Birthday Card for hubby

It was my hubby's birthday yesterday and I made this card for him. He has a small yacht which is berthed up in Scotland and he likes nothing better than getting away from it all and taking her out in the Firth although he doesn't get up there as often as he would like.

I usually make him a card with a nautical theme and this year was no different and I used my new stamps from Creative Expressions to make it. The background was done with the distress stains I have just bought - resisted for a long time but after doing a workshop with Hels was totally sold!

On a sad note it would have been my Dad's birthday too - yes they shared the same birthday, but he passed away last year. Difficult time - celebrate one person's birthday and be sad that the other is no longer with us to  celebrate.

My Dad loved my cards and when we sorted through his belongings he had kept every card I had made him and I must admit I shuddered a bit at my early attempts, they seemed so primitive. I have come along way since then thank goodness but we all have to start somewhere I guess.

I am entering this card in the following challenges:
fashionablestampingchallenges.cottagecrafts.ie/?p=3044 Nautical theme
everybody-art-challenge.blogspot.co.uk/ Card for a Man
paperminutes.blogspot.co.uk/ Use your newest stamp
mimchallegeblog.blogspot.co.uk/ Male sports or Hobbies
simonsaysstampandshow.blogspot.co.uk/ Anything Goes
letsinkitup.blogspot.co.uk/ Distressing
panpasteluk.blogspot.co.uk/ One for the Boys
happydazedesignteam.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/april-challenge-april-showers.html Watery theme