Getting back in the Groove

After having the week off, it was hard for me to get back in the groove of making cards!  I am feeling a little better today and already got one card finished this morning, which is very unusual for me.  I am not much of a morning person!

Before I get to my card, I wanted to share a little bit from our trip to the DR.  A lot of people have been asking what we do when we are there.  When people think of a missions trip, they typically think you are going to build something.  We do build something, but it is different from what most people think; we build personal relationships with the people and try to bring them to Christ.  When Brett went on his first trip, they worked on physical projects, like digging and building.  They quickly found that the people there were unhappy with them because they were taking jobs away from them.  Now they hire the locals when they have building projects.  It has greatly helped to build relationships with the people there! 

Here is a picture of the 2nd Mile Missions school. 

There are two sessions that attend. The morning session is students whose families can afford to pay tuition. The afternoon session is students whose tuition is paid for by sponsor families. A sponsorship is just $35 a month, and allows the student not only an education, but also a meal each day. For some of the students, this is the only meal they will get for the day. If you are interested in sponsoring a child, contact me and I will get you more information. Tomorrow I will introduce you to the girls we sponsor.

On to my card for the challenge at Create with Connie and Mary.  I just love the sketch for the week, but the challenge ends today, so that is why I had to finish it early this morning! :)

I'm pretty obsessed with banners right now (as is everyone, I think!), so I knew I had to enter this challenge!  I started by looking at my designer paper to see what colors I wanted to work with.  I've been trying really hard not to buy too much DSP because I never end up using it all!  I have some good stuff, so I'm trying to use it up before I buy more.  One of the first packs I got from this catalog was Floral District.  I just love the vibrant colors.  I had some scraps that worked well for the banners, too!



 Of course, I had to let my banners hang over the edge, just enough that it will still fit in a standard-sized envelope!  I stamped the flower images from Summer Silhouettes on Whisper White cardstock, but I thought it was a little too bold, so I cut a piece of Vellum Cardstock the same size and attached it over the top with brads.  This gives it a more subtle look, and helps you to focus on the sentiment a bit more. 

Stamp Sets: Perfectly Penned, Summer Silhouettes
Cardstock: Rich Razzleberry, Tangerine Tango, Whisper White, Vellum
Ink: Baja Breeze, Rich Razzleberry, Tangerine Tango
Tools: 1 3/4" Circle Punch, Blossom Punch, 1/16" Circle Handheld Punch
Accessories: Brights Brads