Inspired By Summer

It has been super hot here in Ohio.  Since I live in a high COVID rate area, I have't been leaving the house much.  Bright side - more craft time.  For the Inspired By Summer challenge, I broke out a fun circle die, and ran some bright rainbow papers through my Xyron.  

I made 5 of these since I liked the first one so much.  These will be perfect for Cards for Soldiers.  Here is the inspiration photo:

I am also sharing this with the JUGS Rainbow challenge.  

Learning Lessons

When I start a project, I usually have an idea of how I want it to look upon completion.  I get really frustrated when it doesn't work out, and have pretty things in my trash.  Case in point.  This didn't turn out as expected, so I threw it out.  I pulled it out this morning, and realized that it wasn't so bad, just wasn't what I intended.  And maybe that's OK.  

I started to use Molotow masking fluid to create the "Hello" mask, and then use watercolors to create a rainbow effect.  The fluid was to gummy to use.  OK, I can stamp it and heat emboss it in clear and then add color.  That didn't work either, the colors ran under the embossing.  OK, I can layer white embossing over the clear (thankfully, I hadn't removed the stamp form my MISTI and could stamp directly over the original).  Nope, it didn't cover it all.  OK, try again.  It took three layer of the off white powder to cover the color.  I posted this to remind myself that sometimes the process is just as important as the outcome., and I am sharing this with the JUGS Rainbow Challenge.  

Silver Doily

I have these pretty silver doilies, but never have good ideas on how to use them.  This week's Try Stampin on Tuesday sketch is perfect.  

I use spray adhesive on doilies, since regular glue makes them wavy, and running them through a Xyron is messy.  

Simple layout, but I think the doily and the punched border add enough interest!

Be sure to check out the For Sale page, I add new stuff regularly!

Stars & Stripes for the Holidays

In honor of the Fourth of July, the Jingle Belles have a Stars and Stripes challenge.  I have made literally hundreds of these over the past few years. 

The inside:

I write a short note of thanks in every one of them, and send them to the group Cards for Soldiers to distribute with their care packages.  The center panel was purchased from Hollo Paper in Ohio.  I trimmed it down and punched the corners.  Sometimes I add stars to the corners, other times jewels or Stickles.   I know it isn't the most original or fancy entry, but I hope it is a reminder to all of the sacrifices our ancestors made, and our military still make, to keep us safe.  

Christmas in (almost) July

I try to make Christmas cards all year so I am not even more crazy come December.  Here is one of my latest.  

The Momenta dies are not the easiest ones to line up.  The berries didn't work out so well, so I topped them off with some Stickles.  No mistakes, just an opportunity for Embellishment!  I based the card off of the CAS(e) this Sketch:

I was particularly inspired by Jen Mitchell's card!

Stand Tall, Darling!

I spent WAY too much time on this card!!  It too me forever to figure out the colors to layer for the flamingo, then the layout gave me fits.  But I love the result!

I based the card on this sketch from Try Stampin On Tuesday:

Be sure to check out their challenge, there are some fabulous inspiration cards!

Pastel Happiness

Playing around with Distress Inks this week.  They blend so nicely!!  

I inked a stripy background, then cut it into one inch diagonal squares.  Love how it looks layered on the grey base.  I tried die cutting the happy in the same grey, but it blended in too much.  The black pops nicely!  Sharing with The Color Throwdown #599: