Here I am with more calendar pages to share with you.  I have to say that it's been a real pleasure to be working with these gorgeous flowers when the temps here in New Hampshire have been so frigid!

Today I have May, June, & July to show you.  I had intended to share August with you as well; but I didn't quite get it finished on time.  I'm going to take a little break from the calendar pages for the next couple of days.  I have some other projects I want to share with you.  I'll share the rest of the calendar with you on Saturday.  That should give me time to get it finished.

Okay, here's May:

May's flower is the iris.  We have lots of irises on our property, several shades of pretty purples and some lovely pure white ones as well.  I chose amethyst as my main color, and added some touches of lilac to the petals.

On to June:

This page is going to be a favorite of my mom's, I just know it.  It is so her!  I pulled out my pink crocheted ribbon for this one, and colored the flowers using pink pirouette and regal rose. 

Before I go on to July, I wanted to note that the first six months of pages are all soft and easy on the eyes; but the last six months all pop with richer shades that match the flower varieties represented.

Here's July:

July's flower is the tiger lily.  These flowers are such a stunning display of God's creativity, aren't they?!  I used Tangerine Tango & Pumpkin Pie on my flowers, and dyed the satin ribbon and pearls to match.

That's all from me today, folks!  Hope you have a very blessed day today. :)

Hugs~
Cindy

Hello Stampers!

I hope you had a wonderful weekend!  Mine was glorious...relaxing and productive all at the same time. :)    I am still plugging away on the calendar for my mom.  Actually, I decided to make two of them; so it's taking me a bit longer.

Since it's such a time-consuming project, I thought I'd share a few pages at a time with you over the course of this week.  I hope you won't find that too boring!

You've already seen January (see Saturday's post).  So, I'll start with February:

February's flower is the primrose.  I chose Baja Breeze and Rich Razzleberry as my main color palette for this page.  The designer paper is from Basic Grey's Euphoria pack.  My image was stamped in black Staz-On ink and watercolored with re-inkers on European Watercolor Paper.

Marching on:

March's flower is the pansy.  I'm not so sure that pink pansies exist in nature; but I am lovin' it on paper.  My paper is Certainly Celery & the flower image is done in pink pirouette and regal rose.  The designer paper is from Basic Grey's Porcelain pack.  I do so love a soft pink and green color palette...yumm! 

Now, on to April:

April's flower is the daffodil.  I decided to go with a white center for my flowers and shades of So Saffron and More Mustard for the outer petals.  I think daffodils are one of the happiest flowers...so sunshiny and cheerful! :)

Okay, that's all I'm going to show you today.  Tomorrow I'll have four more months to share.  I do want to tell you that while I did have many of the ribbon and pearl colors on hand, whenever I didn't have a color I simply dyed it with a Copic marker.  Marvelous invention, aren't they?! 

Finally, you should know that nearly all of the supplies I used for my pages can be purchased from Flourishes.  The gorgeous images are from their brand-new Year of Flowers stamp set series, and the calendar pages are downloadable from Flourishes as well!  Hop on over there and check 'em out!

Here's a peek at the first set in the series, which covers January through April.  Gorgeous, isn't it?!!!

Have a FABULOUS Monday, friends!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Hugs~
Cindy

Happy weekend, friends!

I have been working on a special calendar for my mom whenever I could squeeze out a moment this week.  I have parts of all 12 pages finished; but this is the only month I have completely finished.  I will share the rest of the calendar with you once it's completely finished.

Mom loves pearls and lace and all things Victorian!  So my calendar will be in keeping with that theme without being too fru fru. ;)

I had the perfect stamps to use for my calendar!  Flourishes just released their Year of Flowers series of three stamp sets.  These are the sets I've been showcasing all week long.  Today I am finally sharing the calendar with you.  It's a gorgeous template, and you can manipulate it to fit the style/size of calendar you wish to make.  You can get the calendar download for just $2 OR even better....FREE with the purchase of all three stamp sets in the series.

