Wishing For Summer (PDCC #72)

(Don't miss the Wilson Designs Release Day post!  Please scroll down to the previous post to take it all in!)

I can't even describe how much I wish Summer was here.  All week long I've been dreaming about our vacation to FL in a few weeks (dancing a super bronzed goddess jig right now).  We've been looking at books and activities online to try and decide what we will do while we are there.  Honestly, it's already a bit overwhelming.  I really just want to spend every single day sitting on the beach getting super fried and enjoying the WARMTH on my skin, letting all of my duties and responsibilities of life just melt away.  But, alas, that wouldn't be fair to my kids who deserve this vacation more than anyone else.  They have been such good sports during our financial turmoil - eying items at the store and looking at me with puppy eyes saying "It's too expensive, isn't it?".  I have longed for this day to be able to spoil them rotten and now that it's here, I thank God for bringing us to this point having learned so much.  He has indeed been faithful to us.

Along with dreaming about warm summer breezes and sipping Coronas, I find myself reaching for the brightest colors in my stash to use in my projects.  This week's Play Date Cafe colors are perfect!  They are so bright and cheery and I really enjoyed using them.

I dug deep into my memory bank this week to pull out an old technique that I haven't used for a while - chalking!!!!  I love how soft and gorgeous it comes out.

These are actually shimmery chalks and I'm sad you can't see the shimmer in the photo.  Using the chalks washed out the tones of my colors a bit, but you can still see that they are there.  To create using chalk, you first stamp your image using Versamark (or your favorite clear ink).  Then, using cotton balls, add the chalk to your paper using a small circular motion.  The more chalk you add, the more intense the color.  When you are finished chalking, spray your paper with hairspray to help set it.  I have used "Spring Silhouettes"  from Wilson Designs who happens to be this week's sponsor and who also released a new stamp set this week.  Check it out in the post below.

Our guest designer this week is Julie Day, who's work I happen to adore.  I LOVE her project using this color combo.  Be sure to stop by her blog and leave her some love in a PDCC fashion!  Stop by my teamie's blogs too and share your enthusiasm for their work with them.

Andrea Ewen

Fiona Shultz

Michele Gross

Tracey Kuzniak

Libby Hickson

Jinny Newlin

Colleen Dietrich

Julie Murray

Sarah Anderson

Ruby Mcguire

Savannah O' Gwynn