Tickled Pink Stamp Challenges #26 - Flowers

Hey {PINK} Fans!! How has your week been so far?! Only one more day until the weekend! Yippee. The sun has been shining here ALL week - but I bet my bottom dollar that come the weekend he will have disappeared. Complaining - I am not. I despise the heat, it makes me feel all stuffy and tired!! Roll on Autumn is what I say!! ;)

Speaking of Autumn I have used quite muted, 'rustic' colours on my card today, I think.. for this weeks challenge over at Tickled Pink Stamps Challenge Blog..

..::FLOWERS::..

Eaaasy peasy!! Right?! You know I'm in love with Wild Orchid Crafts flowers, so this card came together so easily. I have used some oooold papers from MME - Oh La La for Him and paired them up with some More Mustard cardstock from SU! I've created a little tag using some of the patterned paper and adhered the papers at jaunty angles - something which was pretty hard for me, but I love the results.

Does this picture look blurry to you?! Gahhh!! BLOGGER!! :@

I have coloured Lil' Pinkette Tom Boy - Pippa with PMs and Copics. This cutie (.. I know, she wouldn't appriciate me calling her that!! LOL).. is available HERE.. from the TPS Store. Have you noticed.. .. are you noticing..?! I HAVEN'T fussy cut her out!! HELLO?! I think I have finally broke the cycle.. for now anyway! LOL.

I have distressed all of my edges with Frayed Burlap DI and added some details around the image part with a Stempelglede stamp, again in Frayed Burlap. I have gone around all edges with a brown fineliner and added some faux stitching. Both of these details help tie everything together - me thinks.

As for the embellishments, I have used a mix of Mocha Cherry Blossoms and 10mm (green) and 15mm (yellow) roses in coordinating colours from WOC as well as an olive green clay doodad and a flower charm. Plenty flowers for ya?! ;) My sentiment has been created on a Tiny Tag from PTI and tied to the larger tag with some natural twine. I've added a few liquid pearls here and there - simply because I can't get enough of them lately!! Oh, and I added a little bit of pom pom trim.. to.. represent the cheerleaders going wild when she scores a home run.. right?! ;)

I would like to enter this card into these challenges:

× Karens Doodles - For a Teen

× Digital Tuesday - Flower Power

× Deep Ocean - Flowers

× Top Tip Tuesday - Using something beginning with 'T' - Twine, Trim and Tag

× Just Some Lines - Spotty and Dotty
× Simon Says Stamp and Show - Show a Word

 

I hope to see you over at the Challenge Blog, please take a looksie what the other amazing ladies have created for you to get those creative juices flowing!!

Looking back at this card, I wish I had given the whole 'cloud background' thing a go. Next time, yeah. It ain't like there is a shortage of tutorials out there, but if you have any tips - please.. throw them my way! :)

WOYWW - 108

It's been a while.. I know. But as I was crafting in the early hours of the morning the other night/morning I was thinking to myself.. gee.. the size of this desk and you're working on an area smaller than an a4 sheet of paper! LOL. Serious.

You can see my total hoard of WOC in their seperate boxes for their colour families. HA! ;)

To the very bottom left of my desk are some of my very treasured Waltzing Mouse stamps as well as my Stamp-a-ma-jig and my VERY treasured brown fineliner. I dread the day that bad boy runs out - I'll need to source a new one ASAP just in case!

The book you can see to the right hand side of the photo is my crafting book. It lists challenge blogs and challenges I would like to try and enter as well as 'To Do' lists for DT positions and other bits and bobs like PM combos etc.

To the left of my ATG gun is my xBox controller - I have taken to Twilight again and have watched the first three about 5 times in the past week. HA! When I'm not watching DVDs while crafting I listen to specfic radio stations for certain artists like Linkin Park etc, that way I don't have to listen to the same song 6000 times an hour on Capital FM.

How are ya liking my new blog layout?! I've had a right carry on today - it's had me round the twist!! But it's sorted now. Can you give me your opinions on the font please? Is it clear enough to read?! I'm debating changing it again - let me know!!

I'm off to have some cereal before I get inky - my tummy is rumbling terribly!

Arghhh!!