Here's the recipe for my calendar page:

Stamps:  A Year of Flowers Set 1

Papers:  Classic White, European Watercolor, Pale Plum Textured, Memory Box Dewfrost Designer Paper

Inks:  Inkjet Printer Ink, Staz-on Black, Pale Plum, Perfect Plum, Orchid Opulence, Old Olive, Always Artichoke, Creamy Caramel, Soft Sky

Accessories:  Labels Four Nestabilities, White Crocheted Lace, Satin Ribbon (PTI), Narrow White Silk Ribbon, White Pearls (colored with V15 Copic marker), Sponge Dauber, Dimensionals, Water Brush, Flourishes 2010 Calendar Download

Hugs~
Cindy

Hello friends!

I had great plans to finish up my calendar project for today's post; but with extended work hours all this week, I haven't been able to finish it.  So....I have another card sample to share with you.  I am hoping to have the calendar finished in time to share with you at tonight's release party.

I used the third installment in the Year of Flowers calendar series from Flourishes.  The flower I chose for today's sample is the December amaryllis...yet another of God's finest examples of natural beauty. :)

Here is the supply list:

Stamps:  A Year of Flowers Calendar Set 3

Papers:  Classic White, Riding Hood Red, Early Bird Designer Paper from Cosmo Cricket

Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Poppy, Evergreen and Flesh Tones 2  Copic Marker Collections

Accessories:  Labels One Nestabilities, Red Rhinestones, Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, Burgundy Satin Ribbon, Copper Finishing Touches Flower, Martha Stewart Border Punch, Dimensionals

Now it's time for you to check out the beautiful creations from the rest of the design team:

• Christine Okken
• Julie Koerber
• Latisha Yoast
• Laura Fredrickson
• Leslie Miller
• Stacy Morgan

Don't forget to stop by the Flourishes Newsletter for your chance to WIN today's gorgeous stamp set!  You'll also want to check out the Floral Finesse Color Inspiration Challenge.

Finally, it's HERE!  The Power Hour Release Party is TONIGHT from 9pm to 10pm CST!  You just have to stop on by and visit with us, play a game or two, check out tons of awesome samples, and maybe even WIN something fabulous!  Oh...and the most important thing of all???  Be one of the FIRST to get your hands on the Year of Flowers calendar series of stamp sets! :)

See y'all tonight!

Hugs~
Cindy

Hello Stampers!

Today, the Flourishes design team is showcasing A Year of Flowers Set 2!  I really loved coloring in these morning glories that Marcella drew!  Aren't they divine?! 

I used this week's SCS Sketch Challenge for my layout.  I also used my Copic Airbrush System to get the soft blue fade around the flowers...looooove that look and must, must, MUST do it more often!

Here is the supply list:

Stamps:  A Year of Flowers Calendar Set 2,  Cottage Home (sentiment)

Papers:  Classic White, Brilliant Blue Textured, Rhubarb Tart Designer Paper from Memory Box

Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Delphinium & Green Grass Copic Marker Collections

Accessories:  Top Note Die (SU), Celery Green Silk Ribbon, Silver Finishing Touches Buckle, Blue Rhinestones, Copic Air Brush System, Label Punch, Dimensionals

Now it's time for you to check out the beautiful creations from the rest of the design team:

• Christine Okken
• Julie Koerber
• Latisha Yoast
• Laura Fredrickson
• Leslie Miller
• Stacy Morgan

Don't forget to stop by the Flourishes Newsletter for your chance to WIN today's gorgeous stamp set!  You'll also want to check out the Floral Finesse Color Inspiration Challenge.

Come on back tomorrow for a sneak peek at the third & final set in the Year of Flowers series.  Then hop on over to the Power Hour Release Party beginning at 9pm CST!  It's gonna be a FUN hour for sure!!! :)

Thanks for visiting with me today!

Hugs~
Cindy

Hello Stampers!

I am sooo excited about this month's release from Flourishes!  You all know how much I love flowers, right?  (and who doesn't?!)  Well, the fabulous Marcella has illustrated twelve gorgeous blooms to keep you smiling all year long! :)  They are divided into three separate stamp sets, and there is even a beautiful calendar template, which costs just $2 OR is completely FREE with the purchase of all three sets!

