Can you believe it? It's the 20th of the month and that means another funky, freaky, fantabulous Control Freaks Blog Tour! If you're already taking the tour, you probably just arrived here by way of Melanie Schulenberg's blog. If you're just starting, jump on the bus here and then enjoy a great ride as you visit a total of 13 Great Control Freak Blogs, each one filled with amazing projects using the New 2009-2010 Stampin' Up! In Colors! I've taken the tour and believe me, you won't be disappointed!
So, what are you favorite new In Colors? Without a doubt, mine are Rich Razzleberry and Soft Suede. And when you combine the two colors together... well, all I can say is "WOW" -- I LOVE this color combination. In fact, both my projects for this tour use that combination. Here's the first -- this lovely card made with the 
Greenhouse Garden Stamp Set. Colors are Rich Razzleberry, Soft Suede, Pale Plumb and Very Vanilla. I used Thoroughly Modern Designer Series Paper and 5/8" Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon, along with the Big Shot and Scallop Circle #2 Die and the Circle Scissor Plus. Of course, no card would be complete without a little somethin' on the inside as well!
Now this next project is the one I'm really excited about! Aren't those leaves just geoergeous? The stamp set is Autumn Splendor from the new Holiday Mini Catalog (available for orders from beginning September 1st). I stamped them with Versamark Ink on Very vanilla Cardstock and then heat embossed with Gold Embossing Powder. I sponged on some ink -- Rich Razzleberry, Soft Suede and 
just a little Dusty Durango, and then cut them out. I gave them a little shape with my fingers and mounted them with Stampin' Dimensionals, trying to maintain their curvy, flowing shapes. The little scrapbook is made using Small On Board Book Basics, Thoroughly Modern and Rich 
Razzleberry Patterns Designer Series Papers, and 5/8" Rich Razzleberry Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon. The tag is created using the Holiday Best Stamp Set (a Level 1 Hostess set) and the Wide Oval Punch. The inside sheets are cut from Very Vanilla Cardstock, with a 1" strip of DSP on the end of each page and the corners rounded with the Corner Rounder Punch. I used my Bind-it-All to put it all together. I'm so thrilled about the way these leaves turned out! You will probably see some more of these in my future!
Well, that's it for this stop. Thanks for stopping and staying awhile but you really need to move on to the next stop now. There's some fantastic, freaky surprises awaiting you. Click on the image below to go to the next stop, the blog of the stupendous Patty Bennett!
Blessings, Gretchen
Gretchen - the leaves are over-the-top gorgeous!!
Posted by: Dawn Olchefske | August 19, 2009 at 11:25 PM
Gretchen,
I love those leaves! They are just wonderful.
-Laura Thorpe
Posted by: Laura Thorpe | August 20, 2009 at 12:01 AM
What a gorgeous book you made. I love everything about it!! The colors are wonderful.
Posted by: Karen Milone | August 20, 2009 at 06:27 AM
Freaks Rule!! I love these projects, you did an AWESOME job. I love being part of this group :-)
Barb
Posted by: Barb Mullikin | August 20, 2009 at 07:03 AM
Wonderful projects! I just love all your projects with the Garden set!
Posted by: Mary Brown aka stampercamper | August 20, 2009 at 07:09 AM
Those are beautiful!!!
Debi Engle
http://debiskraftykorner.blogspot.com
Posted by: debi engle | August 20, 2009 at 07:15 AM
Fantastic projects. Thanks for going to the trouble so we can enjoy such a great tour. Loved it.
Posted by: Anne Pavlosky | August 20, 2009 at 07:25 AM
Oh my gosh, those embossed leaves are to die for!! SO elegant! Funny how we both shared binded notebooks this month! :)
TFS!
Cindy
Posted by: Cindy Major | August 20, 2009 at 07:48 AM
What a beautiful card and that book is just amazing. Those leaves are incredible! Thanks so much for sharing:)
Posted by: Julie A. | August 20, 2009 at 08:05 AM
Gorgeous, Gretchen! I especially love the leaves! I'll have to try that with my set!
Posted by: Connie | August 20, 2009 at 08:10 AM
beautiful projects gretchen. the leaves are awesome!!!
xox
Posted by: carol marbach (udi) | August 20, 2009 at 08:17 AM
Very nice projects, I particularly like the card! Can't wait for my new Stampin Up demo kit to arrive here in Summerville, SC with all the new in colors so I can try it out myself!