My blog HTML is B-U-S-T-E-D!! I'm off for something to eat then I'll come back and try and sort it!! GRR!!

SOS Challenge #6 Scrap Attack

Well, it's time for more goodbyes I'm afraid. This post is my last as Guest Designer over at SOS! Challenge Blog!! I've had a BLAST working along side these ladies - and their challenges are just so unique in blog land!! If you haven't checked them out yet see HERE.

The challenge this week is:

Scrap Attack or Recycle Something

How fun, right?! I have incorporated a bit of both in my card. I've used loads of scraps from Basic Greys Origin collection, along with some Whisper White and Early Espresso cardstock from Stampin' Up.

Can you guess what I've used to stamp my cardbase?! Yup, some super big bubble wrap. I used chalk ink, as I found that gave the best coverage. I love the whole earthy feel of this card!! My little doily motif and sentiment are both from WM sets.

I hope you've enjoyed my last project for SOS! Challenge Blog - and I hope it has inspired you to join in! I can't wait to see you over there!!

Thanks guys! Over and Out!!

Some Updates..

..so.. I guess my regulars are probably wondering why I have no Monday posts. Some of you may know I stepped down from Pear Tree Designs a few weeks back, and I have now made the decision to step down from Lexi's Creations too. A friend of mine, Susan - one half of the Two Pink Ladies - hit the nail on the head when she said I am spreading myself too thin. I had to step back and think of ways to use my time more appropriately.

You may have read in a few of my posts that I have my first craft fayre coming up in August - I'm really excited about it - but SO nervous at the same time. I've had a lot of really helpful and friendly advice from a number of crafty friends - so hopefully if I stick by what they have recommened I should do okay.. ish! LOL. I want to make other things aside from cards to sell, and both Laney and Shelly has recommended I cater for both the non crafters and crafters. I have already made a few notebooks and a calendar - slowly but surely I will build up my stock.

As for life at home with regards to jobs and stuff.. you just do NOT want to know. Seriously. *rolls eyes* the proverbial almost hit the fan this morning. But I won't get into that.

I had to go the postal office again this morning to pick up some parcels, so I'm off to get crafty!! Heehee. I was going to go sit in the garden, because it is HOT.. but it keeps spitting on to rain on and off. Ty-pic-al!!

I'll catch up more soon - I'll be back with another comissioned wedding card! ;)

Oh, and I do have a new signature which the lovely Ann Vento made me, but there is something weird going on with hotmail.. anyone else had that problem today?! Grrr!!

UPDATE: Here is my new signature!! Yippee..

Pollycraft DT Call

My third post for the day, I know.. I'm going crazy, but please bare with me. I have been too-ing and fro-ing with the idea of applying to Pollycraft since the Call first went out - and today (talk about leaving things til the last minute!!) I decided I would.. LOL!!

So.. there was the opportunity to grab two freebies.. hello?! You do NOT want to miss a chance like that - the images are a dream to colour!! See THIS post for all the details. I already have all the Chester (the little monkey), and you guys know I love him!!

I decided to go with Sonny's Party - which seemed to be the most popular choice amongst the other DT applicants. I have coloured her with a mixture of PMs and Copics and fussy cut her out.

I teamed her up with some patterned paper from MME Lime Twist - Life of the Party collection and some Pretty in Pink and Crumb Cake cardstock from SU! I have used numerous nesties to create my layout as well as a greeting stamp from Hero Arts.

I, of course, had to get some WOC goodness in there, so I've added some roses and cherry blossoms along side a homemade clay doodad - which I'm growing ever so fond of - I NEED more colours of clay! LOL.

I hope you like this colourful creation as much as I do. It has a lot more pink than I usually work with - but I was having a happy day, so I thought I would go along with it! LOL.

I would like to enter this card into these challenges:

(I'll update it with challenges when I get back)
× The Crafty Pad - Bold and Bright or Soft Pastels

× Challenge up your Life - Circles

× Totally Paper Crafts - Spots & Stripes
× Art Impressions Stamps - Handmade Flowers
× CCEE1125 - Pink
× Rainbow Lady - Digi Day
× Southern Girls Challenge - Anything Goes

You know what I just noticed?! NO corner rounding and NO stitching, real of faux, on this card!! *picks jaw off the table* Boy!! All of that pink must have done something to my brain!

