I'm ba-ack...

...for a short time at least.  I've just enjoyed 10 days away with my family, camping in Quebec.  What a fabulous province!  This is the second summer that we've spent vacationing there and we've loved both experiences.  The province itself is absolutely GORGEOUS and there is so much diversity in the landscape.  The people are friendly and the food amazing!  It was so nice to get out canoeing again this year.  It was my son's first time in a canoe and I have to admit, he did pretty well.  Our first outing was only about 1/2 hour but the second was 3 hours!  Not bad for a 2 year old....the key is to bring lots of snacks and a bag of rocks : )

We ended our trip at my sister-in-law's place for my father-in-law's 60th birthday.  We spent a lovely day canoeing the Saugeen River near Walkerton and then had a nice family dinner at a local restaurant.  All-in-all a great day for a great dad!

We began our trip at my cousin's wedding and I'd like to share the card that I made for her and her new husband.  I had a lot of fun with my new "Occasions Alphabet" stamp set for this one!



Summer Wedding

 
I chose to stick with a relatively simple colour palette that was similar to the bride's colours for the day; Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry and Very Vanilla.  I wanted to incorporate butterflies somehow and I really like how they look against the flowers from the "Just Believe" set.  The largest butterfly has had it's wings brushed with Rich Razzleberry to give them a little more depth (thanks to S.M. from TheMuseum for the idea!).

Monogram using Occasions Alphabet

For the monogram I simply coloured just the letter from the "Occasions Alphabet" stamp and framed it using one of the frames from "Four Frames".  The "bling" on the monogram and butterfly are rhinestones.

For the Newlyweds

 Finally, for the inside of the card, I wanted to say something about being "Newlywed".  I framed the sentiment again with a frame from "Four Frames"...the one with the bird, but coloured to omit the bird.

Where has the time gone...

This summer is going by so quickly and I feel as though I've hardly had time to enjoy it yet!  It's been so busy....hence, my lack of posting...and it just keeps going!  I'm starting to understand that expression, "I need a vacation from my vacation" : )

I had a couple of events this week that went really well and thanks to the ladies over at Try Stamping on Tuesday I was able to pull out a project last minute for my Idea Book and Catalogue Launch Party on Tuesday.  Thank you!

Here's their sketch:

Try Stamping on Tuesday Challenge 23

Here's my version:

Occasions Alphabet card

Everthing about this card was last minute.  I had ordered the Occasions Alphabet stamp set as part of my Sale-a-bration reward and it didn't arrive until Tuesday, the same day as my party!  I absolutely LOVE that set wanted to use it right away.  I was also stuck for an idea for a layout....so again, thanks to CherylAnn and the other ladies for this template. 

The colour combination for this card is Baja Breeze, Rich Razzleberry, and Island Indigo.  So pretty!  I sponged Baja Breeze ink onto the card stock base to add a little texture to the background and then layered Pocketful of Posies DSP, Island Indigo (using the Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder) and Rich Razzleberry again. 

The sentiment is framed in Baja Breeze using one of the Four Frames stamps and punched using the Decorative Label punch.

I'm looking forward to some time off over the next couple of weeks but I'll be back in August.

Summertime....

....and the living is easy!  How quickly that sets in.  I find that once school is out slipping into lazy days is so easy.  I'm so happy that my husband is home for the next two months and I'm looking forward to all the travelling and visiting we'll be doing.  Which, of course, means that I won't be posting nearly as often and I'm finding it hard already to get myself into my little corner downstairs when it is so gorgeous and sunny outside.  I was, however, asked to be a guest designer again this week over at A La Card Monkey so here's a fun, summery card for you.

Summer Fun Monkey Challenge 63

 Here's my version:

Happy Summer Birthday

Firstly, thanks to my friend, Leena, at A La Cards for the great idea to use a scallop punch to make a sun.  Punch out your image using the scallop punch and then punch again, this time a little offset.  I found using a little non-permanent adhesive to attach the shape to a scrap piece of paper made it easier to punch again.  I used the BRAND NEW "Just Add Cake" DSP and Baja Breeze card stock for my background.  A combination of alternating Pumpkin Pie and So Saffron punched images for the sun in the middle.  Finally, the sentiment comes from "Best Dad Ever". 

Happy summer everyone!