Summer Comes Early!

Happy middle-of-the-week, friends!

I'm up at Simple Stories Blog today with a couple of 

{SUMMER FRESH} 

projects...one being the card that I made with the Unity co-branded

stamp, which I posted here just the other day.

And just in case you missed what {Summer Fresh} is all about...

 That's right...calico, gingham, burlap, chevron, dots and plaids.

Motifs of mason jars, red wagons, pinwheels, sunshine and fluffy clouds.

Ahhhh, summer!

Here's one of my projects:

 I first painted the frame a beautiful ( by Pink Paislee/Tattered Angels) Cardinal Red. 

After measuring the inset of the frame, I cut the desired patterned papers to size and

 then machine-stitched together.  Strips for the sides of the inset were cut from the

 Sunshine & Happiness patterned paper. I love the "keep calm" sayings, so this

 particular 4x6 vertical journaling card was perfect for the focal point.

 Next, I wanted to add some dimension to the collage. 

 I hand-cut the sweet air balloon and cloud  motif from one of the 2x12 border strips.

  I then embellished with a couple of wooden buttons, layered flower and leaves. 

 Because I cut the balloon away from the basket,

 I thought adding a bit of baker's twine for the ropes would be just the right touch :)

From the same 2x12 border strip, I hand-cut the sun and clouds and

 grouped them to the top left of the collage. In finishing, I made a generous bow

 and attached it to the top.  I also included a jute hanger so that I may hang it from a hanger or knob!

Ain't it suh-weet!

-----------------------------------------------

UNITY STAMP COMPANY
 And I just went to the mailbox and got THIS today...oh.my.wow.
May's Kit-Of-The-Month (KOTM)
 and we just received a peek of June's KOTM...I simply can't wait!
If you love Unity and love stampin', then sign-up today for some
"LOVE in an instant!"

--------------------------------------------------

As promised, I'll be having a 

PAPERED COTTAGE GIVEAWAY

I'll be sharing details very soon, along with an invitation that I just couldn't pass up!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Blessings~