Feb 22 2008

Stamp Simply Challenge #23 – Flourishes

Published by at 2 50 am under Challenges,General Purpose Cards

Challenge #23– Keyword ssnotime23-There is no time limit. You can play this challenge and upload yourproject at Splitcoastand/or your Blog, anytime at all! You can play as many times as you like!!! The point is to keep it simple, quick and have fun!!! Please link back here.

Todays challenge is to use flourishes on your card. And I don’t mean you have to use stamps by the company Flourishes, but just use a flourishy something-or-other on your card. You can stamp your flourish, or it could be a sticker or rub-on, or chipboard, or it could be flourishes on your DP — anything at all — you could even doodle your flourishes if you have nothing else!!! So this is an easy one – everyone can play!!! And try to remember the overall theme of stamping simply. But, as always, no hard and fast rules — just have fun, create and enjoy the process!

I love flourishes and I find it interesting how these pretty, swirlies can present themselves in such a variety of ways. When I think flourishes, I naturally think beautiful and elegant. But then you have the Boho West type flourishes — very manly — or the cutsie, girly type flourishes — very adorable!!! I can’t wait to see what everyone does with this challenge — we should get a fun variety!!!

And I have a FUN NEW FEATURE to introduce to you today! I have a sample maker, so you can see someone else’s work other than mine to get your creative juices flowing — and boy oh boy, will she get your creative juices flowing!!! She is a good Blogging friend whom I am sure many of you mayknow — please meet and greet Julie Koerber — known as outtoimpress at SCS and Out to Impress by Julie in Blogland. Check out her work — you WILL be impressed!!! As soon as she uploads her sample, it will be linked right here. OK, Julie’s SCS upload is hereand her Blog upload is here. Gorgeous sample, Julie!!! Thank you!! Has somewhat of an Asian feel to me — see what I mean about flourishes — so versatile!!!

Remember when you upload to use the keyword above, followed by a comma.Please come back here to post (as a comment) that youve played, and provide a linkso I can check out your card right away. You can find all cards uploaded for this challenge by clicking Gallery Submissions Here.

Some wanting to play said they have never uploaded before. If thats you and you need help uploading, just go to my Challenge No. 1 here.

23-vert-flourish-540-wm-notime.jpg

This is my first sample — super simple, using one large flourish. If I had to pick just one flourish stamp as my all time favorite, it would have to be this large corner flourish which is ina set called Flourished Elements by Flourishes. I absolutely love this set! Here I have just one stamped image, organdy and velvet ribbon on top, adorned with a corsage pin and some pretties from the Pretties Kit. The sentiment is from Many Sentiments, also by Flourishes, and it is punched with the large oval punch, mounted on a Designer Lablel punched piece. The color on this card is Elegant Eggplant — I know it’s looking rather dark on the monitor.

Editing to add: About the pin — the one above is just a corsage pin from Michaels. They are in the bridal section (Wal-Mart would probably have them as well), they come in bags of 50 or 100 — very inexpensive. It has a pearl on the top — that’s how it is made. I added theteardrop crystal and other pearl from the SUPretties Kit. I also took the end cap from the SU Pretties Kit. I did not use the SU Pretties pin itself as it isquite a bitlonger and heavier than these more delicatecorsage pins. Though Ido prefer the quality of the SU Pretties pins, sometimes a project just calls for a smaller pin, and so this is how I hande it!!! Hope this answers the confusion on my pins!!!

Ok, so here’s my 2nd sample:

23-hor-flourishes-540-wm-notime.jpg

Please note that this sample is nothing more than a feminine version of the card in this post. This card is a bit fancier, but still very simple to make. Again, it’s Elegant Eggplant and this one also has Almost Amethyst. The base white is stamped with Damask Negative (reverse) with Almost Amethyst ink on white paper, the large flourish used above from Flourished Elements is stamped over the negative Damask in Elegant Eggplant ink, and the edges of the panel are then heavily sponged in Elegant Eggplant as well.It is framed with an Almost Amethyst panel, decorated with velvet ribbon, a flower and pearls from the Pretties Kit and a rhinestone ice brad before being mounted with mounting tape onto the Elegant Eggplant card.

