May 14 2008
Flourishes May Releases and News!
Good Wednesday morning, everyone. I write to you today officially as a Flourish. Yes, I am a Flourish!!! Flourish #4 to be exact!!! I have joined forces with Jan Marie Caruso, Nancy Kirk and Sharon Doolittle and share partnership with them in Flourishes, LLC. I am so excited about this new venture and cant wait to share with you all the fun and exciting things we have planned.
I was lucky enough to be chosen for the Charter Design Team when Flourishes (FLLC) opened its doors last year, and I have served as one of their designers since. My *connection* with the style of the Flourishes images was instantly apparent to me I just loved their timeless and elegant designs and felt so totally at ease working with them. I truly felt that these flourishy images were made just for me — LOL!!! Likewise, the 3 Flourishes (Jan Marie, Nancy and Sharon) and I also share so many similar thoughts, likes, desires and goals, that it just seemed to be the perfect match, and I am truly honored that they accepted me into their partnership!!!
One of the aspects about FLLC that I admire so much and feel very strongly about, is that FLLC images are, for the most part, drawn by artists from concepts of the FLLC team, and many of the sentiments are hand done by a calligrapher. The personal touch that this gives the FLLC images can not be replaced and is so evident in each and every set offered. FLLC images are truly works of art, as well as works of the heart!!!
And I am super excited about the Stamp Simply line of stamps that will be debuting in June!!! I think you are going to really like our first offering, and I just cant wait to be able to show it to you!!!! But, thats a month away, so lets concentrate on this months new releases, which are super fabulous!!!
The first set offered this month is a baby set called Rock-a-Bye Baby. And do you remember when I just said FLLC sets are not only works of art, but works of the heart? Well, this set was developed by Jan Marie, I guess you could say many, many years ago. Jan Marie had painted these beautiful Moons and Babies on the walls of a childs bedroom in her home, and this set is a miniature reproduction of that childs bedroom she had painted so long ago. Now, is that cool, or what!!! I think it is amazingly cool!!! And WHAT a gorgeous set truly timeless and elegant!!! My sample using Rock-a-Bye Baby will be posted tomorrow, so today I would like to show you some of the samples made by the Fabulous Flourishes Design Team (all links will be completed in the morning as the posts pop up):
Sharon Harnist, Leslie Miller, Tracy Durcan, Natasha Trupp
And now on to the sample that I have prepared for you today. My card is made from the newly released set called Lilac, drawn by artist Marcy Hawley, whose work we have all come to know and love. This set features the most gorgeous lilacs, but for today’s card I chose to use the magnolia blossoms that are also included in the set — talk about a bonus!!!
The magnolia blossoms are separate stamps and I stamped them individually into this branch formation — lots of options with these beautiful blossoms!!!
My magnolias are first colored with Copic markers (colors listed below), and then highlighted and gone over partially witha waterbrushand my new Twinkling H20’s by LuminArte.The H20’s aresparkly, beautiful watercolors that you paint on your project, and do they sparkle!!!! Just wonderful!!! They are available at Flourishes and they come in sets of 12 pots of color to a set. To use as I have done here, merely spray some water into the pot to moisten the color to your desired thickness, and paint away!!!! The more water you add, the softer the color becomes — when you are finished, just cap it up, put it away, and it’ll be back to normal (a cake) for your next use — amazing little things!!! Adding sparkle in a variety of colors has NEVER been easier!!!
After I colored and highlighted my stamped image, I then stamped on the word *Magnolia*, and cut and embossed my image with an Oval Nestabilities by Spellbinders, also available at Flourishes. I then created a mat in black with another of the Oval Nestabilities — love the classy look black always seems to add!!! (And if anyone is not familiar with what Nestabilities are,justclick here to get to my last post which offers an explanation and some links.) I then punched a small hole in the left portion of the oval with my Cropadile so I could run the ribbon under the panel and up and through the hole to tie the ribbon. The ribbon I used is the 1″ Black Sheer by May Arts. I always refer to this type of ribbon as organdy, but this Sheer is truly so much finer and more soft and supple than any organdy I have ever seen — I LOVE the way it ties up into a pretty, fluffy bow!!! Flourishes carries many wonderful lines of ribbon by May Arts.
