Belated Celebrations

Have been away for a few days on the South coast - at last I saw sunshine in what has been a dreadful wet and grey Summer here! Weather was hot and sticky and I didn't moan once about the humidity level - 'cos the ice cream van was never far away!
Came home last night to yet another torrential downpour and this morning skies have resumed their normal grey colour..... so it's like I've never been gone! But only 29 days to go till the suitcase gets packed for a whole two weeks of sunny lazing about!!

Made two cards before my little break - may share both today but it depends on time factor-
first is based on one seen in a craft magazine and designed by the hugely talented and inspiring EMMA. I had the papers (more things bought - looked at - felt - put away....) which are Flower Garden by Tilda - and secured the mask from Barjan.
No excuse now not to use the papers!!

I suppose it may be deemed to be a little late for Jubilee celebrations but we still have the Paralympics to continue being proud and patriotic. 
This was my first time at using the mask to cut out shapes - my use of a craft knife for straight lines is not the best but the mask made it really easy and I managed not to cut off any finger tops.

Square piece of dark pink card from the paper stack, followed by the union flag design cut from the teal based floral paper, another shade of pink for the layering of the centre cross and then a smaller cross from another different sheet.

Flowers were made using my trusty nestie blossom dies and the rosette also made from the same paper stack.
PC generated sentiment and a couple of sparkly gems to the ends of the banner.

The gorgeous sparkly crown is from my stash from ImagineDIY.... hurt me to use it really!!! LOL
Same papers used to decorate the inside.

Challenges -
Cutie Pie - Borders and Frames
Hooked on Crafts - Let's Celebrate
Creative Inspiration - Sentiment as focal point
Paper Shelter - Anything Goes
Card making Mama's - try something new (using a mask)
Clear It Out - Inspiration/use your stash/Glittery (I used the papers from my stash, my glittery crown charm and my inspiration came from this pic -

So that's the first for today - have a few things to do, not least to catch up on what you've all been doing in my absence - have a lovely day! x