House Mouse Challenge #41 "Red White and Blue"

The House Mouse Challenge this week is a color scheme: red, white, and blue! I just can't think of those colors without visualizing fireworks, summer picnics, days at the beach, and so many activities that come around this time of year.

These two Gruffies friends are enjoying a day at the beach, though one seems to have found the water a bit chilly. And aren't they smart bears, using sunscreen?

I colored the image with PrismaColors and baby oil. The DP with fireworks is from a collection from Oriental Trading Company, as are the metal embellies and the stick-on "America" ribbon. The ribbons around the edges are from my stash.

This was a pretty simple layout to put together, but it took me forever to get the embellies just right. I think it came out ok. Please, tell me what you think and be sure to pop over to the HM Challenge blog and see all the terrific cards by the design team and participants.

Thank you for stopping by. I hope you all have a fun weekend! Remember, Sunday June 14 is Flag Day here in the US. Fly her high and proud!!

Patriotic Card

This card is one that I made to celebrate the 4th of July, Memorial Day, and just about any event we want to celebrate our country. When my son moved to the Washington D.C. area a few years ago it gave us the opportunity to make several visits. Prior to that I had not been to the east coast except for a couple of business trips to New York.

I regret that I didn't see this beautiful area earlier in my life. The monuments are bigger than I expected and the stone they are made of whiter. The Viet Nam Memorial is so quiet, even though busy streets are nearby. The World War II Memorial is magnificent and the Smithsonian Museums create a city all their own.

But what was the most awesome wasn't what I saw, but what I felt. Stand on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and feel the passion of all who have spoken to the crowds lining the reflecting pool; look at the steps of the Capitol Building and feel the spirits of the hundreds of Representatives who have climbed those steps, not to mention the Presidents who have taken the oaths of office there; and walking around the corner at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave to see the White House, wondering if the President is just inside or imagining the prior Presidents and their families strolling in the rose gardens.

Whether we are in Washington, D.C., San Diego, Sioux City, or Branson, we celebrate freedom everyday!