Ladybug Invasion

When I was a child, discovering a ladybug was a rarity, but such a treat! I always thought I could put 'her' in a jar with some grass, and keep her as my pet forever... Of course, that didn't exactly work out (especially for the ladybug), but nonetheless, ever since, show me any image of a little "spotted lady" and the thrill resurges.

Imagine then, my utter surprise and complete delight, when during the first year of marriage to hubby, I awoke one October morning to find a literal ladybug invasion!

It was one of those final summer-like days of fall, and there were hundreds of the little creatures e-v-e-r-y-w-h-e-r-e... in the air, on the windows, on the siding, on the car, and once a door got opened, in the house!  A few of the house invaders actually made it through that winter... Guess it must have been a case of bigger jar, better results.

Anyway, this invasion has taken place every October since (twelve years so far), and short-lived though it may be, when it hits, so does the excitement.  If you listen hard enough you'll be sure to hear:

Quick! Come see this one.  She's a beauty!
I saw the biggest one!  Did not. Mine's bigger!
Yeah, well mine has more spots!
Wait! Don't shut the door!  You'll crush one!
When I got to school today, one was on my backpack - Everybody wanted her, but the teacher told everyone to 'sit down', and made me put her outside.
How many this year?  Dunno.  Lost count.  (Well, it's impossible not to try.)
Remember when I ate one?  They taste really bad!
Did you know they're 'helpful' insects?  (This is followed by an entire list of ladybug facts.)
Are you sure some of them are 'boys'?
I've got one on my arm... It tickles!
Hey, Mom!  Gotta a jar?  (Oh, no!)

That brings us to this basic 12-circle card using smART rubber set WD-106 LB Thoughts (catalog pg.54) and Middie Messages #2 (pg.12):

Cardworks:
(11) ladybugs stamped in black and clear embossed on white stock. Colored with a red Sharpie.  Punched out using 1" circle punch. Layered onto (11) slightly larger red circles. 'Hello' stamped in black and clear embossed on red scrap. Punched out and layered onto slightly larger white circle. 1/8" hole punched at top. Threaded and tied with customized with sheer Swiss dot ribbon (see blog entry "Presto Change-o"). All (12) layered circles mounted in a 4 x 3 array on an A-2 black card. To create a bit of dimension, 'Hello' circle is mounted using foam tape.

Note:  Easiest done by stamping, embossing, and coloring the 'ladies' across a strip of cardstock, THEN punching them out.

Comments

[Donna]

What a cute card and a VERY cool layout! So glad to see that you found some time to stamp, Susan.

[Cheri Mosgrove]

Cute cute cute! And so is all the excitement over the ladybug invasion! Another thing that makes me think fall is just the most wonderful time of the year!!

[dini]

I'm so with you on the ladybugs! I need this set still...can't get enough! cute, cute, cute! Love all the spots. :)