Thanks for stopping by today guys, I'm off to McDonalds. As rumour has it.. the Big Tasty is back in town!! Yeeehaaa!! xo Lou.

Sunday Inspiration - An Update!!

Hey Sassy fans, I'm back.. to show you my finished project I shared with you in my tutorial on Thursday, which can be found HERE.

I had a LOT of fun making this - even if the main base of the whole thing was made at like 2am in the morning! LOL.

I have used some patterned paper from Kaisercraft - Chapter One collection - LOVE these papers, the colours are so fresh! My cardstock is from a huuuge pack of Core'dinations. I wanted to keep the easel card pretty plain, as the patterned paper has loads of inspirational words on that I wanted to show off - and they go perfectly with Amelia who is available HERE from Funky Kits.

I would like to enter this 3D project into these challenges:

× Poodle Parlour - Come Fly With Me

Edited to add: Some people have been asking me how I created the handles to open each drawer. I simply measured equal distances from the edges and centre and added two 1/16" (I think that's the smallest size of eyelet, right?) I then threaded a single piece of coordinating Bakers Twine from The Ribbon Girl through each eyelet and secured with a knot. Easy peasy.. lemon.. you know the rest. Hope this helps! ;)

Thanks for stopping by - I hope you've all had a lovely relaxing Sunday! xo Lou.

Sentimental Sundays - Patriotic/ Flag Colours

Hey guys!! How did you enjoy our Blog Hop last Sunday?! Fun or WHAT?! Seeing all of those summery, shiny, happy projects! I know it sure put a big smile on my face!

This week we have a more, serious shall we say, challenge. We want to see those patriotic cards, or cards using the colours of your countries flag!!

PATRIOTIC / COLOURS OF YOUR COUNTRIES FLAG

I decided to make myself a little bookmark - I've recently started reading again, now that I've finished uni, and all of the little bookmarks I made when I first discovered this project have been given away or sold - so I had to make myself a new one! :) I did plan on making a card using one of the gorgeous Tildas the lovely Ann stamped for me - sent all the way from CA!! I know, right?! But I think I need to refine my colouring technique for creases first. LOL! I will update this post with a picture of my first ever attempt at colouring a Tilda when I manage to get a picture of it!

I have used some STUNNING papers from Bearly Mine Designs - Summer's Rose collection, along with a bunch of layered up nesties cut from Blue Bayou, Whisper White and Crumb Cake cardstock. The bookmark has been made using Cherry Cobbler.

The sentiment is from the Garden Bun Bun Fairy Sentiments set from Whimsy Stamps - Raindrop Echo digis! I love the mixture of fonts - so neat!

Of course I had to add some flowers from WOC as well as some Baby Blue liquid pearls for embellishment! :) I ruffled some white seam binding to cover the join of the paper and cardstock.

I would like to enter this bookmark into these challenges:
× Catch The Bug - Red, White and Blue with Ribbon
× Challenge Up Your Life - Circles
× CES Challenges - Anything but Square
× Delightful Inspiration - Red, White and Blue and/ or Christmas Too
× Off the Wall Craftiness - Red, White and any shade of Blue
× Craft us Crazy - Red, White and Blue and/ or Summer Theme
× Crafty Purple Frog - Swirls and Pearls

Thanks for stopping by today - keep your eyes peeled for my update on my Sassy Drawers later today! xo Lou.

UPDATED: To add Tilda images.

The Stamping Bazaar ..::Nancy::..

Hey guys, sorry this post is going up a bit (a lot) later than usual, but I've had a none stop day today. I've been sorting out some 'stock' in the form of cards I've made, both recently and a while a go for the craft fayre I've got coming up in August. More about that in a future post! :)

Today, I've got another card to share with you using Nancy with Bouquet - I just LOVE this hedgehog! This cute little digi is available from TSB Store.

I have coloured her using PM's and cut her out with a labels 14 nestie. I have used patterned paper from BG Sweet Threads collection and paired it up with some lime green seam binding and orange bakers from The Ribbon Girl and various flowers from WOC.

