Surf & Sand in La La Land...

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Dreary days are the best ones to make summer cards. It's pouring here (again!) They'll brighten up someone's day as well as my own! We've been away from California for a few years now, but we still miss it. I thought I'd make a card for a loved one back in La La Land.
For this card, I started off with a terrific sketch from Taylor Vanbruggen. As soon as I saw it I thought I'd try an easel card. (See sidebar for tutorial.) I wanted to create a beach scene to go along with my dreamy sentiment and started with this sunbathing little cupcake. I created a hammock out of a piece of an old burp cloth of my son's and strung it between two balmy palm trees. For the sand, I used some cork and for the waves I tore strips of blue vellum. I was inspired by the Moxie Fab Picking Up the Pieces Challenge to paper-piece most of the elements, including all the beach side accoutrement and laid them out for cuppie's enjoyment. When I was all done, I wanted to hop a plane to find some sunshine!
BEAN NOTES: Taylored Expressions Beach Bum Stamps; Stampin' Up Basic Black Classic Dye Ink; Designer Paper (unspecified); SU Tangerine Tango, Tempting Turquoise, Bashful Blue; Crushed Curry; Wild Wasabi; Kraft; Cream Caramel; Green Galore; Pale Plum; Barely Banana; Whisper White Cardstock; Sakura Jelly Roll Pen; EK Success 1-1/2" and 1-1/4" Circle Punches; White Embroidery Floss (generic); Liquid Pearls HAPPY BEANS: Light Blue Vellum (generic); Cork (generic); Burp Cloth