End of term ....

... One thing that is really difficult to get used to here in the States, is just how early the schools close for their summer break.  I know that it is because American schools have shorter holidays during the school year, but it's still hard getting used to the idea of a 2½ month summer break!!!  What am I going to do with Kathryn ? :) :)  The school closes on Thursday, but I think most of this week will be quite relaxed and today all the 5th Grade kids are off to a local sports centre for fun and games!!

It was so hot here yesterday (32°C) that we had a quiet day in the house - in the air conditioned cool!!!  Kathryn asked me to make a couple of cards for her teachers, which I was delighted to do.

For my first card I used the One Layer Wednesday - OLW91 challenge to make a card for a teacher.  This week the challenge is being hosted by Jennifer at Styles Ink.  I made an ultra clean and simple card.  I stamped the rectangle, greeting and apple directly on the card base and coloured the apple with Promarkers.  Well, you have to have an apple on a card for the teacher!!

Stamps: Waltzingmouse - Frame It, Peace and Plenty
Inks: Memento - Tuxedo Black
Promarkers: Apple, Meadow Green, Cocktail Pink, Walnut, Warm Grey 1

For the second card I've used a couple of challenges:

• Do You Stack Up - DYSU#75 - the DT would like us to use paper piecing
• CAS-ual Fridays - CFC56 - the DT would like us to use polka dots in the design

The school pledge at Ridge Wood Elementary is:

As a Ridge Wood Rocket,

I promise to do my best,

Show compassion,

Keep a positive attitude,

Be respectful and responsible

In every way.

Go Rockets!!!

So it was very easy to come up with a design for this card - Kathryn wanted me to use the sweet rocket from the Half Pint Heroes set.  As the school colours are red, white and blue - I decided to print off some polka dot paper and paper piece the rocket.  I stamped the frame directly on the card - this time with the gap at the top.  Using my stamp-a-ma-jig, I stamped the rocket flying out of the frame - moving on up to Junior High!!  I coloured the rocket fins, window frame and flame with Sakura Stardust pens to give a subtle shimmer.  I made the sentiment on my computer and cut it out with Spellbinder, adding shading around words. I finished off by stamping some stars around the rocket and the moon.  Kathryn was so pleased with this one!  This one is for her class teacher, Mrs Zane, who is a fabulous teacher.

Stamps:  Waltzingmouse - Half Pint Heroes, Frame-It
Inks:  Memento - Tuxedo Black; Distress - Stormy Sky, Chipped Sapphire
Spelllbinders: Petit Ovals Lg (S4-138) # 2
Accessories:  Sakura Stardust pens

Just in case you're worried - Kathryn has lots to do over the summer break.  She will be going to some summer camps and my Mum and Ben are coming to stay with us for a month in July - we are all so excited to have them here.  That's all for now, see you soon.