Flying by...

The 4th of July is probably one of my favorite holidays. I love being outside, with family, and especially watching fireworks. My dad's backyard is the perfect spot to watch fireworks from a nearby park. It is close and loud. I love it! Owen fell asleep last year during the festivities, but I don't think he will let the "big booms" escape him this year. 

We are going to celebrate with my mom today and watch a neighboring cities fireworks tonight. I just can't get enough...unless it is random fireworks being set off well into the night. Before we head over for a cookout, I decided to whip up something fun before I go. 

This cute card was inspired by Cas-ology's Float Challenge 

and My Favorite Things Sketch #183

Drum roll, please....

I have had this Lawn Fawn set for a while and when I saw FLOAT, I knew this was the set to use. I embossed the paper airplanes and then I white washed them with white craft ink and a watercolor marker. The circle was made with a mask. I had cut a circle out from a previous project and I used the negative space to sponge the circle. I like that this made it feel light and airy and not heavy. 

What is your favorite part of the July 4th holiday? Have a good one!

Super Simple Thinking of You

I am all about cards that take no time at all to create. I am a big fan of CAS cards: clean and simple, so today's fits right up my ally. 

I used the color combo from Color Throwdown #281 (which I must admit I was very nervous about)

and My Favorite Things #165 Sketch

to make this little beauty. 

I punch out a partial circle and backed it with some Tangerine colored paper from the Retro Fresh DSP. I stole a hexagon from the Afternoon Tea DSP and plopped a black button on top. Last, but not least, I cut out a Black flag and embossed my sentiment in white embossing powder. Keeping the rest of the card white and open makes these colors less intimidating and gives the card the punch it needs. 

Look Who's 5: Birthday Card for Austin

Austin is my oldest nephew and a favorite. He is so snuggly and caring. He is also really good to Owen. I love him so. This March he will be turning 5...I can't believe it! I remember holding that little munchkin in my arms on the day he was born. It's hard to believe that he is growing so old so quickly. 

I found this sweet color palette from My Favorite Things and I knew needed to be for an Austin card. He is so bright and happy. I used Kraft, Daffodil, and Coastal Cabana. 

I love everything about this card, EXCEPT my handwriting on it. I usually love my handwriting, but something about this doesn't look quite finished, so it will have to do until I find the perfect stamped sentiment. My Austin deserves the best after all!

Happy Weekend everyone!

Perfect Sunburst

Before Christmas I was able to do a Stampin' Up pre-order for the new Occasions catalog and             Sale-a-Bration items. I'm so glad I did because over winter break I have begun playing with my many amazing toys. 

My Favorite Things Challenge #156 was a perfect match to a few goodies I received in my Stampin' Up box, like the Starburst framelits. So excited about these. 

Instead of taking the sketch too literal, which I usually do, I decided to think outside the box this time and I think it paid off. I decided to cut the circle out using the Starburst framelits. Genius, right? Yeah, but then what to do. Since I had removed most of the front of the card, I figured I better add a bit of interest to the inside. I did this by stamping Smokey Slate ink on Smoky Slate cardstock using the new Hardwood stamp. Swoon!

It was coming along nicely, but now what. Well I went back to the Starburst framelits and cut out the next smallest. Then I embossed it using the new Dots Embossing folder (another Sale-a-Bration pick). I added a strip of Basic Gray cardstock to the front to make a spot for my sentiment. 

Again, I went back to the Starburst framelits and went one smaller again. Last, but not least, I picked the perfect saying for a friend dealing with a break-up. This comes from the new set Perfect Pennants. 

Simple and sweet. Nothing could be better!