Solid Stripes gingham birthday

The minute I saw the Solid Stripes background stamp in the mini catalogue, I got very excited about the possibilities for checked patterns. So today I've come up with this gingham effect:

Recognise the flower? It's the second time this week it has made an appearance because it's one of my favourite embellishments at the moment! Look out for a tutorial in the next few days. The gingham called out for cross stitch and the faux stitched kisses finished the card off nicely.

Supplies:
Stamps: Solid Stripes, Vintage Labels
Ink: Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery, Pretty in Pink, Pink Passion, Always Artichoke
Card stock: Whisper White, Certainly Celery, Pretty in Pink
Other: Certainly Celery brad, paper piercer, two step bird punch (the wing makes these leaves), Pretty in Pink marker

It's been warm and even quite sunny here for the last week but today, while I was at a workshop, we heard rain outside. "Rain?" said one of my ladies. "Must be the cricket season!" She was referring to last summer when we sat outside the cricket pavilion every friday evening and watched our sons play cricket in showers, fog, rain and, on one memorable occasion, a violent thunder storm!

If you live in the UK, you'll be gearing up for the bank holiday weekend. The forecast is for 'cricket season' weather - not so great for cricket but perfect for crafting!
See you tomorrow!