Stars and Stripes Forever for the Monkey Challenge

I have to admit that before this challenge I didn't think I had a star or stripe in my body let alone the red, white and blue.  I enjoy vacationing in the US and have American family members but I am Canadian through and through!  But I pulled some out for this week's challenge at A La Card Monkey!  Aren't you proud of me?!

Now, to be fair, Terry and Shirley did not require that we use stars and stripes for our cards this week but I thought that I would stretch myself a little and see what I could come up with.  My son has a little friend who is turning four in a couple of weeks and I decided to get ahead of the game and make a card for him early.  I had a lot of fun with all of my star stamps (who knew I had so many!) and lots of Dazzling Diamonds glitter....my house is now all glittery!  Man, that stuff gets everywhere!

Here is the Monkey Challenge sketch:

Red, White and Blue Monkey Challenge 62 Sketch

Here's my version:

Let's Celebrate; Stars and Stripes Forever

The colour scheme is Pacific Point, Real Red, Bashful Blue and Whisper White with just a touch of Marina Mist.  I started off by sending the card base, in Pacific Point card stock, through the Big Shot in the Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder.  Then I added some Bashful Blue DSP from the Subtles DSP collection and added some trim using my Decorative Label punch.

The Real Red stars on the front are all heat embossed using Dazzling Diamonds.  Start by stamping your image using the VersaMark stamp pad.  Then add Stampin' Up's heat and stick powder and heat until "dissolved", then quickly pour on the Dazzling Diamonds embossing powder, shake off excess and heat just a little until set.  Be forewarned, the Dazzling Diamonds powder gets EVERYWHERE and will be a presence in your home for weeks (if not months) after using!

Happy Birthday sentiment on inside

For the inside of the card, I used another big star, this time in Whisper White and Dazzling Diamonds (although it doesn't show up well here) and then layered Real Red, Bashful Blue and Whisper White again.  Both sentiments on the card come from the "Family Phrases" stamp set (sad to see that one go!).

So, with the Stars and Stripes in mind, HAPPY 4th OF JULY to all my American friends and family, and HAPPY CANADA DAY on Friday, July 1st to all of you Canadians reading!!!  Enjoy the long weekend!