Stampin! with Jaydee

Hi Everyone.  Happy Wednesday.

I have a really summery card for you tonight and I created this card for the CurtainCall Challenge.

Here's the inspiration photo:

Well.... if that doesn't make you feel relaxed, I don't know what does :-)  I saw this photo and knew that I wanted to have some fun with distress inks, blending and the Simon Says Stamp June card kit.

I began with a piece of card stock that had been run through my Big Shot with my Lil Inkers Stitched Rectangles.  Can I make a card without using these????!     I then masked it to my craft sheet and got to work with my Tim Holtz Distress Inks and my blending tools.   I wasn't going for the exceptionally blended look, I wanted a little texture with the blending.   

Once I had the background, I stamped the sentiments and then added one of the stickers from the card kit.   All that was left was to mount the front panel on fun foam and then to my card base.

Here's my card:

I had such fun creating this card and it was really relaxing just spending time blending the colours.  

Here's a photo of the matching envelope:

On a personal note:

I met with the landscapers again to discuss the additional planting we are doing in the woodland and wetland.  As we took out the Buckthorn (an invasive species), we removed the middle canopy layer in the woodland - and a source of berries.  We tried planting shrubs last year, but the deer munched them as though they were at a buffet bar on a cruise ship!  So, in order not to waste more money, we spoke with the landscaper and decided that we would plant two areas in the woodland with new shrubs and trees and create a deer proof barrier around them.    These will have to stay for a couple of years until the plants are established enough to be able to survive the deer onslaught.

So we will be planting Yellow Birch, Basswood, Silver Maple, Red Maple and Red Oak.  We really want to get some more diversity into the woodland and we loved watching the Silver Maples come into leaf this year.  They come into the world a gorgeous orangey-red and then leave the world and even more intense red in fall.  They are also pretty fast growing.   

As for shrubs, we will be planting 8 or 9 different shrubs - all native to the area - and all fruit producing.  They will provide both food and shelter for the birds once they are established.   We will also be planting shrubs and flowers in the wetland area.  So, I can't wait until this time next year when we should have something to show for it!

How about another shot of our beautiful Blue Bird... not as clear as the shot from last night... but it still brings a smile to my face

Our red bellied woodpeckers have had babies and I've been delighted to see the parents feeding the young.  The red bellied loves the suet, but regularly - very regularly - comes to the Oriole feeder to eat the orange segments.  I'm surprised just how many birds come to this feeder.   Today I have watched the Purple Finch, Downey Woodpecker, Redbellied Woodpecker, Oriole, and Redbreasted Grosbeak all eating at the Oriole feeder.  Sometimes they line up on the deck rail as though they were waiting for the next train!

I'll be back tomorrow with another project and some more photographs.   In the meantime warm hugs and prayers for those of you who need a little lift tonight.

Hugs

Jaydee

Card recipe:

• Cardstock:  Whisper White, Lost Lagoon
• Inks:  Tim Holtz Distress inks:  Antique Linen, Squeezed Lemonade, Tumbled Glass.   Lost Lagoon for the sentiment.
• Stamp Set:  Happy and Smile - Simon Says Stamp
• Stickers:  Doodlebug "Summer Shapes"