Happy Birthday America!

Hi everyone,

As we head into the long 4th of July weekend, together with thoughts of parades and fireworks, my mind is turning to patriotism and national pride.  July 4th is a great time to get together with family & friends, wear our red, white & blue and display our flags, but please remember to take a few moments to think about what it is we celebrate.

I want to thank our Armed Forces for stepping into danger for the sake of others every day of the year.  God bless our troops!

So whatever you have planned this 4th of July whether it be a barbecue, listening to brass bands playing marches and toe-tapping tunes enjoy yourself and think about your freedom.

Happy Birthday America!

Card Recipe:

Stamps:  Stampabilities Pledge of Allegiance, Heartfelt Creations Patriotic Phrases (HCPC 1791)

Paper:  True Red, Night of Navy, Whisper White 
Ink:  Pledge of Allegiance & Freedom - Night of Navy; Sponging - Brilliance Galaxy Gold, Distressed Antique Linen, ColorBox Chalk Creamy Brown 
Accessories:  3/8" Red, White & Blue Ribbon, Nesties Deckled Edge Large Classic Ovals #5, Spellbinders Ribbon Banners Die, SU Star Punch, Recollections Star Glittered Brads
Techniques:  Embossing, Sponging

Crafty Butterfly in Yellow

Yellow is not a color I use very often for backgrounds even though it represents joy, sunshine and the tropics.  This particular card took no time at all to create.

The image from Crafty Individuals was stamped in StazOn Black onto Shimmery White paper then sponged with Summer Sun & Groovy Guava.  I added a gold brad to the center of the flower and Fruit Punch Stickles to the butterfly.

The background paper is Barely Banana which I ran through my Big Shot using the Cuttlebug Jamara Embossing Folder.  I then applied Folk Art Acrylic Paint in Metallic Pure Gold to highlight the embossing.

I distressed a piece of Groovy Guava paper and assembled my card.

Card Recipe:

Stamps:  Crafty Individuals C1-296

Paper:  Natural White Linen, Barely Banana, Groovy Guava, Shimmery White
Ink:  StazOn Black, Summer Sun, Groovy Guava
Accessories:  Folk Art Acrylic Paint in Metallic Pure Gold, Fruit Punch Stickles, Edge Distresser, Cuttlebug Jamara Embossing Folder, Gold Brad
Techniques:  Sponging

Tea in the Garden

On this wonderful sunny day I have prepared tea on the patio and hope you will join me.  The warmer weather draws me outdoors to enjoy the beauty of nature.  I am linking with Bernideen for Tea in the Garden on Saturday and with a few other friends.

(click photos to enlarge)

Today I am using Royal Albert Lavender Rose china, which I just love with the Montrose shaped handle.  It is so elegant with the small pink roses and gold trim.

The teapot is Skye McGhie in the "Cream Lace" pattern.

A cranberry glass pitcher is our creamer for today since it goes so well with the Lavender Rose.  Did you know antique cranberry glass dates back much farther than the Victorian era.

Our centerpiece is a potted Martha Washington geranium (Pelargonium).  These eye catching blooms are bi-color pink and sit above light green, pleated leaves.  I adore the Fleur-de-lis design on this cream pot.

While sipping tea we can relax and browse our Gardener magazine for some fresh new ideas.

Would you like me to light our jar candle?  This cherry blossom candle with notes of bergamot and sandalwood is highly fragrant and will scent the air for us.

Thank you for joining me for tea in the garden.  I am also linking with the following ladies:

Tea Time Tuesday @ Rose Chintz Cottage
Table Top Tuesday @ A Stroll Thru Life
Tea Cup Tuesday @ Martha's Favorites
Tea Cup Tuesday @ Artful Affirmations
Tuesday Tea for Two @ The Plumed Pen