Today, I'm showcasing the February flower, which is the primrose.  I don't think I've ever colored a primrose before...such a sweet flower!

Here is the supply list:

Stamps:  A Year of Flowers Calendar Set 1, Gerber Daisies (sentiment)

Papers:  Classic White, Lemonade Designer Papers from Basic Grey

Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers

Accessories:  Fancy Label & Circle Nestabilities, White Crocheted Lace, Pink Satin Ribbon, Clear Rhinestones (colored with RV19 Copic Marker), Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Dimensionals

Check out the gorgeous samples from the rest of the design team:

• Christine Okken
• Julie Koerber
• Latisha Yoast
• Laura Fredrickson
• Leslie Miller
• Stacy Morgan

Remember to stop by the Flourishes Newsletter for your chance to WIN this gorgeous stamp set!

Stop back tomorrow to see more sneak peeks of the A Year of Flowers series!  AND don't forget about the Power Hour Release Party this Friday evening at 9pm CST OR the Floral Finesse Color Inspiration Challenge!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Hugs~
Cindy

Hello Stampers~

Today I have good news and bad news to share with you.  I'll start with the bad news... 

I have made the very difficult decision to step down from the Gina K Designs senior design team.  I have been a part of the GKD team for just over a year now, and it has been TONS of fun!  You know the saying, "My cup overfloweth..."?  Well, my cup WAY overfloweth, and I needed to let something go in order to hang on to a wee bit of my sanity. :)  I wanted to open the door for a new designer who really has time to devote to GKD.  Gina is an amazing, wonderful, kind, smart, and oh-so-talented lady, and she deserves the BEST!  I will remain a GKD customer and stalker, as I love the products and the people involved. 

So... In honor of this fond farewell, I thought I'd share the very first card I uploaded for the SCS Dirty Dozen, which just so happens to be made with a Gina K stamp set, Retro Boutique.

Here is the full supply list:

Now, for some good news...

Well, it's good news for ME! :)

I am going to CHA in January!!!!!!!!  I was not planning to attend this year, and actually told a number of peeps that I wouldn't be there; but God is good, and I'm GOIN'!

So... If you're planning to be there, please DO look me up!  I'll be at the SCS booth on Friday and at the Our Craft Lounge booth off and on during the week.  Hope to see you there! :)

Have a super-duper happy HAPPY day, my friends!

Hugs~
Cindy

Hello Stampers!

How was your weekend?  Mine was terrific! :)  Abbi & I enjoyed the Nutcracker Ballet immensely!  We went out to dinner afterward and spent the remainder of the evening doing a little Christmas shopping.  I always enjoy those one-on-one dates with the kiddos...great memories! :)

On Sunday, we decided to enjoy a rare lazy morning, complete with breakfast and a Hallmark movie in bed.  Then we decorated the Christmas tree, sang along (some better than others) to some of our favorite Christmas tunes, made peanut butter cookies and spiced pecans, had a bon fire/marshmallow roast, packaged up some goodies to send off to our college-bound son, and ordered Chinese take-out for dinner.  It seriously couldn't have been a more perfect Sunday!  I think it makes the week go so much better when you have a wonderful weekend to start it off, don't you?!  I am going into my Monday with a spring in my step and a song in my heart!  Fa la la la la la la la la...

Today's sample is from Flourishes.  This was one of my SCS Dirty Dozen samples from September '08.  Love the fun papers from Luxe and the gorgeous Flourishes blossoms!  I was so good to finish off the inside of my card then, too.  I don't do that often enough any more...must start doing that again!

Here's the card recipe:

Hope you have a FANTASTIC Monday, friends!

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs~
Cindy

Hello Stampers~

Happy weekend to you!  Today I have to work until 2pm; but tonight Abbi & I are going to see the Nutcracker Ballet.  We are both sooo excited! :)

Today's sample is something fun from Our Craft Lounge.  I have a gazillion items for future "projects" in my stash, and this photo snow globe was one of them.  Doesn't it fit just perfectly with the fishy theme?!

