Smile....

Today was the last day of school for the kids ~ wow, where did the time go?!? While I am very happy that I will have the 3 older kids home all day, I am a bit sad as it also means this was the last day Trevor and I got to spend alone together, as he will be off to school in the fall. I know you can't keep them young forever, but why do they need to grow up so fast?

We went to school to have lunch with the kids and then stayed for recess (which Trevor absolutely loves). After coming home for a bit to finish up a card for the principal (who we are sad is retiring this year), we went back to pick up the kids and deliver their teacher's gifts (and of course get a picture of them with their teachers). Alicia is really sad that school is over, she loves it and I think would go year round if given the option. Ashley and Tyler like school, but are thrilled to be off for the summer.

Just looking at this adorable turtle from Whimsie Doodles makes me smile ~ isn't she just the cutest turtle ever!?! And to make you smile even more, you can pick her up free ~ just hop on over to Whimsie Doodles (and while you're there take a peek at all the other cute images available).

I bought this My Mind's Eye paper (along with a bunch more) at my local LSS a few weeks ago and just had to use it with this turtle. Although I tend to gravitate towards the same color schemes, I was really drawn to this line of papers. I am trying to use more and more color combinations outside of my "comfort" zone, and you know what, I am really having fun with the process and finding that I like the results as well.

After coloring the image, I went over her spots and the rose with my Sakura Stardust pen ~ I just wish I could pick up the shimmer that this pen gives.


Card Recipe~ all items SU unless indicated
Stamps: Whimsie the Turtle digi image ~ Whimsie Doodles
Ink: Copics (G24, G28, YG91, YG93, YR12, YR14, YG41, YG45); Sakura Stardust Pen; Signo White Gel Pen
Paper: Garden Green; Pumpkin Pie; Gina K Pure Luxury White; DP - My Mind's Eye (Bloom & Grow)
Embellishments: Ribbon (Tangerine); Flowers (Prima); Rhinestone Brad (unknown); Stylized Silver Hodge Podge Hardware; Dew Drops; Epoxy Sticker (Target)
Tools: Marvy Giga Scallop Circle Punch; Branch Punch and Border Punch (Martha Stewart)

I am also entering this card in the Cute Daisy Mae Challenge for using circles, the Stamp with Fun challenge for using Dots, and the Creative Inspirations Wednesday challenge for using 4 different papers.