SOARING

I had my wits about me enough last week to order a darling Hostess Set from the new Occasions Catalog that went into effect January 6. The set, Time to Celebrate, not only has a few good sentiments, but four of the cutest images ever. 

In fact, as soon as I saw the hot air balloon, I knew that I would be using paper piecing on my version. 

For the background I used, of course, Soft Sky. I stamped the balloon a few more times on Island Indigo and Calypso Coral Designer Series Papers and on Daffodil Delight cardstock. After carefully cutting out the various components, I adhered them to their proper places on the balloon. 

I repeated the color scheme by punching out a handful of banners for the top of the card.

Hot air balloons drift through the sky above houses, trees, people, etc. Right? In my experience, it is always a thrill to become aware of one peacefully making its way across a beautiful summer sky. 

Anyway, the balloon just drifting across the sky alone was just not enough. I recalled that I had a long-retired set that included houses, trees and clouds. Once again, I set to stamping the images in the same colors on Whisper White cardstock. After cutting out the various roofs, housetops and trees, I glued them all in place at the bottom of the Soft Sky piece. I also embossed in white a few clouds in the sky. 

Bitty Banners and the accompanying Framelits made easy work of the greeting, which I popped up in place between the balloon and the city below. 

In the midst of winter -- January, to be exact -- the image of a peaceful hot air balloon drifting by overhead is a harbinger of the sultry breezes of summer still too far around the corner. Sigh.

Right now, during Sale-A-Bration, if your order before shipping and tax comes to at least $150, you can not only order this cute set as part of your Hostess Benefits, but you ALSO GET THREE OF THE SPECIAL SALE-A-BRATION GOODIES FOR FREE. Something to think about. Get your own Time to Celebrate set and experience vicariously the soft gentle breezes of summer yet-to-come.

Soaring

Smiles.