Classic Buckaroo Blue and Markers Yoyo Yellow, Only Orange

Accessories: Brads, Stardust Clear Pen, Ribbon

Today is Everything Inque Day! That means everything EVERYTHING “Inque Boutique… stamps, inks, markers, papers, ribbons, felt, glitter chipboard, inqueboard, brads…the works” is 20% off! So in honor of Everything Inque Day I have made a dress Victorian style. This beautiful lady is part of the “Victorian Dressmaker” set by Inque Boutique.

This was so fun! I stamped my oh-so-Victorian lady three times. The base layer is cut out around the left side only. I then cut out the skirts on the other two images, rounded them slightly and layered them onto the base image. (The top skirt is cut a little shorter than the middle and bottom skirts.) Since all of the shading is drawn right into the image, she was a breeze to color. I just used my markers with a few touches of a white gel pen for highlighting.

I used large dimensionals at the bottom of the dress close to the hem and thinner dimensionals about half way between the waist and the hem. There are no dimensionals at the waist.

The stamped border and sentiment are from Inque Boutique’s “French Fancy” set.

The Purple Turtle Shoppe is carrying the Everything Inque Day sale. And they have decided to extend the sale to be Saturday (today), Sunday AND Monday. How cool is that! To get the 20% discount you will need a coupon code to be entered at checkout. What is that code you ask? The code is: awesome. That’s for sure!

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Stamps: Inque Boutique “Victorian Dressmaker” and “French Fancy”
Papers: Bravo Burgundy, Blush Blossom, Very Vanilla
Inks: Archival Brilliance Graphite Black, Bravo Burgundy, Bashful Blue and Markers: Barely Banana, Blush Blossom, Pretty in Pink, Bordering Blue, Bravo Burgundy, White and Black Gel Pens
Accessories: Velvet and Satin Ribbons, Prima, Brads, Stickles, Cuttlebug, Textile Embossing Folder, SU! Oval Punches

No kidding. These Twinkling H2O’s really do exactly that.. they twinkle! Look at the sparkle on this wonderful image from the Flourishes “Coffee With Friends” set. I just love how they shimmer and.. well.. twinkle!

Here is the whole card. I think these colors are so lovely.

***EDITED!***

Some have asked about how I did the Cuttlebugged frame around the center stamped section. I should have linked the tutorial on Lynda Benden’s blog and forgot. Thank you Lynda for such a wonderful idea and tutorial.

This next card uses the image of the single small cup in the Flourishes Stamp Simply “Coffee With Friends” set. I stamped it a couple of times on coordinating designer paper from Basic Grey’s “Two Scoops” series, cut them out and stacked them. You know when you stack cups how the handles never allow them to stack straight? Yup it happened here, too. *chuckle* This was fun.

This card was actually one of the cards on the banner over at Splitcoaststampers on the day of this set’s release. I was so excited that they would use my card! How cool is that. Thought I would show it here, too, just in case anyone was curious about all of the supplies used.

Twinkling H2O Card
Stamps: Flourishes “Coffee With Friends”; SU! “So Many Sayings”
Papers: PTI White; SU! “Basic Black
Inks: Jet Black Stazon
Accessories: Twinkling H2O’s, Gingham Ribbon, Cuttlebug, Swiss Dots Embossing Folder, Fiscar’s Scoring Tool, MS Butterfly Punch

Coffee Tastes Better Card
Stamps: Flourishes “Coffee With Friends”
Papers: PTI White; SU! Basic Black; Basic Grey DP “Two Scoops”
Inks: Jet Black Stazon
Accessories: Dotted Ribbon, Rhinestone, Cuttlebug, Swiss Dots Embossing Folder, SU! Corner Punch

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My 16 year old is having a LAN (Local Area Network) party at our home starting this morning. It will last until tomorrow morning. Yes.. all day long and through the night I will have 12 teenage boys playing the newly released season of World of Warcraft (WOW). He is setting up 4-6 (whatever we can fit) large tables. They all bring their computers and monitors and hook them all together and then play this internet game. It’s great fun.. mostly. The down side is that my computer is in the same room where they set up and play. I’ll try to maneuver my way through the maze here at nerd central to get on my computer, too. I hope I remember to take some pictures. It’s actually pretty amazing!! Have a great Wednesday!