A Kept Life: Paper Sweeties July Inspiration Challenge #21

Wow did July ever sneak up fast! I can't believe the 4th is this Friday! I'm looking forward to staying up late and watching the fireworks. My husband and son have both been working so hard it will be good to have them home so they can take a break. I hope the weather holds up for us too - it's been rainy for the past week here and puppy is not liking the wet grass - and forget the whole concept of having an umbrella held over her while she tries to find the perfect spot.

A new monthly challenge begins today at Paper Sweeties. Check out the inspiration photo! The pretty floral prints and patriotic colors are just perfect for summer.

I used two stamp sets to make my card - Happy Summer and Summer Fun! The flower tree is from Happy Summer and is super easy to embellish with a big button or gem in the center. The Summer Fun set features two labels and lots of sentiments. I used the plaid label to stamp a bit of trim on my sentiment banner, and I snuck a red stamped plaid label under the oval die cut.

I'm loving all the wood embellishments you can find at most craft stores today. This flower is from Little Yellow Bicycle and had a floral image on one side. I flipped it over and stamped a bird and the branches from the Happy Summer Set. I added lots of trims including some flower shaped sequins that I've only ever seen at Paper Sweeties. They have a fun patriotic mix that includes three colors of sequins for only $3.

Ready for more patriotic summer inspiration from Paper Sweeties? Hop along with the current and alumni design team every month. There is also a special guestie this month - Bethie Johnson! I hope you stop by and tell her hi!

Char Cundy

Jeanne Jachna (That's me!)

Kerin Sylvester

Kristi Schurr
Lesley Croghan

Lisa Elton

Maria Patrick

Michelle Bala
Mynnette Kitchen

Nancy Penir

Tammy Hobbs

July Guest Designer: Bethie Johnson

Thanks for stopping by and have a beautiful day! I hope you'll join us and linkup your designs at the Paper Sweeties Blog. You have a whole month to play and you might just win some stamp sets!