Tina Luntsford Rucker
www.tinasdailytidbits.blogspot.com
Posted by: Tina Luntsford | August 20, 2009 at 08:39 AM
Great project...thanks for sharing your talent!
Posted by: Sherry | August 20, 2009 at 09:28 AM
I have to say those leaves are fantastic! I just got that set but it hasn't seen ink yet. What a fabulous idea to make a gratitude journal. I love your card too. That set is way up on my Wish List. Gorgeous creations!
Posted by: Jenn D | August 20, 2009 at 09:36 AM
STUNNING projects Gretchen! I just LOVE this Blog Tour!
Posted by: Christyne | August 20, 2009 at 09:37 AM
AMAZING! Those leaves look almost gilded. Beautiful work Grechen.
Posted by: Pockets of Inspiration | August 20, 2009 at 09:44 AM
Gretchen, these are gorgeous projects, thanks so much for sharing.
Posted by: Carolyn Sharkas | August 20, 2009 at 09:59 AM
Gretchen,
I wasn't going to by the leaves set, but after seeing your book I think I have to have it.
Posted by: Diane McKern | August 20, 2009 at 11:06 AM
Gretchen: You just never disappoint! I love that leave stamp set, and now you've given me such wonderful ideas. You are truly an artist. Thanks for sharing your talent with all of us. Lucia Kaiser, scrappinalong.blogspot.com
Posted by: Lucia Kaiser | August 20, 2009 at 11:16 AM
Awesome Tour! Thanks for sharing your gift with us. Your art is always jaw dropping! Can't wait to see what comes next!
Posted by: Judy Elting | August 20, 2009 at 11:21 AM
Your projects are beautiful. I be back after the tour. lorijane
Posted by: lorijane | August 20, 2009 at 11:35 AM
Gretchen, thank you for sharing. I love your projects. I just got the set Autumn Splendor, love the way you did the leaves for your book.
Posted by: Barbara Welch | August 20, 2009 at 12:40 PM
What a great tour! I promised I would be back. I need all the details for your projects, a quick break for lunch, and then...Stamp On! I can't wait for September and a new theme. lorijane
Posted by: lorijane | August 20, 2009 at 01:04 PM
The leaves are absolutely beautiful. I do not have that set but am thinking of getting it now. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Debbie Wren | August 20, 2009 at 01:23 PM
Oh, Gretchen!! Your attention to detail (as always) just puts both of these projects over the top!! Those leaves!! And the flowers on your card . . . simply stunning, through and through!! :)
Posted by: Wendy W. | August 20, 2009 at 05:40 PM
Oh my goodness gracious!! The leaves on your little book are fabulous - what a great idea. Also LOVE the colors you put together. Thx for sharing
Elaine Moore - [email protected]
Posted by: Elaine Moore | August 20, 2009 at 06:56 PM
Oh My!!! Those leaves!!! Thanks for sharing your scrapbook...
Faith
Posted by: Faith | August 20, 2009 at 10:43 PM
I agree, those leaves are beyond beautiful! You do fantastic work girl; thanks for sharing!! Mary Jo
Posted by: mary jo | August 20, 2009 at 11:51 PM
Just beautiful, Gretchen! I never tried Pale Plum with Rich Razzleberry - great combo! Those leaves are stunning! Gotta try that!
Posted by: Shona Watson | August 20, 2009 at 11:59 PM
Great projects. I especially like the card and the colors you chose for the new Greenhouse Garden set.
Posted by: lisa808 | August 21, 2009 at 02:43 AM
No no no! I didn't like that leaf set, darn you! Now it's on the wish list. A...mazing.
Posted by: Lynn Birus (lbirus) | August 21, 2009 at 07:47 AM
Those leaves are absolutely fabulous!!!! What a great idea.
Kym
Posted by: Kym S | August 21, 2009 at 01:31 PM
Oh my, how gorgeous. Wonderful ideas, as yours always are! Thanks for you generosity in sharing your creativity
Posted by: Chris O | August 21, 2009 at 03:23 PM
Gretchen: You used my fave color--Rich Razzleberry! Love all the projects. Kim Innis, [email protected], http://kimskreativeinkings.blogspot.com
Posted by: Kim Innis | August 21, 2009 at 10:21 PM
WOW! I must say oyu have convinced me to buy that leaf set now!!! How many pages did you include in the journal? I want to make one! It is really awesome!!!
Posted by: Sue | September 02, 2009 at 10:36 PM