Control Freaks — Summer Lovin’

Welcome to the July Control Freaks Blog Hop! This month, our theme is Summer Lovin’! Wahoo, I LOVE Summer! I love warm weather, hanging out by the pool, beaches, and vacations … especially relaxing with a pretty cocktail!!!

Whether you just started here or came from Cindy Elam’s blog, be sure to continue on by clicking the button at the bottom of this post!

I created two fun cards using the Nothing’s Better Than stamp set and coordinating Love You More Than Dies. (Purchase them in a bundle to save 10%!) This bundle is SO FUN!!! There are loads of cute saying to mix and match, but since the theme is Summer Lovin’, I stuck with a “Cocktails” theme.

For this first card, I used Water Painters to watercolor on Shimmery White Cardstock. I added some Timeless Tropical stamps for a totally tropical vacation vibe. (I may be stuck at home, but a gal can dream!!!)

I stamped the cocktails with Stazon ink and watercolored with bright, vibrant colors. For the palms, I inked up the stamp with Granny Apple Green ink and then used a Sponge Dauber to add Garden Green ink to the centers before stamping. Afterwards, I used a Water Painter to add a little more ink and blend the palm fronds. For the washes on the “sun” and background, I used the large flat Water Painter. OHHH, I really love that brush for creating washes!!! It works beautifully!

For my second card, I used Stampin’ Blends to color the drink and “Cocktails” die cut. I really love this look too! It’s a little brighter than watercoloring, but provides a very similar look. To color the “Cocktails” die, I used the brush end of the Light Poppy Parade, Light Flirty Flamingo, Light Daffodil Delight, and Light Mango Melody Stampin’ Blends to create the ombre design on a Whisper White die cut.

I decorated both cards with Tasteful Labels Dies and added some Forever Greenery Designer Series Paper to the second one. I thought the design worked well with the tropical theme. To make the banners appear longer, I simply pieced two together, hiding the ends beneath the larger label.

Finally, I added a few Artistry Blooms Sequins to both cards.

For more Summer Lovin’ inspiration, click on the button below to go to Debbie’s Designs by the talented Debbie Henderson. She always has something fun and creative to share!

Sending lots of happy thought for a great Summer! Hope you’re making the best of it!

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