The background panel (SU Blush Blossom) was first run through my Cuttlebug with the Textile embossing folder. I then ran my Versa Mark pad across the top of the entire panel, and then I brushed on another of the LuminArte products that are now being carried by Flourishes. This is Pure Mica Metallic in Luster Pearl. After brushing on just a tad bit, I wiped off the excess with a Swiffer cloth, and then sealed it all with a light spraying of Krylon Fixatif that I purchase at Wal-Mart. It might sound like a lot of steps, but it truly only takes a couple minutes to create a background panel with such luster and sheen!!! It is truly captivating and worth every minute it takes!!!
- Stamps: Lilacby Flourishes
- Paper: Blush Blossom, Black, White
- Ink: Versa Fine Onyx Black. Versa Mark.
- Copics: Pinks: R20, RV11. Greens: G21, G40, YG63. Brown: E09. Gray: C1. Colorless Blender: 0.
- Accessories: Twinkling H20’s in Cherry Sorbet and Sea Glass, both from set #1256. Pure Mica Metallic in Luster Pearl. Oval Nestabilities. Cropadile. Black Sheer Ribbon. Cuttlebug with Textile embossing folder. Swiffer. Waterbrush.
Thank you so much for stopping in today and sharing my big news with me. I hope you head over to the FLLC forum at SCS and take part in the challenge we are offering there, with a great prize for the randomly selected winner on Saturday night!!!! I’ll be back tomorrow with more offerings from our newest sets!!!
Thank you so much and I hope you have a wonderful day!
68 responses so far
OH MY GOODNESS! Congratulations to you and to Flourishes! What wonderful news for all!
I’m so glad the cat’s out of the bag, Sharon! It was so hard to keep this exciting news under wraps. Congratulations a thousand times over. This means great things for the whole stamping community, I’m sure! I don’t think you can possibly know how thrilled I am about this! My very best wishes to you and all the other sweet Flourishes!
Sharon I am so very happy for you! I know that Jan Marie for one is a very kind and generous soul, and it seems like you will fit in perfectly with that bunch! Can’t wait to see what’s coming in June!! And love your magnolia card!! I happened to order this Lilac set this evening without even realizing it was a brand new release (tonight’s shopping spree was all Leslie’s fault, LOL!) (she also directed me over here to read your exciting news!!!!)
Congratulations on your exciting news, Sharon!!!! I think you’re a perfect fit with those fabulous Flourishes women!! Your card is GORGEOUS, and I am so looking forward to all of the excitement of watching you all grow together!! I’m so happy for you!!!!
I am so happy & !am almost speechless…and near tears. This day has taken so long and one we share with great joy with all in SCSland and Stamp Kingdom. We are lucky that she picked us. The three Flourishes ,as we are called, are so happy to have Sharon as a 4th Flourish. Cyber world makes our worlds so much smaller but having a chance to meet Sharon and her wonderful family in Michigan & Wisconsin only added to my knowledge that this WAS the Perfect Fit for Flourishes….stay tuned as more great things will happen ’cause we’re Flourishing! Welcome Aboard Sharon!
Oops! I forgot to tell you how utterly gorgeous your magnolia card is! You truly brought this image to life. Yes, you and Flourishes were, indeed, meant to be!
congrats, how exciting ! and another truely beautiful card.
Congratulations, Sharon!!!! I knew you had something big up your sleeves :D.
Go Sharon, go Sharon, go Sharon.
You deserve it. You are one talented lady and and I pray that God will bless you in your new endeavor.
Wow! Congratulations, Sharon! Your work is such an asset to Flourishes and I’m excited to see your line of stamps next month. How delightful! Love your card – beautiful image.
Congratulations to the new Flourishes lady! What a perfect match!
Oh Sharon and Flourishes ~ I am so excited for all four of you!! Sharon is the perfect match for Flourishes and your stamps were made for her, because everything she does with Flourishes stamps is just perfect!! Once again, I love the card with magnolias and can’t wait to order these stamps! I am having a grandson in August so the timing of Rock-a-Bye Baby could not be more perfect!! Love the new releases!! Congrats again Sharon! You were meant to be with Flourishes 🙂
How wonderful. I love Flourishes stamps and they package their orders so nicely. I am very excited that you are now an owner with great partners. You have a wonderful talent and can add a lot to the growth of this new business. Congratulations to you Sharon and Flourishes!
Woo Hoo!!!!! What FABulous news!!
A gorgeous magnolia card too! Your coloring is magnificent…
Congratulations again Sharon and your card is drop dead gorgeous.