I have stamped the cardbase with a corner stamp from a WM collection and added a few mini postage stamps from Whimsy Stamps. I have added some faux stitching - yet again - boy, I don't half miss Mr Janome. I've tried to incorporate different ways of doodling instead of the standard dashed line.

I would like to enter this card into these challenges:
× Send a Smile 4 Kids - Teddy Bears or Other Animals
× Delicious Doodles - Cute and Cuddly
× Basic Grey - Stitching

Thanks for stopping by tonight. I'm off to do my dishes and then send a rather important email *rolls eyes* you don't even wanna know!!

Over & Out, xo Lou.

Tickled Pink Stamps Challenge #25 Ribbons & Lace

I did have this scheduled for 15:00, but low and behold.. blogger didn't post it. Can anything else go wrong today?!

Hey all, how has your week been so far?! Gosh, it has been all systems go here lately, I don't know whether I'm coming or going. I really need to sort myself out and start scheduling my time properly again. Here comes the diary. Ever since I finished uni I'm all of a tizz with myself, half the time I don't know what day it is!

Anywho, today over at Tickled Pink Stamps Challenges we want to see some pretty 'RIBBONS AND LACE'

Now it doesn't get much easier than that, does it?! I have gone for an.. elegant?! card this time round, with a clean uncoloured image - Lil' Victorian Steampunk Evie. This is the reason I LOVE digis - you can make them aaany size you want and focus on one area of the image.

I have used Basic Black from SU! for my cardbase and embossed a piece of River Rock cardstock from SU! with the 'Snow Cap' embossing folder from Sizzix for BG. I know I've said before, this is a Christmas folder, but I LOVE the texture it gives, and it's sooo not Christmassy!!

I have used both oval and labels fourteen nesties to create my focal point with the image. A metal tag from TH tied with black bakers twine and some gorgeous lace, seam binding and hat pins from The Ribbon Girl finish up this card!!

I would like to enter this card into these challenges:

× Scrapbook Sisters - Anything Goes
× YNSC - B + W + 1 More
× A Spoonful of Sugar - Anything Goes
× Everybody Art Challenge - Anything Goes
× House of Gilli - Ribbons & Bows

Be sure to stop by the TPS Challenge blog and see what the other uber talented ladies have come up with!! xo Lou.

Sassy Drawers

Hey guys, I'm going to apologise now for the complete lack of finished-ness this post has within it. You'll understand what I mean when you read on..

It's my turn to give you sugar addicts another tutorial.. this time.. we're going to try out some..

SASSY DRAWERS..

Yup, you read right! ;) Here is the photo of the finished (half finished.. geee, who am I kidding?! no where NEAR finished project..) please forgive me!

Supplies for the base drawers:

2x 6x6" pieces of cardstock (I've used Core'dinations)

4x 3 1/2x4 3/4" cardstock ~ for the drawer inners

4x 6 1/4x3 1/2" cardstock or patterned paper ~ for the drawer sliders

4x 2 3/8x3 3/8" pieces of patterned paper ~ for drawer inserts

Firstly, take the four pieces of cardstock cut for the drawer inners and score at 5/8" on all four sides.

Take the pieces of patterned paper or cardstock you've cut for your drawer sliders and score at:

5/8" then fold and crease, place this score line at the edge of your score board and score at 2 1/4", again, fold and crease and place that score line at the edge of your score board and score at 5/8", finally fold and crease this and move that score line to the edge of the scoreboard and score at 2 1/4".

Cut away small triangles on the scorelines of your box inners to create tabs to fold down and glue.  

Assemble all eight pieces.

Take your drawer inserts and place those inside the drawer inners, securing in place with adhesive.

Start to attach the drawer sliders down onto one of the 6x6" pieces of cardstock, as shown.

Once this has been assembled using the layout shown in the picture above, place the remaining 6x6" piece of cardstock on top securely. Next comes the easel part for decorative purposes.

For the easel card you will need:

11 1/2x 3 3/4" piece of cardstock scored at 2 7/8 and 5 3/4.

I have chosen these measurements specifically so as to leave a border around the drawer base for a more professional finish. You can decorate the front of your easel card, including the stopper, how you wish. I have chosen to use Amelia - she is available HERE from Funky Kits.



