Orange you glad I didn't say card?

It's been nothing but cards for the month of June with no scrappy, and July is not looking any better. My GF gave me some card kits that she had previously acquired and never used. I figured they would be quick easy ways to make cards. I HATED them! My cards looked mediocre and uninspired. Let's face it, I'm not a sticker person. I don't know how to use them effectively...until now.

I have to admit I searched online for some inspiration. Once I found what I was looking for, I didn't completely lift but the basic vibe is there. I prefer that anyway. Most of my mid-career scrapping stuff is not getting posted because it was lifted. I feel comfortable showing my own creations but when it's a carbon copy of someone else's it just doesn't feel right.

Back to the card!
This is the card I made for my cousin's open house.

As you can see, it's mostly paper layering and stickers but I was ecstatic with the way it turned out. There is some inking and stamping but I was short on time and so I was trying to rein myself in:) lol

 This is my cousin Rachelle. Isn't she beautiful? Her senior pictures were out of this world. The card was for her.

Here is my Aubrey Sue with my BFF's boa Earl. He is the nicest most gentle snake you have ever met. She has been grooming him to dance with for a while and although Earl loves people and loves to snuggle, he does not like to spin. This is not going to work in the belly dance world.

 Also while out at my BFF's house I thought it would be a great opportunity for photos with the kids. Her son is a graffiti artist and with all the outbuildings around their house she is able to give him a building that he can practice on. Makes a great background for pics with the kids. 

 I love the composition of this pic even though his eyes are closed.

 This final picture is a photoshop display. I took this in the graveyard behind the church when Nathan was baptized. Liam and Aubrey were standing back to back but I liked the look of her alone so through cropping and much creative photo shopping I was able to completely remove him from the pic. She is such a pouty Sue!

Summer Excuses

I never blogged in June?! Where on Earth did it go? My goal was at least 3 times per month. In all fairness I never scrapped in June either. I made father's day cards and graduation cards and birthday cards...and I am NOT a card maker...but I just feel that there is something to be said when someone makes something for you by hand. A little extra effort, a little extra "you are special to me" and I like to do that for those whom I love.

I had a blonde moment and didn't take pictures of the rest of my father's day cards...just my hubby's.

 This is the card that I made for my DH for father's day. It's done on a plain piece of kraft stock. I used the moonshadow mist paint pot in gossamer gold first and then sprayed TA mist in coffee, olive, and patina. I then used a clock mask from my Swirlydoos.com kit and inked with chalk pigment ink in dark brown to get the clocks. I then stamped with my new TA border stamps from the same Swirlydoos.com kit. I stamped the bird(Tim Holtz) and cut him out and layered him over some pieces from The Girls' Paperie by Margie (88 pieces for $1 at Mega Meet!) I sprayed the pieces for a more congruent look.

 Here's a closeup. I did the bird and paper pieces on ALMOST all of my father's day cards. I actually will have to get some pics and post my father-in-law's card because it was different and it rocks.

July 3rd we went to cookout at my BFF's house with her fam and have my DH teach me how to ride a motorcycle. My BFF's bike is smaller and easier to handle than the big bikes that we have. As you can see I have all the gear from riding...I just don't know how to drive...yet;)

 This is my DH checking out the overflow on the bike. I totally dig his style. Seriously love my man. That's not a bad thing is it?

 Here's another pic of yours truly once the DH let me pick up my feet. Yes, I'm still in first gear but I'm in control and that's the important part. Isn't the barn cool? Can you say picture op for the kids?!

Here's a closeup of me looking intense as I pass in front of the bunk house. Pink riding gear, you ask? But of course!

and for the grand finale....

Fireworks!

Liam

 Roman

 Colin

 Big Fireworks!

Happy Fourth of July everyone!!!