Saturday, September 7, 2024

Leafy Flourish

Hello and welcome, friends!

The Can You Handle the Pressure challenge is always anything goes using an embossing folder, but there's an optional twist if you so desire.  This time the twist is leaves, and it inspired me to stop dancing around this gorgeous Lisa Horton Leafy Flourish 3D embossing folder and actually use it on a card.



Leafy Flourish is a 6" folder, but I applied it to an A2 card and simply let it overlap to the back.  It comes with a matching die which I'll save for later.  I used sponge tipped applicators, similar to eye shadow brushes, to apply Stampin' Up inks -- River Rock, True Thyme, Really Rust, Bordering Blue.  The Impression Obsession For You sentiment is a double layer of SU's Bordering Blue cardstock.



I'm hurrying and scurrying to finish up tonight.  It's been a busy day, including a long walk with Sophie.  In the afternoon we met up with a friend and walked in a favorite city park, but first Sophie and I went into our woods.  The bees have abandoned their nest and I haven't seen the cougar in a while.  We explored for a bit and had just crested a little rise when I asked Sophie to look at me so I could snap a picture.  She seemed reluctant and distracted.  Well, I'm sorry to say it turns out she was bothered by the carcass of a very small fawn.  It had been there long enough for the forest critters to take care of it.  I can only guess what happened, but it's getting a little nerve wracking back there.  You know when you have the feeling that someone's watching you... well, that.



Back to the craft room...  Here are the two challenges I'm sending my leafy card to:

Can You Handle the Pressure -- Anything goes embossing with optional twist of leaves.
NBUS Challenge #66 -- Never before used schtuff.  First time use of the Leafy Flourish embossing folder.

 

 


Thank you for dropping in to share a day in the life of Sophie and me.  There's always something going on outside my stamp room window, and hopefully there will be a lot more going on inside my room, as well.  Hugs all around!




23 comments:

Lia said...

Wow, the coloring of the leaves is amazing! You really did a great job and I am impressed!!
Lia DT CYHTP

Glenda said...

Absolutely gorgeous my friend. You do play well with color! Sophie is such a beautiful girl and I know she is such good company for you both! I would not like to have that creepy feeling in my own back yard. Mine is large but always mowed and just a tree here and there!

Yogi said...

Oh that leafy card is absolutely gorgeous. I love the way , it's flowing onto the back of the card, and I love the way you colored it. That's a really beautiful leafy embossing folder. Makes me want to play. Have a great day

Margaret said...

Your card is so gorgeous. I love the coloring technique you used and will have to try that. Sophie is such a beautiful little girl. So sorry that you had to find that poor fawn - cougar? coyote?

crafty-stamper said...

WOW fabulous embossing folder and colouring-take care and stay safe in the woods.
Carol x

I Card Everyone said...

Leslie, what a gorgeous EF it is - even more beautiful inked up as you've done today!
I will admit to worrying about you and Sophie wandering where such a fierce animal may be lurking - take care please!
=]

Vicki said...

Wow, absolutely stunning card, Leslie! Amazing how an embossing folder comes to life with color. Everything is shaded perfectly and I love that you let it emboss onto the back. You've inspired me to do this too. I've always been hesitant about doing that. The photo of Sophie is fabulous. She is a beautiful companion. Take care my friend.

Bonnie said...

Oh, my! What a beautiful embossing folder and you have colored it just right, my friend! You and Sophie stay safe.

Anonymous said...

So so lovely Leslie! I love it extended to the back and the sentiment placement makes it the perfect design! Beautiful coloring too! I’m inspired!

Conniecrafter said...

Wow you managed to do gorgeous coloring of that embossing folder, it is just amazing. I love that fancy sentiment die too, gives it a pretty touch!
Oh that is so sad about the fawn, yes I think I would be a little nervous after seeing that. Love the picture of Sophie!

Evelyn S. said...

Oh I cannot believe the detail you include in your card creations! I've said it before: you create works of art, Leslie! Beautiful.

nancy littrell said...

Thank you so much for sharing the beautiful photos of your beautiful Fall card and the photos of sweet and beautiful growing Sophie:-) We are sure enjoying our Fall weather and large garden, which is keeping us both very busy:-) Sophie is getting so grown up looking and beautiful:-) Your photos will be saving wonderful memories of her growing up years:-) Love and Big Hugs to you, Rich and Sophie:-)

nancy littrell said...

