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6.09.2010

Following My Heart Led Me to You


Hey Bleeps! Happy Hump Day! Today, I am sharing a card inspired by a few challenges. I usually do not combine challenges because it's very difficult to do, unless it's a generic challenge, like masculine for JustRite and The Shabby Tea Room. I also used Kazan's sketch from 2 Sketches for You! :) I'm going to be honest here. This card took me about two hours to make. I was powered from a long nap, but just wasn't prepared to spend that long on a card. Good thing I had my leftovers to eat! :) Check out how I made it - seems easier and faster, but boy did this card's thought process take for-ever!

Instructions
  1. Trim patterned paper to about 4" x 5.25", then adhere a black patterned paper strip in the middle.
  2. Die cut and emboss label.
  3. Stamp 'tags' and 'border.'
  4. Punch holes and set eyelets.
  5. Tie label onto paper with twine.
  6. Die cut two circles to mat together.
  7. On kraft circle, stamp sentiment, then pop off label die cut.
Tips & Tricks
  • Patterned Paper :: If you have difficulty working with multiple patterned papers (like me), I recommend placing the patterns down and walking away to stare at them from across the room to see if it's too busy, not busy enough, too much, overwhelming, or just "it!"
  • Use patterns from the same or similar manufacturers. Working with the same collection is also an easy way to match patterns too. Here, I used the same vendor, but two different collections.
Supplies

Stamps :: JustRite - romantic sentiments; Waltzingmouse Stamps - very vintage labels no. 1
Ink :: SU! - black
Cardstock :: PTI - kraft, true black
Patterned Paper :: Graphic 45 - a proper gentleman collection {harberdasher}, communique collection {a fine specimen}
Embellishments :: May Arts - twine; We R Memory Keepers - eyelets
Tools :: Spellbinders - labels one nestability (S4-161 ), standard circles nestability small, large (S4 -114, S4-116), wizard; We R Memory Keepers - crop-a-dile, crop-a-dile big bite

Now, in case that was a little too manly for you, here's something that should sweeten you up! I made some strawberry lemonade for the first time last night. I really like ordering this out at restaurants, so I thought why not?! I usually make fresh lemonade/tea and combine them (I will do a separate post for that concoction later), but this beverage screams summer and perfect for gatherings or just plain 'ole drinks in your house! Now, I'm sure you can 'jazz' it up a bit and add some 'licka' to it, but I haven't played with that just yet!


Here's how I made it:

3 lemons
6 strawberries
2.5 c sugar (about - to taste - WARNING - I don't measure)
lemon juicer
mortar and pestle

Cut lemons in half. With one lemon, slice it a few times and set aside. Juice lemons and add to your pitcher. Crush and juice strawberries in mortar and pestle. Add strawberries to pitcher. Add sugar and water, then stir until dissolved. Add sliced lemons, stir, and serve!

The mortar and pestle is a tiny one I picked up in Kanchanaburi, Thailand. I thought it was too cute. I never thought I'd use it, which is why I bought a 'baby' one! You can find one at your local kitchen gadget store.

Thanks for visiting today. I hope it was refreshing!

20 comments:

Debbie said...

Great masculine desing this week, Ashley! Thanks for joining us in the Tea Room ... and I {heart} that Strawberry Lemonade recipe - yum!

Rhonda said...

Ashley, what a great card. I saw it and immediately thought of a card I wanted to make so THANKS for the inspiration.

Carole Pillon said...

I love the tons, and your interpretation of the sketch. Beautiful Ashley.

Carole

http://www.lescartesdecarole.fr

Sally Watkins said...

Delicious card and recipe! I am loving this card, the color combo, the elements. Diggin' it!

Tiffany Heilman said...

the card! It is also refreshing to hear that I am not the only one who can spend 2 hours on one card :)

cnelson said...

such a lovely card! thanks for the lemonade recipe!

Courtney Baker said...

So pretty! Totally worth the time!

Anonymous said...

Love your card! Its always so beautifully made. Thanks for the recipe! Can't wait to try it out!

cherry said...

Very cool sentiment!

Lindsay said...

Lovely card, as always Ashley! Really enjoying the food you have been showing! Delicious!

Sylvia said...

Great card! and the lemonade looks great!

Unknown said...

I love the punch of color yet how it still shows some "manly". Beautiful card!

Sylvia from Minnesota said...

Thanks for nice directions-very masculine card.

Els said...

Fabulous card, Ashley! I love the masculine (but not too) look!

Glenda J said...

Love this! The twine and eyelets are perfect. Really great patterned paper too.

Beate said...

Gorgeous card, Ashley! I love the string/eyelet combo. I haven't touched my eyelets in ages and you make me want to pull them out! Love the sentiment paired with that frame. Beautiful!
Hugs and smiles

Audrey Pettit said...

This is fabulous, Ashley!! Just realized I thought the above card was for the Tea Room, as it worked perfectly, and so does this! You are an absolute master of the masculine card, girl! I adore this!

Sue McRae said...

I'm gonna try the strawberr lemonade, looks refreshingly good!

~Tammy~ said...

I just love the saying on this card! The lemonade recipe is so yummy! Thanks!

Echo said...

OMG Ashly,

This makes me so thirsty! Looks super yummy. I will definitely have to try this sometime. Soon.

Thanks for sharing.

Sharon

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