Sharon, I can’t tell you how excited I am for you and the whole Flourishes group. You are all a wonderful group of women who bless us with your talent, generosity, and love of stamping. May God shower you with His blessings in your new endeavor. I look forward to the upcoming year with your new line of Stamp Simply stamps, as well as your other lines. Congratulations are being sent to you, Jan Marie, Nancy and Sharon. I’m speechless with this gorgeous magnolia card, it truly is a work of art, just breathtaking and your coloring is absolutely beautiful. This newest stamp release is so awesome, I can’t wait to make that order and play with these new images.
Sharon, that is indeed exciting news. Congratulations!!
Congratulations Sharon! This is great news! Also wanted to tell you I love the card you did! The coloring is beautiful, and the bg is just awesome!
Wooohooo, huge congratulations hun!
I love the card on show too, very pretty, and coloured in superbly :o)
Wow Sharon, that is fabulous. Many Congratulations. You are a great addition to the team.
Congratulations Sharon!! Great news for you! I see too much money being spent at Flourishes in my future, especially if you are introducing a Stamp Simply line. Yikes! Your magnolia card is a wonderful work of art.
Congratulations Sharon on your new venture. I’m sure it is going to be an exciting time for everyone. I love the Flourishes stamps.
I have been admiring your beautiful creations from afar for a few months now. I love your style.
I’ve just ordered the new set, couldn’t resist when I saw your card.
Congratulations, Sharon!!!! What a perfect partnership!! Can’t wait to see your Stamp Simply line!
This card is gorgeous and elegant — just what I’ve come to expect every time! 🙂
Congratulations, Sharon! What great news, and what great news for Flourishes, too! You are truly a perfect match and compliment each other.
Jan Marie told me there was big, big news coming Wednesday, and she wasn’t kidding! Can’t wait to see what the new stamp sets are. I just bought a set of the H-2O’s on Monday and I’m anxious to try them out. Your card is beautiful, as they always are. You have inspired my purchases from Flourishes for me and I am so pleased with their products. Off to check their site……
Beautiful card and contratulations on your news Sharon… Have fun with it!!
Congratulations Sharon! What a wonderful opportunity for you…you’re the perfect fit for Flourishes, and I know they are lucky to have you! 🙂
Sharon, first let me say Congratulations on your new endeavor! I know you will be an asset to Flourishes! I love your magnolia card and your coloring is great. What a pretty set…
Pinky
Flourishes couldn’t have added a more talented person to their company! Congrats!
WOW … fantastic news Sharon! Congratulation to you and to Flourishes! What a great match-up! It was you who introduced me to Flourishes and your work has always inspired me to try something new! Can’t wait to see your new releases in June! Way to go, Lady!!!!!!!
Congrats Sharon! I would have to agree with you on, the stamps are made just for you. LOL YOu do such wonderful work with them. They will have having you as a partner. Very cool news! Wonderful cards as well. Stacy
Very cool Sharon!!! Congratulations!!! How fun to see your mug flashing on SCS!
Congrats to you!!!!! That is wonderful!! You are UBER talented!! Looking forward to all of the new releases!!
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! You totally deserve this wonderful honour. Bet you didn’t think you’d be here when you first started stamping 🙂 They are just as lucky to have you on their team as you bring so much talent to their company and make such amazing designs with their stamps. Looking forward to what you have to share in the months ahead. (((hugs)))
LOVE your pearly embossed background on this card, Sharon, and the coloring on your blossoms is perfect . . . such a gorgeous card! (Love the pop of black, too!).
Oh, and many congratulations on becoming a Flourish! I can’t wait to see your new line of stamps!!
Congratulations on your newest endeavor! We’re all eager to see your new designs– how exciting!
Congratulations Sharon on your new, creative and exciting venture. You will be “Perfect” for the team. Your card today is just stunning! I love your coloring with Copics and H20’s of your beautiful main image and the gorgeous pearlized effect of your CB background. Great way to weave your ribbon into your main image too. TFS it all and such a detailed description. Your friend and fan, Nancy
Sharon… What a great addition you make to an already amazing team of women! Congrats to you on your new business venture, and much continued success to Flourishes! Today’s card is beautiful and the image is exquisite!
Congrats! I have been dying to say that for a while now >”< I guessed and had to pinky swear not to say a word lol. I can’t wait to see your new line of stamps.
Sharon, I love your amazing gift to be able to create stunning, gorgeous cards that are “doable”. You set a fine example of classy, visually rich work for the rest of us to emulate. I love the Flourishes stamps and think it’s a match made in heaven for you to be joining the company. Congratulations!
