Without further ado, because I know you all want to go and party , here is today's freebie – my Celebrate Mini Kit. Made just for you all by me to commemorate my special friends and heart ties to the USA.

Three gorgeous papers, stapled star, date stamp for July with a separate date marker, string and a celebrate twill ribbon. A bonus file included is the printable cards featured yesterday . Americana enough to use for the 4th, varied enough to use for any other layouts or papercrafts.

I even scrapped a layout using the mini kit.

The word art, white brush work and Mayors button were made for this layout and are not in the mini kit.

Download here. Leave me some love if you do. Link me up if you use my mini kit to scrap your celebrations, or make something else, so I can come ooh and ahhh!

Have an awesome day!

Go and grab it now, print it off and let it dry while you read how to assemble it. Only available till the 5th

Cut it all out.

If you are just using the already completed card adhere that to a card stock base and you are right to go. If making the hybrid card then read on.

Now use something to rough up the edges. Here I have a Making Memories distressing tool. This is neat but I had it a long time before I discovered what it was to be used for….do you have tools like that?

Cool huh. Use a bit of scrap paper to catch the tiny shards if you want to clean up easily. I have been know to use sandpaper, nail files and the odd brick or two to achieve this same effect.

Now distress the edges of your star even more if you like that look. You could do all the edges but this time just the star for the star treatment. Used a blue and rusty looking brown from Versa Colour with a finger dauber for this project. You could use a cotton bud or even paper towel over the end of your finger to get a similar finish.

Then used a brown ink to stamp the word celebrate on some twill. You don't have to do this if you don't want – there is a paper ribbon on the printable.

Adhere all the layers as pictured on a dark blue cardstock base (or your choice) using some 3d mounting tape to raise the star levels up. Then either adhere your paper ribbon over the top or hot glue a real one if you go that route.

There you have it. A nice easy hybrid card to make someones day.

And just because I like making your day – check back tomorrow to see what the sneak peak is.

One of these is the 4th of July.  American Independence Day.

Many of my close and dear friends are from the USA and we have had many "freedom celebrations" with them. We have also experienced a 4th of July in the USA.  Is was a wonderful night by the river with a big band, fabulous music and lots of fireworks – not to mention awesome food. My munchkins had a blast.

It is not unlike our Australia day celebrations back in Perth or Sydney really. Sharing with friends and having a good time remembering all that brings us together.

Yesterday we had some of our American friends over for an afternoon of games and fun. I wanted to make them happy so decorated my foyer with a few little Americana items.

My freedom banner from last year was perfect to jazz the place up a little.

Of course I made a hybrid card from this weeks free template.

They were surprised and touched, liking the banner so much I sent it home with them. Giving is such a fun thing to do.

Which means it must be time to give you something too . How about that card above in printable form. The jpg comes with two cards – one ready to cut off and attached to a base. Nice and quick.

The other one is ready to cut apart and assemble like mine. Check back later today for a tutorial on how to do that. I have included a paper twill ribbon with the word celebrate on it just in case you don't want to stamp your own real twill or ribbon.

Download this file – and please leave me a comment if you do! If you want to share it – please send your friends here too. This link is only up till the 5th.

ETA - Link has expired but if you would like the card you can find it along with a Celebrate Mini Kit here

Enjoy your 4th!

Here is a sneak peak of something coming your way tomorrow. I'll give you a hint – it's not a card.

For more free 4th of July or celebration goodies you might like these.

Free Template Thursday

Free Printable Cards

TTFN!

Happy 4th of July to all my precious American friends.

Having enjoyed American Independance Day celebrations both with expats abroad and even a 4th in the USA it really brings home how fortunate many of us are – and how hard it is for those who may have been born in places where this is not the case.

I made this banner with the word freedom on it to celebrate this day with my friends. You can read more about it over on The Hybrid Chick site where I have posted a tutorial on how you can make your own.

For all those celebrating the 4th of July may you have a relaxed and blessed day, a truly wonderful time sharing with your family and friends.