I hope I haven't missed anything too important out. It is currently 02:58 here in the UK right now and I have an early morning, so I best be hitting the hay. If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask or drop me an email. I'm here to help.

I hope you've enjoyed this tutorial, I'm so sorry I don't have a finished piece to share with you right now, but you're a smart bunch and you all know how to decorate a card. Perhaps as a treat I will try and squeeze another one of these creations in for my post on Sunday, fully finished and decorated. No promises though.

I've got my first ever craft fayre in August, so I'm trying to think outside the box with regards to 3D projects and other things aside from cards that I hope *fingers crossed* will sell well. Let me know what you think.

xo Lou.

SOS! Challenge - #5 Tools of the Trade

This week over at SOS! Challenges we have a super fun challenge for you.. the clue is in the name..

"Tools of the Trade"

We want to see you revive those tools that haven't seen the light of day for a while. Or those tools you've bought and just don't really fancy.. you know the type I mean ;) It could be something as big as a Cricut or as small as an embossing folder.

I have a load of tools I use within my crafting, right from the tools used on almost every card.. WRMK Corner Chomper, Cuttlebug - to those that I really should use more.. MM Slice, Imaginisce i-Top.

On this card I have used the last two, both my Making Memories Slice with a Fa La La design card and my Imaginisce i-Top with some Christmas themed paper from American Crafts. I have been on a total Christmas card making kick lately, what with the new Sassy release. But I wanted to attempt to make a Christmas card which would be easy to replicate - this couldn't get much easier, right?! LOL!

I can't wait to see your creations over at the SOS! blog, be sure to dig out those long lost tools.

Thanks for stopping by, enjoy the rest of your day. xo Lou.

Dub Fest - Druridge Bay

Hey all, some of you may know I went to visit a VW Festival at the weekend - ever since I started learning to drive I have yearned for a Campervan. I WILL get one - one day. But for now, earrings will have to do. I bought some gorgeous handmade studs off of a lady at the festival. They're azure blue campervans - sooo cute!! I will wear them with pride! I'll have to get a picture me thinks.

But before I show you all the photos, I have an announcement to make. I have decided to step down from Pear Tree Designs for personal reasons I won't discuss here. I will keep in touch with some of the ladies - so not all ties have been broken. I have had a blast working alongside the team producing some really fun cards. I have to say thank you to Donna for picking me for her DT - this was the first ever DT call I applied too!! Thanks girls - I have learnt a LOT during the time with you. I wish Donna, the team and the whole Pear Tree Designs shebang the very best of luck.

Now.. for some photos!! ;)

Look at the colour of the blue one on the left hand side.. if you know me.. you know I would DIE for a campervan THIS colour!! It's like my fave colour. EVA. Sweeet!

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Hello?! Two tone campervan - the inside was IMMACULATE!! I wanted to steal it, but I didn't have enough time to conjure up a plan of how to - so these pictures will stay with me forever!!

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We snook backstage for these two shots - henec the fence (HA!) but we got caught, and told off, and sent back round the front. Rude!!

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Wedding car for hire. It. Was. Beaut.iful. It wasn't a convertible - someone had just taken the top off a standard beetle. Genius!

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Apologies for the lady in the purple top.. in almost EVERY photo.. it's the mother. How cute is that?! Holding it up with an umbrella. Damn!!

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Oh, and I spotted another one of my fave things whilst there.. a big wolf dog.. aka a husky.. not 100% sure what breed it is, but one thing is for sure, it was H-U-G-E

This fella was adamant he wasn't having the muzzle thing on, he was crying and trying his hardest to get it off. Bless him. I had to apologise to the woman for taking ramdom pictures - she laughed and said 'I get it all the time' LOL!!

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I hope you enjoyed the virtual tour around the fest! :)

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I've been up since 6:30 this morning.. well.. technically 5:50 if you include getting showered, dressed and the time it took to travel.. looking after Tony's two little nephews - I'd say they're angels but that'd be a lie!! Heehee. They're gorgeous all the same. I'm ready for a cat nap now - but it's just toooo hot!

I might browse over some gorgeousness at WOC - I've bought a few more c6 size boxes that I need to fill with some gorgeousness - they might have just the thing I'm looking for! ;)

Over & OUT! xo Lou.

Merry Christmas Sassy Fans

Hey there, how has your Sunday been so far?! It has been dull and miserable here all day. I'm sooo tired today, I didn't get to sleep til after 2:30am last night after I had tossed and turned. I might have mentioned I've started reading a new book - oh how I've missed reading. It's called Blood Harvest by S. J. Bolton and it's a horror/ghost (not 100% sure yet..), what else!? I love it, but boy does it make me look over my shoulder more than I should! LOL. Anywho, you may be wondering about the title of the post?!

Well, as most of you know it was the launch of the Simply Sassy Christmas Blog Hop yesterday morning, if you haven't joined in on the hop yet see this post HERE and get on your way!! Comment on all DT blogs and you will be in with a chance of winning all 6 stamps from this set!!

For my Sunday inspiration for you Sassy Fans I have used a stamp from the latest release.. Secret Santa, she is available HERE at Funky Kits along with the other 5 new Sassys.

I stepped waaay, waaaay out of my comfort zone for this card. I decided to create a 'Centre Step Card', Soo impressive but soo easy to construct. I think I need to work on how I decorate each of the panels though, as the card looks a little plain to me.

I have coloured her hair and skin using Copics and her clothes etc using PM's - you know the deal by now, right? I have used paper from Basic Grey - Eskimo Kisses collection along with some Garden Green cardstock from SU! to mat. I have used a stamp from Paper Makeup Stamps for the sentiment along the bottom strip.

To embellish I have used one of my own clay rose doodads along with some roses from WOC. The gorgeous pink twill stripe ribbon is from The Ribbon Girl. Each time I finish up a card and I look back on it, I always think, damnnn, I wish I had added a charm. I have like 5000 and I always forget to use them *hits self on forehead*

You know what I've just noticed?! This is another pink and green Christmas card I've made. Gosh. For someone who isn't massive on pink I ain't doing too bad, am I?!

Thanks for stopping by today - me thinks I will enter this into the Simply Sassy FB challenge - more than one fold! That worked out okay, heehee. Now I just gotta find an envelope this will fit into!! I feel another envelobox project coming on! LOL.

I'm off to read a little more of my book ;) then get creating a few cards from my GDT spot over at SOS! Challenges.. which finishes soon! :(

Over & Out, xo Lou.

Sentimental Sundays “Celebrate Summer” Blog Hop

Welcome to the Sentimental Sundays “Celebrate Summer” blog hop. See THIS post for the Simply Sassy Blog Hop.

Tuesday, 21^st June is the official first day of summer in the northern hemisphere, and we are ready for all the summer fun to begin. For our friends down under who are moving into their winter months and may not feel like creating a summery project, they may be making “Sparkly or Shimmery” projects. What girl doesn’t like her bling?

You should have arrived here from Cheryl. If you didn't arrive from her blog and would like to join in the hop, please start at the Sentimental Sundays challenge blog.

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We hope you will join in our “Summery or Sparkly”

(plus a sentiment) challenge this week.

Our sponsor is the amazing Ann Vento of Raindrop Echo Designs. This prize will be four INDIVIDUAL sentiment sets from the Raindrop Echo Designs Whimsy Stamps Digital Collection

Your next stop on the hop is Chris. If you should happen to get lost along the way, you can find the blog hop list over at the Sentimental Sundays challenge blog. Don't forget to leave comments along the way because there are 3 mystery DT members who will each choose a winner from the comments left on their blog hop posts. The winners will each win a $10 gift certificate to Whimsy Stamps! The hop ends on Friday, 24^th June  at midnight EST. The winners will be announced on the Sentimental Sundays challenge blog on Sunday, June 26th. So, hop on over to the next stop and good luck!

If you would like a supplies list, please leave me a comment and I will add to this post! :)

I would like to enter this card into these challenges:
× Southern Girls Challenge - Anything Goes
× AiFactory - Summer Fun
× Aud Sentiments - Summertime
× Divas by Design - Anything but a Card
× For Fun Challenges - Summer Fun
× Little Darlings Challenge - #1 Summer Theme
× Anything Goes - Here Comes Summer

Thank you so much for stopping by. ENJOY THE HOP. xo Lou.