How I Spent My Summer, Part 1

About 10 years ago my mother took my sister and I on an autumn vacation to Cape Cod.  I'm a native Californian, used to hot "Indian summers", so was curious to see the famous turning of the leaves, the beach cottages and everything else you've heard about Cape Cod.  Naturally, what you've heard is true...Cape Cod is picturesque, filled with quaint towns, good food, and I always enjoy the sense of Americana I get when visiting.  So, 10 years later, this is my mother's and my summer vacation destination -- the place we go to rejuvenate after a long year of working in an office or, in her case, being retired!

The most iconic symbol of Cape Cod, for me, is the hydrangea.  These gorgeous flowers are absolutely everywhere on the Cape and come in the most beautiful shades of pinks, blues and even purples.  This photo was taken last week as we arrived on Cape and stopped in Sandwich, MA - one of the most quintessential Cape Cod towns you'll ever love to visit.  This is in front of The Painted Lady bed and breakfast, and was taken with Instagram.  Seriously, have you ever seen a flower as vibrantly purple as this one?  Me either!

Along with the eye candy I enjoy while visiting Cape Cod, I'll admit here and now that another favorite activity is indulging in delicious food.  While in Sandwich, we made our pilgrimage to Beth's Special Teas on Jarves Street to partake in a delectable cream puff and a cup of Paris tea. Taking cues from these lovely flowers and delicious tea time goodies as my inspiration, along with the supplies from my Tea For Two Fresh Baked Kit, I created a small hostess/gift card holder.  I placed a tea bag into this one, but a gift card also fits inside.  

I used Neenah Classic Crest in Solar White, my all-time favorite for coloring with Copic markers, for the actual folded card and the two white panels with stamped images (interior and exterior; see below).  The folded card is 3.75" x 7"; scored at 1.5" and 4.25".

You'll need to cut two each of the following:

Bottom Layer = 2.5" x 3.5" (red patterned paper)

Middle Layer = 2.25" x 3.25" (Basis 80# Cover, Light Blue)

Top Layer = 2" x 3" (Neenah Classic Crest, Solar White)

Stamp the image of your choice onto the top layer (white) and color in with Copic markers.  This hydrangea stamp is by Hero Arts.  There's also a small strip of light blue card stock that I used on the inside and it's 1.375" x 3.5".  The scalloped border in red patterned paper is 3.75" x 1" and then punched with a Martha Stewart scalloped border punch.  (Note: I didn't end up using the Happy Birthday sentiment stamp).  I used Memento ink in Tuxedo Black and Distress Ink in Antique Linen, along with a sponge dauber, to give the edges a stained look.

Here are the colors of Copic markers I used:

And here's what the backside of one of the Neenah Classic Crest panels looks like after it's colored with Copics:

It looks "bad" or "wrong" to have pens bleed through, but that's actually absolutely right in the case of Copic markers and good paper!

After I finished coloring, I mounted the bottom, middle and top layers with a tape runner (ATG) and then adhered the front over an 18" length of authentic baker's twine.

I mounted the three layers for the inside the same way, and added the light blue card stock strip and scalloped border to the pocket that's formed when you staple the small flap down using a Tiny Attacher (really small stapler by Tim Holtz).

I added a really tiny punched butterfly with two tiny half pearls as an embellishment to the pocket.  You can also see that I used Antique Linen Distress Ink and a sponge dauber to "antique" the project.  I liked the vintage feel it gave and I thought it went well with the "old fashioned" hydrangea.