July is National Ice Cream Month

In 1984, President Ronald Reagan designated July as National Ice Cream Month, recognizing ice cream as a fun and nutritious food enjoyed by much of the nation's population. He suggested that the people of the United States observe the month with "appropriate ceremonies and activities". The best way that I can think of to observe this occasion is to send unexpected cards, perhaps with ice cream gift cards tucked inside, to a few close friends to thank them for always being so "sweet"!

So, it's probably not unexpected that I reached for the fun [hero_product_link sku="CL963" text="Color Layering Ice Cream"] set to create three ice cream themed cards. I started by stamping three cones with [hero_product_link sku="AF255" text="Pumpkin Pie"] and [hero_product_link sku="AF214" text="Cup O' Joe"] inks and then stamping three scoops of ice cream with three color combinations, [hero_product_link sku="AF233" text="Pale Tomato"] + [hero_product_link sku="AF334" text="Strawberry"], [hero_product_link sku="AF242" text="Soft Cantaloupe"] + [hero_product_link sku="AF333" text="Tangerine"], and [hero_product_link sku="AF275" text="Soft Vanilla"] + [hero_product_link sku="AF207" text="Butter Bar"]. Many of these colors are also available in the [hero_product_link sku="AF354" text="Fall Colors"] 4-cube ink pack. I used the [hero_product_link sku="DI184" text="Color Layering Ice Cream Frame Cuts"] to easily cut around each image.

I adhered each cone onto a 2-inch, [hero_product_link sku="PS610" text="white"] cardstock circle that I loosely painted with a watercolor wash. Next, I used my favorite [hero_product_link sku="DI165" text="Small Tag Frame Cuts"] die to cut three black tags that I [hero_product_link sku="PW110" text="heat embossed"] with small sentiments from the [hero_product_link sku="CL931" text="Oh Happy Day by Lia"] set. I tied each tag with a colored twine bow and then mounted the tags over each cone with foam tape.

To embellish the card base, I used the [hero_product_link sku="DI188" text="Fruit Salad Fancy Dies"] set to cut fruit shapes - a strawberry, an orange slice, and a banana - from craft foam. Then, I temporarily adhered the foam shapes to acrylic blocks to create my own stamps. I repeatedly and randomly stamped the fruit shapes across pieces of layering paper, using the darker ink colors that I used to stamp the ice cream. The stamped fruit patterns are bold and summery! I secured each panel to the lower portion of a standard size, white card base and added a 1/4-inch strip of glittered tape above each design. Just for fun, I decided to cut the lower edge of each card front with part of a large circle die. I absolutely love how this curved edge looks! Like the card, it is unexpected and perfect for a short note!

To finish the cards, I added the ice cream cones with foam tape and scattered a trio of clear gems onto the card. I hope that you'll make an ice cream inspired card for someone you know and when you finish, treat yourself to a scoop of this delicious treat!

Have a wonderful, crafty week,