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!