A note to those who may be using flourishy images by Flourishes: If you are using an image for this challenge by Flourishes, please also use the Flourishes common keyword when you upload so your project will show up with the Flourishes uploads — it is FLLC. Thank you!

TO ANSWER A FEW QUESTIONS: This has nothing to do with the challenge, but I am getting 2 questions asked repeatedly in emails, so thought I’d address them here —

1) Where canyou get the Spring Issue of TakeTen — Well, it won’t be out until March 1, but it should then be on the stands in the bookstores and most major craft stores. It can also be ordered online here.

2) Where can you get the tassels for the graduation check holder card I did — Well, they are the 1.5″ tassels. I’ve gotten them in small bags of 6 or 8 at stamping/scrapping stores, or you can also get them in the sewing section of Wal-Mart, but our local store just had them on clearance, so don’t know if they are not going to be stocked any more or not — sure hope they keep them. You could also use the tassels made for bookmarks, they are just a tad bigger, but their cords are usually very heavy in comparison, which may create a problem.

Hope these answers help — thanks so much for being interested!!! And thank you for stopping in again — I truly do appreciate it!!! Now, I should switch gears again and do a couple SU samples from the Occasions Mini — great stuff in there!!! Hope you all get a chance to play this weekend!

59 responses so far

59 Responses to “Stamp Simply Challenge #23 – Flourishes”

  1. Viv (VivLyn) says:

    Both cards are very pretty! I just might try your challenge on this one! TFS!

  2. Sue says:

    These cards are absolutely gorgeous! I love this type of card: Looks Victorian to me.

  3. Jerri Jimenez says:

    I’m with you, I love Flourishes! The sets I have from Flourishes are so beautiful! I’m hoping to play today, I promise, I’m going to try to sqeeze this in. Oops, I forgot, gorgeous, gorgeous cards!

  4. Kathie says:

    WOW was the first thing that came out of my mouth! She did it again!! Both cards are so beautiful!!!! I love your detailed directions also, it is so helpful for those of us that are learning to stamp and it is appreciated. I work this week-end but I just may try this challenge if I can squeeze it in (of course I can work it in after all it is stamp simply!! LOL) Thanks again for the ideas!!

  5. Pat (Just4fun2 on SCS) says:

    Hi Sharon,
    Your work is absolutely beautiful. I want to thank you for doing challenges on your blog that anyone can participate in. Not everyone has an unlimited stamping budget that allows us to purchase all the latest and greatest stamps, etc… You continue to amaze me with your creative ability.

  6. Janine says:

    Beautiful cards Sharon… Have a great weekend…

  7. Mothermark says:

    As usual your cards are beautiful…..flourishes is so you! They are wonderful colors!

    Here is mine…it’s a little notebook

    http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/821956?cat=500&ppuser=80269

  8. Silke Ledlow says:

    I love the two cards…they are *GORGEOUS*!!! I’ll be running up to my craft room in a minute and start playing….Thanks for this challenge – right up my alley!!!

  9. Debra says:

    Gorgeous!!!

  10. All I have to say is WOW! I never would have thought of using eggplant. It’s over the top lovely! I really need to check out those stamps!

  11. Sue B says:

    BEAUTIOUS cards, Sharon!
    I just delivered a card to an ailing lunch buddy yesterday that I used a flourish on … here ’tis –
    http://sueblondin.blogspot.com/2008/02/sending-you-sunshine.html

    later, alligator!
    – SueB of sueblondin.blogspot.com

  12. Charlene Merrick (LilLuvsStampin) says:

    Oh, Sharon, your cards are so beautiful! You make it look so easy. I also want to thank you for bringing Julie to our attention. Her card is absolutely gorgeous, and I’m off to check out her gallery. I hope to participate in your challenge sometime this weekend!

  13. Silke Ledlow says:

    Sharon – I’m finally done with my card….here it is

    http://www.silkeledlow.blogspot.com

  14. Sara (hiinaz) says:

    Thank you so much for another wonderful challenge. I look forward to seeing your posts each Friday morning. You have a way of making “super simple” cards that are elegant and beautiful! Here’s my card for this challenge. http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/822048 I hope to do another one today.