I used the Sea-sons Greetings set to create my under-water scene, and colored it all in with Copic markers.  The satin ribbon and cut-out starfish at the bottom complete the look.

Here’s the recipe:

Stamps: Sea-sons Greetings

Papers: Pure Luxury White (GKD)

Inks: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers

Accessories: Photo Snow Globe, Satin Ribbon (PTI)

If you'd like to check out a bunch of other fun samples from Our Craft Lounge, hop on over to The Lounge!

Before I go, I thought I'd share the ornament wreath I made for my mom & dad, with the help of my sweet son, Nick:

I just love the color combo on this one, and the jingle bells add so much!  Nick & I were pleased as punch with how this turned out. :)  Now to find a box that it will fit in!

Have a wonderful weekend, friends!

Hugs~
Cindy

Happy Friday, friends!

This week's Flourishes Focus is Floral Finesse.  For this challenge we were to use our favorite flower as the inspiration for our card's color scheme.  While I love all flowers, daisies are my very favorite.  They are such a sweet, happy little flower, don't you think? :)

Now, I took the challenge very literally and even used a daisy image.  However, we only had to be inspired by the colors in our favorite flower; so I could have used any image.

We would love it if you played along with us!  Simply make a sample with your favorite flower as the inspiration, upload it to SCS using the keyword FLLCDEC, and leave a comment on the Flourishes Newsletter with a link to your project.  The contest runs through December 11th at 5 PM EST.  The winner will receive all three of our new releases for December!  Pretty cool, huh?!

Here's the supply list for my project:

Stamps:  Gerber Daisies

Papers:  Barely Banana, Basic Black, Classic White

Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers

Accessories:  Black Gingham Ribbon, Eyelet Lace Border Punch (Martha Stewart), Pale Yellow Button, Ivory String

Be sure and visit the rest of the design team to see their beautiful creations:

• Christine Okken
• Julie Koerber
• Latisha Yoast
• Laura Fredrickson
• Leslie Miller
• Stacy Morgan
• Flourishes Newsletter

Hello Stampers~

Today I have two Gina K Designs sneak peek samples to share with you! :)  The first set is called Warm and Wonderful, illustrated by Rupa Shevde.  This set reminds me of an old SU set I had about a hundred years ago...except THIS one is an outline set and the old one was a solid set.  I am highly in favor of anything I can color! 

I embossed my sweater & hat set on Pure Luxury White using White Detail Embossing Powder.  Then I watercolored it using a Niji Waterbrush and some Real Red ink.  For the final touches, I sponged some red ink on the edges and added a fun pom pom to the hat.  The papers are from SU, and I thought they went just perfectly with the sweater set!  I am going to have so much fun playing with this wonderful set!

Here's the recipe:

Stamps:  Warm and Wonderful

Papers:  Black Onyx, Pure Luxury White, Rocket Red, Christmas Cocoa DSP

Inks:  VersaMark, Memento Tuxedo Black, Real Red

Accessories:  White Detail Embossing Powder, Niji Waterbrush, Circle Nestabilities, Black Mini Brads, Black Satin Ribbon (Stamp TV Kit), Dimensionals, Sponge Dauber

My second card was made with Theresa's Life is Good set.  I soooo {heart} this gorgeous stamp set!  It is the perfect set for all of my masculine card needs!  This card will be for my sweet hubby.  I just love the sentiment! :)

Here's the recipe:

Stamps:  Life is Good

Inks:  Tim Holtz Antique Linen Distress Ink, Palette Burnt Umber, Always Artichoke, Bordering Blue, Close to Cocoa, Sahara Sand, So Saffron

Papers:  Pure Luxury Ivory, Chocolate Kiss, Watercolor

Accessories:  Brown Striped Ribbon (Stamp TV Kit), Labels Eight Nestabilities, Niji Waterbrush, Trees Border Punch (EK Success), Autumn Buttons, White Gel Pen, Sponge Dauber, Dimensionals

For even more ways to use these fabulous stamp sets, please check tonight's featured Illustrator's blog:

Then, visit our Designer's blogs participating in the previews tonight: