I had a moment over the weekend where I was disappointed with myself for not sending out 4th of July cards this year.  That moment rapidly spiraled downhill when I also realized I didn't send out Easter cards, St. Patrick's Day or Memorial Day cards. . . Granted, during the past few months we had been dealing with the failing health, and ultimately passing of my-mother-in-law, so the excuses were certainly legitimate, but, I kind of beat myself up about it.  I also work full-time.  This card making thing is only in my so-called "free time."  Plus, I have a hard time deciding WHO gets cards - everybody on my Christmas card list means I would be sending out 96 4th of July cards, 96 Easter cards, 96 Happy World Pancake Day cards. . . You see where I'm going with this.  That's A LOT of cards.
#aintnobodygottimeforthat

Then I realized (after calling my mother who naturally told me I was being ridiculous) that no one cares that I didn't send out these cards!  Just me.  I needed to let it go.  And so I did.  Kind of. . .  But, first I placed a $94 order from Taylored Expressions of patriotic themed stuff, so next 4th of July - fireworks baby! 

Here's a peek at what I purchased Sunday in the middle of my must-make-4th-of-July-cards-after-the-4th-of-July-is-now-over meltdown:

True story.  I really did buy all this - just to make 4th of July cards.  FOR NEXT YEAR!
I also promised myself that I would be a little more on the ball when it comes to making cards for holidays, etc.  Yeah, I see you Shark Week (beginning July 28th on the Discovery Channel)!  My Avery Elle "Hello Chum" stamp set and I are ready for ya!

Hello and welcome to only the second month of my Create w/ Crystal monthly cardmaking "club!"  In May, I asked some fellow crafty friends who would be interested in a FREE little "kit."  Every month I send each member a small envelope of supplies that they will have to use to create a card.  Everyone in the group will receive the exact same supplies.  Once they have completed their card, they mail it back to me (in a self-addressed stamped envelope) and I share all their cards with you!  The idea is to see how vastly different our cards can be, despite all using the very same products.  Please CLICK HERE to see what they created in May!

As you will see below, I planned it so that the contents of the group's June kits would inspire them to create something patriotic.  You will notice that some people submitted two cards and that's entirely okay by the "rules."  They were given instructions to create whatever they wanted with their supplies.  If they had enough for two cards, that's great.  But, they can also submit scrapbook pages or any other papercrafted item as well!

 1 - 5 1/2 x 11" sheet of Real Red cardstock
1 - 5 1/2 x 11" sheet of Night of Navy cardstock
1  - 5 1/2" x 11" sheet of Whisper White cardstock
6 each pre-punched balloons in Silver Glimmer cardstock and white cardstocks
"Celebrate" word die in Real Red
Silver punched stars
12" Navy gingham ribbon
12" Real Red ribbons
6" sheet of Stars N Stripes paper
6" sheet of Red candy stripes paper
6" sheet of Red/White and Blue plaid paper
Pledge of Allegiance stamped on white cardstock

What a wide array of ideas have been presented in these beautiful samples!  I hope you have enjoyed seeing the talents of my crafty friends.  Please leave them some love in the comments below! 

Thanks for visiting and have a safe and happy 4th of July holiday!