Congratulations Sharon!!! Your cards are always stunning and I love both the new sets! Flourishes is a perfect place for you and I’m so happy you will share in the their vision. Love the Cuttlebugged background with the pearlized effect. Gorgeous!!!!
Turning cartwheels on your behalf Sharon!! Congrats! Very excited for you & Flourishes!
HUGE congratulations, Sharon!!! I am so excited for you in your new adventure in life! I so appreciate being able to come to your blog and love how you explain everything in detail. You know I’ve always admired your elegant work. Just signed up for the Flourishes newsletter, too!
Congratulations! I’ve never seen the Flourish Stamps! They’re beautiful! I’m going to have to go check out their site! Your card is Glorious!
Sharon! Your card is fabulous! These are some of the cutest stamps ever! I love them! …and WOW!!! Congratulations to you! I am sooo excited to see your new stamps! I can’t wait! 🙂 TFS…I am soo excited for you! 🙂
Congratulations, Sharon!!! Wishing you and all the Flourishes outrageous success! Your Magnolia card is absolutely gorgeous! Thanks for all your inspiration!
Well, the four of you deserve each other! I love Flourishes as a company, and the women behind it are outstanding! I have enjoyed them so much on SCS! You are an icon in the stamp world; I have admired your stamping for years. This is a perfect match, and I wish you all continued success! Congrats!
Congratulations! You do seem like a perfect fit for Flourishes. Have fun! I am really looking forward to seeing your Stamp Simply sets!
Congratulations Sharon…best of luck in your new adventure
Congratulatiuons to you!! I’m so excited! These are wonderful cards and stamps too!!
Congratulations, how awesome for you!!! Your card is beautiful, but aren’t they all!
I have a question? I recently purchased my first flourishes order. One of the things I bought was the damask stamp and I can’t get it to stamp right! I’ve tried SU ink, Staz-on, and brilliance, nada! What’s the secret??? thanks!
What wonderful and incredible news, Sharon, both for you and for Flourishes. I am just so happy for you all. Oh and am I ever excited to hear about your new line of stamps! Can’t wait to see them!
Oh I forgot to say how beautiful your card is! Sharon your coloring is breath taking. The arrangement you made with the flowers and leaves is absolute perfection…. You are so very gifted!
I’ve long been one of your fans, Sharon and this is wonderfully exciting news that we’re all thrilled to share with you! I can’t think of a better person to become the 4th Flourish! Congratulations, and can’t wait to see the Stamp Simply line (that as one of your Stamp Simply Girls I just know I’ll have to have!) Your magnolias are beautiful! Congrats again! 🙂
What exciting news!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Congratulations on becoming a Flourishes partner. I know you will add greatly to the team. I hope to get to meet you at CHA Chicago.
Diana
Sharon! How did I miss this!? I’m so excited for you!!! Best wishes on your new partnership. You and Flourishes have always been a perfect match!
Congrats Sharon, I’m so happy for you! I do have to say you are a perfect match with this company/stamps! As always your work is beautiful!!
Congrats Sharon! How wonderful! And that Lilac set is gorgeous!
Congratulations Sharon! I love the idea of a Stamp Simply stamp line…fabulous…I love everything you do! What an awesome opportunity for you, I’m so excited for you! Oh and your card is simply stunning…as always!
Sharon, thanks so much for the info on the background panel!
It looks absolutely gorgeous and I will have to give it a try!
Thanks for sharing!
p.s. I was so excited by the card, I didn’t read
the news! Congratulations and well deserved!
Have fun!
Congratulations! How exciting for you and numbers 1-3 and all of us who adore you and your creations.
Congratulations on your wonderful news. What an exciting time for you and Flourishes.
Congratulations on this “partnership”! Your work is so beautiful you deserve to have great recognition…..Keep WOWing us with your work. Barb S.
Simply Gorgeous Card!!!
I love the stamped image…
so beautifully colored!
I love this gorgeous card! The shimmer is fabulous and that embossed bg gives it such great texture! I love the way the black makes the flowers pop! Stunning!
Congratulations Sharon! I have been out of town for several days and just read your wonderful news. I can’t wait to see what you gals come up with. I am so excited for you!
Joan
Sorry I’m late to send my regards… Congratulations, Sharon!!! What exciting news!!!
Big hugs,
lise
[…] completed later).  Although I have not used the H20’s on the project shown in this post, this magnolia card shows how just a bit of H20’s added on as an accent after coloring can spruce up an image. […]