Christmas in July

A quick post for one of my favourite challenge blogs, offering one of my favourite challenge themes! It's somewhat ironic to me that only a week ago we'd been having typical Vancouver Island Christmas-type weather (in other words, torrential rain), and now, on the day I'm ready to post a card for this challenge, the sun's out and it's gorgeous. So thank you, Lesley and your wonderful DT, for this challenge.

I don't have much time today, as a friend will be coming soon to work on finishing a scrapbook she needs to send to her nieces. We've been working on it for ages and it's time to just git'er done. ;) So without further ado, I have two attempts to show you::

This first one didn't turn out right. I like the concept, the strips are crooked  and the mat is off. I'll have to take it apart and recut it.

Ultimately, this is the card I'm going to submit for the challenge. It turned out pretty much exactly as I'd hoped.

Does anyone remember the name of the DSP used? It's older Stampin' Up paper. It looks like it came out the year True Thyme and Cranberry Crisp were In Colours, but I could be wrong on that guess.

Card Details - all products Stampin' UpStamps: All God's Children

Cardstock: Old Olive, Certainly Celery

DSP:Holiday Thyme

Ink: Chocolate Chip