Breezing Thru Summer

 Hello peeps! Yes, I am still in beach mode and definitely taking in what's left of summer. Another heat wave has begun and is expected to last a few days but I'm not complaining. Summer goes away too quickly for my liking. If you have a favorite season don't you find that it goes by much quicker than the others?

 Let's begin with a light summer breakfast today shall we?

    A favorite treat of mine- a small slice of homemade sponge cake with watermelon and blueberries on the side. And coffee of course! Joining in with T Stands For Tuesday (link in with a beverage related pic or piece of art- like my next card:) Feel free to join us anytime!

 For the Simon Wednesday Challenge (Food/Drink) I have this card:

 and another view:

 Products: Neena Classic Coat #110 cardstock; Archival inks- Sepia, Jet Black; Distress ink- Vintage Photo; Distress Oxide ink- Cracked Pistachio; Darkroom Door Coffee Time stamp set; washi tape (Recollections); foam adhesive; heart pin (JoAnn Stores).

 A tag meant for the Simon Monday Challenge (Fall/Autumn):

 Products: manila tag; flocked paper (Making Memories); Tim Holtz Paper Dolls; Versafine Onyx Black ink;  sentiment tag and Baker's twine (Recollections); Jack o Lantern, cat sticker (Nicole Crafts- AC Moore); black German dresden (Collage Stuff).

 And for Paint Party Friday, and Art Journal Journey (theme is count your blessings):

 I am again counting my blessings to be able to spend several times a year at the beach and especially to live close enough to drive there. For this quick and easy page I used spray inks, texture paste, mechanical pencil, and sentiment sticker from Tim Holtz.

 Thanks so much for stopping by. I will be around to visit you too!

" Wouldn't it be nice to positively start each day by counting your blessings? Isn't it obvious that the habit of counting your problems is an enemy to your peace of mind? " 
                                                                                      Edmond Mbiaka

It's Been Awhile...

 and I have missed all my blogging friends while away at the beach. I didn't do any art and I pretty much stayed unplugged outside of some posting on Instagram. The weather was absolutely beautiful and sunny every day- unlike all the rain and flash flooding and road damage we had at home!

      Cheers to the T Stands For Tuesday gang! And speaking of, I want to thank Susi and Eileen for my lovely mail swap and surprise, and of course thanks to Bleubeard and Elizabeth for hosting T Stands For Tuesday along with the T day anniversary ATC swap:

                           Wonderful poem, love the washi tapes and jalapeno pepper sequins:). The ATC is lovely along with two of my favorite flowers on cards to collage with-thank you!

                                  The blooming flowers on the envelope were just a hint of the treasures inside. Love the free motion stitched and watercolor inkpot ATC. And be still my heart- not only  that gorgeous red poppy tag, but poppy seeds from Susi's garden!! I only hope they will grow for me next spring. Thank you!

  Although I didn't do any art at the beach I came back in full force and totally inspired once things returned to normal at home. I've had lots of fun cardmaking and playing in my art journal- the pages of which have been completely inspired by the beach. I have one coming up. First, I have a tag/bookmark for Tag Tuesday (theme is Landmarks), and the new Simon Monday Challenge (Back to School):

Products: manila tag; map tissue paper; calendar clipping of Eiffel Tower (I distressed with sandpaper); Tim Holtz ideaology Paper Dolls and Clippings Stickers; Versafine Onyx Black ink, Distress Oxide Frayed Burlap ink; tassel (American Tag co.; buttons (Gary Burlin and Co.)

 These are just a few of the cards I have been having fun making using the Simon Says Stamp August Card Kit and matching dies (the kit has sold out but you can get the stamps and products that were in the kit separately):

  And an art journal page meant for Art Journal Journey (hosted by Bleubeard and Elizabeth this month with the theme of "Count Your Blessings"), Moo Mania and More (theme is "Summertime"), and Paint Party Friday!

 A combination of spray inks, inks, rubber stamps, stencils, Gelli Plate printed deli paper, burlap fabric, corrugated cardboard, found words, charm, and tiny heart stickers (Simon Says stamp Store). I do count my blessings for all the time I get to spend at the beach and the art inspired by it.

 Hope everyone is doing well and I am really looking forward to catching up with you again!

  "Act as if you are worthy to have what you want, and the universe will prove you correct."
                                                                                               Alan Cohen