I am enjoying your new beautiful posts with photos of sweet Sophie and even a few photos of Rich:-) We have been so busy with all our flower gardens and our large veggie garden and fruit trees, etc:-) Even Denny is helping with all our gardens and helping with freezing veggies and apples, etc:-) It has been a very busy Summer, but nice to get a few cooler days now:-) I will try to give you a catch up call soon...it will be at least a few days. We are canning veggies and freezing applesauce, etc right now:-)

I miss our visits, but thankful we can catch up at least on line and/or via phone chats:-) Love and Hugs to you, Rich and cute Sophie:-)

nancy littrell said...

Thank you so much for sharing the beautiful photos of Sophie...she is getting prettier and prettier and brings you and Rich so much Joy:-) I know how busy you have been and look forward to catching up...BUT...this time of year is so very busy with all our gardening, etc...I Know you understand how busy we have been too:-) Enjoy your fun times with Rich and Sophie...Love and Big Hugs, Nancy

Barbara said...

I so enjoyed your post of the making of this card and the time with Sophie in the woods. It is still dark here in Florence and this is my time with my coffee and e-mails. I love coloring up 3D embossing folders, you have done a fantastic job with this one. I love the shading in the background of your expertly colors leaves and the touch of blue and red. Today we tour the Duomo. Ciao!

Birgit said...

Such a gorgeous card, Leslie! Your coloring came out fantastic!! What a great idea to just let the embossing wrap around the back side of the card. A brilliant idea. Your Sophie is looking so beautifully regal. I used to get that feeling of being watched when walking through the woods with our Dixon. Especially after seeing a mountain lion in our driveway. Just make sure you make plenty of noise when walking. Keep safe.

Cindy Beach said...

Hugs back to you, Leslie! I'm happy to see what's been going on inside and outside your craft room! My how, Sophie has grown! Your embossed leaves are beautiful and so richly colored for fall. I love that you share the colors you used and how pretty to have the design extend to the back. Gorgeous!

Marcia Hill said...

Absolutely beautiful card Leslie, from the front all the way to the back! Your ink blending in all those tiny spots is amazing my friend...lovely, lovely card! Sophie is looking gorgeous as always...give her a big hug from me please! And stay safe and alert in the woods!! Hugs. :0)

Darlene said...

OH WOW ... no one can color like you my friend! This is GORGEOUS and I LOVE how you let it wrap around the back (you're so smart!). Absolutely beautiful!
I can't get over how big Sophie is getting .. she's such a pretty dog! I'm glad you & she were able to get out into the sunshine but sorry for the errie feeling you were getting and also sorry for Sophie's discovery (circle of life I guess).
Thanks for finding the time to share your beautiful work ... you have no idea what an inspiration you are to me!! Hugs to hubby (prayers continue).
Thanks so much for joining in the fun at our Can You Handle the Pressure challenge! Good Luck and we hope you’ll come back often.

Darlene
DAR’S CRAFTY CREATIONS
Co-Owner … Can You Handle the Pressure, Double D, Four Seasons, Peace On Earth, Stencil Fun, Simply Clean & Simple, Two Old Bats, Triple B, Word Power, Love Those Pretty Papers

Lisa Elton said...

Hello gorgeous!! This is a spectacular card, Leslie. Letting the EF wrap to the back is a wonderful idea. I do hope you and Sophie are on guard... be safe!!

Christine Alexander said...

wow, those leaves are stunning, I think I need to buy some make up brushes :)
Sofie has grown into such a gorgeous dog. Goldens always steal my heart as you know, they are the best fur babies ♥

Diane said...

Wow~Wow~Wow!! Absolutely stunningly beautiful, I think this is the best colored embossing I have ever seen!! Totally gorgeous as is Sophie, she is one beautiful pup! Mack will be 7 in 9 days, I can hardly believe it, he is the best boy ever!!

Nanny's Pansy Patch said...

What a beautiful fall card! The embossing folder is so pretty and your coloring is right on for fall! Glad you had a playdate with Sophie. Winter will be here before we know it.! My daughter in NJ has to be careful as she has a lot of bears, coyotes and mountain lions stroll through the yard. Every night she brings in her bird food. Not too much land is left for them so they are venturing out more and more. She keeps a loud horn with her whenever they are out in the yard. Her dog Willow used to chase them away but Daisy just wags her tail!