Celebrate a Tropical Summer

Weather is Auckland has certainly been tropical over the last few days. Walking out of the airconditioned supermarket yesterday I got that blast of warm humidity that transports you to memories of holidays in Fiji!  I'm looking forward to more tropical feelings by the pool over these holidays, especially once I have an icy drink in my hand.

With that spirit in mind I made and demonstrated this card at my team Christmas meeting last night. This bright card is a CASE from the very talented Dawn Olchefske. I  loved this fun design that uses a real straw, along with the new (summer mini) Island Oasis designer paper and the Island Flower die. I borrowed the Tropical Party stamp set (thanks to my upline, Donna) But I don't have the new square lattice embossing folder that gave such a cool texture on Dawn's card. So I came up with my own idea to give texture and dimension to my coconut. (NOTE: I will upload better quality photos later today)

First I cut a circle out of Chocolate Chip cardstock. You can use the Circle Scissors (on special in the December Frenzy) or the Circles #2 Die for the Big Shot to make the circle. Then run the circle through your crimper several times, turning the card each time to get a grid effect. Use your bone folder to partially smooth the card and you will end up with a subtle texture. I highlighted this by using my Early Espresso inkpad direct to paper.

Everyone at the party wanted to know how to make the cool 3D flowers from the summer mini (page 20), so we had a little play with the Island Flower Die. The orange flowers are super easy: just cut 3 of the tri-petal shapes from Tangerine Tango, and 2 from So Saffron. The beauty of the Big Shot is that you can cut all these pieces in one pass. Curl the petals using a pencil or chopstick. Layer together with a brad: you can add a pearl or jewel for extra sparkle.

The pink blossoms are a little more tricky.Tutorials on the web all seem to use a knotted string centre. In the process I had the brain wave to make a beaded centre to the flower. Of course when I got home I just to get out my bead box and create this flower. The beading makes it extra pretty.

I used a bead and sequin for the centre of each floweret. The cardstock is Pretty in Pink, sponged with Rose Red. One of the other shapes from the die is cut from Old Olive cardstock to form the leaves. If you would like to learn how to make this flower come to my Summer Pool Party 15 January 2011. There will be a demonstrations, a make and take and prizes. This is a free event to enjoy summer and the new mini and kick start your crafting year once the hype of Christmas is past. Just email me for your invitation.