  15. Serstin says:

    I am wondering what length are the corsage and or hat pins that you use? I am going to purchase some because your cards have been so inspirational to me. Thank You so much for this great site.

  16. Velta says:

    Good Grief Sharon ~ Just amazing! I just ordered the Damask and Many Sentiments stamps from “Flourishes.” I cannot wait to see how I can possibly OUTDO you !!! Now, THAT will be the day !!! But, hey, I can sure try! Love these stunning cards 🙂

  17. Jerri Jimenez says:

    Okay Sharon, let’s see if my link works, here’s my card:

    http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/822269?cat=500&ppuser=50835

  18. Stacy SCS Twinshappy says:

    Sharon these are gorgeous. I love the purples. Mine is a lot more simple. hee hee :

    http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/822293?cat=500&ppuser=60960

  19. Sara (hiinaz) says:

    Loved the challenge so much I had to make another one. I love snow days!! Here it is http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/822335

  20. Deborah says:

    YAY My First Challenge! FLOURISHES! I LOVE IT! I could just Flourish ALL DAY LONG! Thanks for the Challenge! I really enjoyed it and will come back ofton for more! Please come see my Flourish!
    Thanks Deb.
    http://militarywifey.blogspot.com/

  21. Billie says:

    Oh my gosh, these are so so beautiful.

  22. Traci Major says:

    Sharon, I have always loved your work and all the techniques you share here! For the first time, I get to participate in your challenge…this was inspired purely by a single sheet of paper!http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/822617?cat=500&ppuser=86266

  23. Julia (Artystamper on SCS) says:

    Beautiful samples Sharon! I had a struggle getting my card balanced today! but here it is: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/822657?cat=500&ppuser=93535

    you can also see it on http://www.createwithjulia.blogspot.com

    I really love flourishes – they look so lovely on a card!

  24. Jackie says:

    Here is my card Sharon:

    http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/821992?cpage=3

    Love your blog and all your work!!!

  25. Cheryl says:

    Gorgeous cards Sharon!!!

  26. DeborahLynneS says:

    I have some flourishes on this card– on the bg dp! Had difficulty getting this to look right.

    http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/822811?cat=500&ppuser=80680

    Thanks for looking!!!

  27. Carolyn (snowmanqueen) says:

    Gorgeous cards! First time in a couple weeks I’ve had time to post for your challenge. I used one of my favorite new sets from SU. Posted here:
    http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/822868?cat=500&ppuser=118730

  28. Deena says:

    Sharon, these are absolutely gorgeous! You manage to keep your cards simple but always with maximum oomph! Wow!
    I played along too. Thanks for the challenge!
    http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/822932?cat=10720

    Deena

  29. Jodi (Kharmagirl on SCS) says:

    Super fun challenge Sharon!! Thanks so much!
    Here is mine:
    http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/823050?cat=500&ppuser=52346

  30. leslierich says:

    Oh, my gosh! Would you look at the beautiful flourishes and purples on these cards! Wow! Love the opulent velvet and the huge flower, too. Simply stunning! Funny, I just got done posting a flourishy card in plums. And it was “stamped simply”, too! Well, heck…here’s the link: http://leslierich.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/2008/02/22/friendship-with-a-flourish/

    Thanks, Sharon!

  31. Sabrina aka okimom2girlz says:

    Oh my gosch, that is all I can say too! Girl, you did it again!!!!!! I am so amazed at what you come up with. Love everything about both cards. They are beyond elegant and beautiful. TFS :D:D:D

  32. Cheryl says:

    Great cards! I love the flourishes and had already done one and placed it on SCS before I checked out your challenge. I did mine for LSC156.

  33. Lori says:

    I always love flourishes – thanks for a fun challenge, Sharon! Here is mine:

    http://divastamper.blogspot.com/2008/02/too-much-inspiration.html

  34. StampMom says:

    Pretty — I’m a big fan of flourishes. Here’s mine: http://stampmom.blogspot.com/2008/02/flourishes-challenge-card.html
    Thanks for the great challenge. 🙂

  35. Sue (suen) says:

    Thanks for the fun challenge, Sharon! Here’s my idea and it fills the need for a wedding card requested by my DD.

    http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/823515?cat=500&ppuser=37504

  36. Vicky Gould says:

    I always enjoy your challenges, Sharon – thanks so much for posting them.
    Here’s mine:

    http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/823798?cat=7036

  37. Darlene (SCS: akronstamperdpk) says:

    Thanks Sharon for another great weekend challenge. I’ve become addicted to ‘anything’ flourish so I was thrilled when I saw your blog posting! Here’s my creation for today, hope you like it! http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/823848?cat=3231 Thanks again, you are an inspiration to us all!

