Such Nice Guys

Happy first day of Summer to all you in the northern hemisphere!  I am so looking forward to the long, warm summer days!  I am an odd duck and winter is normally my favorite time of year but this year I am so excited about summer being here.  I figure it's because this is the first year in many (since 2004) that I haven't had to do any landscaping!!!  I am so looking forward to kicking back in my backyard, enjoying a cool drink and admiring all our hardwork!

I absolutely love how this layout turned out!  I struggled a bit with my color choices by it quickly came together when I found several papers from an old Martha Stewart Scrap Pad I had laying around.  They work perfectly with the pictures don't they?!  The only thing I am regretting is the yellow flower brads.  After I had them in place I had a D'oh moment and thought I should of used rain drops instead!  Oh well!

I love this cute little umbrella that was a last minute add.  I cut out a circle in my patterned paper and them cut in in half.  Then using a border punch I punched along the flat side to give it the scalloped look.  I then added some stitching and a button to the top.  The handle was a pin that I threaded some beads on and then added underneath the umbrella top.  Turned out perfect if I do say so myself!

Supplies: Patterned Paper: Martha Stewart - Essentials Paper Pad ;  Alphabet Stickers: American Crafts Thickers; Embellishments: Brads, Pearls, Beads, Embroidery Floss, Ribbons, and Buttons; Tools: EK Success Scallop Border Punch.