Friday, September 2, 2011

Flourishes has a sad goodbye...

I wasn't sure how I was going to write this post honestly. Do you ever have trouble with saying the words you want and feel? Today is Leslie's last day with the Flourishes design team family, she is taking time to spend with her family, Wally, garden and in general take a break and focus on Leslie. This is bitter sweet from my end as I adore her so much. I type how I talk so bare with me on this. Instead of making this a sad post so much, I want to share with you the things I adore about Leslie and how I have come to know her.
I came across a card of Leslie's on SCS long ago and have been ever so grateful. Her style is simple yet has an elegance to it that makes you say "how did she do that" and I love that. Plus have you seen what she can do with white space.. ACK the women can do it all. When she became part of Flourishes she just exploded with her designs and her creations I thought. I started to follow her blog, really she probably thought who is this crazy lady always commenting. ha ha Then she probably really freaked when I came on the team about 3 year ago. :0) Thinking oh crap this lady is really stalking me... Kidding of course.
Anyways, I got the honor of meeting Leslie last year at CHA. She has such a fun outlook on life and had us laughing just about everywhere. The thing that was so real about it I guess is, she made you feel as if you knew her from long ago. I learned first hand how much she LOVES designer paper, I mean LOVES designer paper. You can tell from her work how much she loves paper. Leslie is very devoted to her family and puppy Wally. She shares pictures and stories of Wally often, that make you just smile. He is totally cute ya know. When we got Ranger I showed Leslie a picture first thing as I knew she would be just as excited as I was. She has prayed for me on several occasions when needed and didn't hesitate to check on how things were going. I have even emailed asking gardening advice as she has a gorgeous yard full of flowers that I can never seem to keep alive. ha ha Leslie is a great cheerleader and encourager when you need it, she knows just what to say and gives you the smile you need at the time. This is not an end to our friendship I know, just means we will be keeping in touch a different way. I hope you stop on over and give Leslie a hi and happy retirement as they say today.
Now for my creation... we all wanted to honor Leslie and her work she has done and all her time spent with Flourishes. Christine came up with the idea of taking one of Leslie's creations and casing it. How do you suppose I do that? Choosing one is not easy, but I did choose this one. Shows the simple yet elegance that she creates! I have often said how do you use the pearls like that and have it look like it is suppose to be? I kept the layout, shapes for the most part, stamp set and over all feel of the card the same. Changed the sentiment tag. I sent this to Leslie and she hopefully gets this in today's mail. I know her decision is from the heart as hard as it is. She is irreplaceable! I want her to know that we love her and that I truly am thankful to have designed with her at Flourishes.

Please check out the creations the girls have today as well:
Christine
Cindy
Julie
Dawn
Barbara
Sharon
Tammy">

20 comments:

Dawn B. said...

This is so pretty Stacy. I love your write up too. She will be missed. Hope all goes well this weekend. Hugs and love.

Debbie said...

Beautiful card Stacy.. and I am sure you guys will still keep in touch, there is always, e-mails and skype so you can still stalk her..lol

Hugs
Debbie

Naomi said...

This is so beautiful..as is the original. The Cherry Blossoms set is one of my faves! Leslie is super talented and I wish her all of the happiness in the world...she will definitely be missed in the cardmaking world!

DottyA Cards & Things said...

As much as I hate to see Leslie leave , I'm whishing her "Will" on this much deserved brake she's taking! I had often wondered how you girls can turn out such Beautiful project on a daily bases and still have time for a life outside the craft room..... For me I'm pleased when I can finish One really nice project a week... But you Girls just blow me away with you talent. Your card is a beauty!

Sewflake said...

What an inspiration Leslie is to so many people through her wonderful creations as well as about her daily life. I can share my morning coffee time "with her" by cruising the tribuites. It is fun to see how much we have all been inspired by this talented lady and bring our own style. Lovely card Stacy, you have "learned well".

stampqueen said...

Very pretty - love how its framed!!!

ChristineCreations said...

You did such a beautiful job on this card Stac...I looked at this one to case too and almost chose it! :) I love the blues and greens...it's so classy. Beautiful words for Leslie too.

Hugs friend. I miss you!

Angel said...

beautiful card! sad to see her leave and you're right, she's so encouraging and sweet in her comments! hey, i'm sending you something... it's late, sorry, but look for it next week! :)

Amanda said...

Stacy, that is truly the nicest and most heartfelt writing about Leslie. Even though I don't know her, I feel so sad that she is leaving! You said exactly how I was feeling about it!

Your card is truly gorgeous and stunning! Your CASE is just perfect, and I always loved that card you chose of Leslie's :) Both are so Beautiful, just Beautiful! :)

Marisa said...

Great written and crafted tributes, Stacy :)

Leslie Miller said...

Wow, Stacy. Okay, you did a beautiful job on this card. Funny, I've recognized each of the team's cards right off the bat, and I knew this was one I made for Jan Marie. Now you're making it for me. You've said the most beautiful things. I know your words are more meaningful to me than to anyone else, but anyone can read the sweetness and beauty of Stacy in them. You've always been my "kid", you know.

bbsox55 said...

Stacy, just remember that once you make a friend they are forever part of you! Beautiful card.

Yogi said...

Hi Stacy,
I'm not finding an email address to get a hold of you.
Christmas Spirit Challenge #16 WINNER

my email is yogihg at hotmail dot com

thanks a bunch. have a great day

Tammy Hershberger said...

Beautiful design, Stacy! The rhinestone flourish looks perfect and these colors are gorgeous together!

Barbara said...

Gorgeous CASE, Stacy. You've done a great job with Leslie's design.

Cheryl said...

Wonderful card! The soft blues in the flowers are so beautiful, and I love the sentiment. It sounds like Leslie really did have to listen with her heart to make her decision.

Theresa said...

You wrote a beautiful tribute. Your card is just lovely. Well done!!

Yogi said...

very pretty. Nice take on Leslie's card.

Joanne (jojot) said...

a beautiful tribute in words and creation...wow

America said...

WONDERFUL work and lovely words of admiration and kindness!