Time for Blue

Merry Monday everyone! Yes, time for another challenge - this week Debbie wants a monochromatic blue Christmas card.

We have enjoyed some sunny and hot weather, including the bluest skies! I was delighted to make a blue card and decided to make a navy blue ornament on a watercolor blue background similar to the inspiration photo. Here's what I created:

Supplies: Paper - Michael's blue A2 card, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White,
BoBunny Tis the Season 6x6 (light blue) My Favorite Things Watercolor Wash Brights 6x6
Stamps - Hero Arts CL798 Winter Sparkle (ornament) CL890 Holiday Greetings (sentiment)
Dies - My Favorite Things Die-Namics Blueprints 18 and 21, Lawn Fawn Stitched Snowflakes
Hero Arts DI104 Ornament Frame Cuts (retired)
Ink - Hero Arts Navy; Other - May Arts ribbon, Michael's gems, foam tape

I started by die cutting the two panels with diagonal edges and adhering them to a white panel (a neutral is allowed in a color challenge) leaving a window for the sentiment. I then cut the panel into a pierced rectangle and adhered it to a blue A2 card. I stamped the sentiment in the open white window and stamped & die cut the blue ornament from another piece of white card. I popped the ornament onto the lower corner with foam tape. Not being one for CAS, I added a couple of snowflakes to create a focal triangle with my ornament. A few gems and a bow - done!!

I got up early to make treats for tonight's chorus rehearsal. We always celebrate birthdays the first rehearsal of the month by serving yummy treats. I volunteered to bake for June and since it's been quite warm (high 80s F) I wanted to fire up the oven early in the day. I made two flavors of bars with an oatmeal crumble - strawberry and cherry so I'd have nearly 8 dozen - not enough for the entire chorus if everyone came but there will be a few missing, I'm sure. Summer vacations have begun so we usually don't have over 90 present. I also bought fresh strawberries for those needing a healthy option. Here's a photo of one pan cooling on the counter:

The recipe comes from the Ultimate Southern Living Cookbook ("the Bible" of cooking and baking according to my friend Heidi). I have never gone wrong with any of the recipes I've tried. I squeezed in making my Merry Monday card while the bars baked. Now I'm off to get things ready for the rest of the day.

Thanks for stopping by & be sure to check out all the wonderful cards by the Merry Monday Design Team!