  38. Susan hall says:

    Great cards I just love them. You do such great work.www.susanscornor.blogspot.com. Susan

  39. Dawn E. says:

    Oh my goodness, both cards are absolutely gorgeous!

  40. Jenny says:

    Thanks Sharon!
    Here’s my first challenge card
    http://onekraftykat.blogspot.com/

  41. Darlene (SCS: akronstamperdpk) says:

    I had so much fun making the first card for this challenge, I just had to do another. Thanks again Sharon for doing this every week, it’s so much fun!! Here it is: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/824196?cat=500&ppuser=95678 Hope you like it.

  42. Sharon these are so beautiful. I love the pearls and swirls and that rich velvet ribbon.

  43. Marilyn (mlj-mlj) says:

    Your cards are stunning and your style is simply elegant! I was also happy to see Julie’s card too.
    I made a chipboard coaster calendar. Flourishes everywhere- in the paper, stamped and chipboards. Here is the link to the front: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/824311?cat=500&ppuser=35700
    and here is the link to the back: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/824312?cat=500&ppuser=35700
    Thanks for your inspiration!

  44. Susan says:

    here’s my flourish card, Sharon! Thanks for all your beautiful inspiration…and your thoughtful comments.
    http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/824598?cat=500&ppuser=101373

    I hope this link works

    Blessing, Susan

  45. Helen says:

    Here is my entry for this week’s challenge. I wasn’t completely satisfied with the first attempt so worked out a redo. I can see redoing in other colors for other occasions, that’s the fun part. Thanks for a great challenge.

    http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/824790?cat=500&ppuser=133151

  46. k prakken says:

    This is my first time playing. I hope I am doing this right.

    http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/824877?cat=500&ppuser=6883

  47. Deb Neerman says:

    Hi Sharon:

    These are, as usual, just stunning!

    Here’s my humble entry:

    http://debneerman.blogspot.com/2008/02/15-minute-project-and-blog-challenge_24.html

    I’ll upload to SCS as well later today.

    ~Hugs, Deb

  48. Deborah (beadn&stampn) says:

    Yippee!! I got to play!! And it was easy!! Thanks Sharon!!

    http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/825227?cat=10363

  49. Karen says:

    Though I don’t have any stamps by the Flourishes company, I do have flourishes, and I love them.

    Here is my card using a flourish:
    http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/827100?nocache=1

    Thanks Sharon! I love your creations.

  50. RuthM says:

    Gorgeous samples from both you and Julie! I have no flourish stamps – so I used some Basic Grey DP. Here’s my card for Jack. Thanks for another great challenge Sharon!

  51. Rose Ann says:

    I love both of these!! They are so beautiful and elegant!! I wish I had time to play along with your challenges. They are right up my alley. 🙂

  52. Donelda says:

    Finally got a chance to load my card! Here are my flourishes!!

    http://wiggysworldofcrafts.blogspot.com/2008/02/flourishes_27.html

    Thanks for the great challenge!

  53. Regina Davis says:

    Sharon:

    What a fantastic challenge! I wanted to play all weekend, but finally found the time last night…(while my husband was watching the Portland Trailblazer game…hee hee hee). Anyway, care to see my card? http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/828879?cat=12461

    Happy Wednesday – Regina

  54. Elizabeth says:

    My mouth just dropped open when I saw the flourish with the large white flower. GORGEOUS!! I so love your cards!

    I stamped SIMPLY and here is my card. Had a stack of these scalloped cards sitting in my closet for a year and a half…bout time I used them. LOL

    http://tinyurl.com/2jpwl4

  55. Barb T says:

    Sharon
    Your cards are just gorgeous for this challenge, like everything else
    you do. Here is my submission for this challenge a few weeks late.
    http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/834266?nocache=1

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