Just for Laurie

HA! If you know my sister, then you are well aware that she is NUTS about SQUIRRELS. She talks to them. Yup, it's true.

I'm so EXCITED to see that theangelcompany has created a special SOTM (stamp of the month) just for her! Not available until AUGUST (I can HARDLY wait that long!), this set can be yours for $12.95 with any $30 purchase. Laurie, I will be sending you one FREE as soon as I can. Plus, I'm going to need this one myself...

He's a pretty cute squirrel, huh??!

Use it, or Lose it...

I went to Michael's last Sunday to pick up ONE item (Blue's Clues stickers...) and of course, came out with 3.  Items.  It occurred to me (for the 500th time) that I tend to purchase crafting items and conveniently tuck them away once I'm home and NOT use them.  Until I rediscover them 5 years later.  In a bin.  So, I made a new rule:  Use it.  Immediately.  You know, or Lose it.  ha!  

These are my 3 purchases... Chloe's Closet Gem stickers from Making Memories.  On clearance, and a MUST have since I had the paper and various other items in the line.  Blue's Clues stickers, which was my original reason for going... needed them for a birthday card for my God-daughter, Emily.  Blue velvet ribbon with brown stitching.... love the colors and it was also on sale.  

I used the Gems on these cards which will be used for "end of the year" teacher cards.  Chloe's Closet paper and a little Nestabilities action!

Next... The birthday card for Emily.  She had a Blue's Clue's party and of course, I had no such stamp.  Stickers come in handy afterall!  I am going to have to explore this option further as I have TONS of stickers.  

Lastly, the card featuring the velvet ribbon.  When I bought this, I was thinking that it would look good with this ribbon charm I already had in my stash (probably purchased 5 years ago!).  I also used paper that was randomly left on my desk.  It actually all matches, even though in the picture the ribbon color looks a little off.

I'm going to have to stick to this new rule.... I had a lot of fun using my treasures right away!

Oh Baby! #10

My mom thinks my mother-in-law is the luckiest woman alive!  She just got her 10th GrandBaby last month!  That's 10 in as many years (Ben's her oldest and he's 10).  Here's her newest, and OUR adorable nephew!  Ryan's "little brother", Rick, and his wife, Kristi, welcomed their 4th child in April. These are the birth announcements I made for them. 

I made 25 in my usual "traditional way"... you know, cards!  I used SU! specialty paper, Parisian Breeze.  It's textured and really heavy cardstock.  I ran out while making this project, and I think I am going to have to reorder!  Pretty colors.  Kraft and baja breeze cardstock, and the Martha Stewart doily lace edge punch that I'm such a fan of!  Here's the inside:

And since I am such a fan of www.picnik.com I thought I'd have some fun making a digital announcement, as well:

I got these printed at Sam's and mounted them on some cardstock so Kristi could mail them out, too.  

So happy this precious baby is here safely!  Can't wait to meet him in person!

School's ALMOST out!

Well, another school year, almost done! Certainly, there are THREE people in my household who are THRILLED about this... and ONE person and THREE cats who are Not-So-Thrilled. Not so sure I'm ready for LOUD days, but I guess I could go for trips to the beach, Adventure Island, and Ryan-Available-For-EXTRA-Housework.... (he does NOT read my blog, so I believe I am out of luck). ANYWAYS... I made this card for my sister, Tracy, a few months ago. Tracy - also happy school is almost out! This was supposed to cheer her up and let her know I was thinking of her and praying for her during her very-annoying school year.

SHOCKING, I know, but that would be Cosmo Cricket paper (Jack's World) you are feasting your eyes on! Also, the tree is a cardstock sticker, also, from the Cricket. I sewed buttons on. That's the only sewing I can handle. Here's the inside:

The "hang in there" stamp is a treasure from the Michael's dollar bin a couple of years back... I stamped it on the paper, then stamped it on ivory paper and cut out the box only and taped it on.

Let me INSPIRE you to encourage someone today! You know, with a lovely card:)

Par-tea

I've decided it isn't JUST Rochel who can talk me into doing anything for them, it's Sister-In-Law's in General.  Well, and probably Sisters.  Although,  I prefer to drop the "in-law" part for these girls, anyways.   That makes a whole group of Sisters.  Who-talk-me-into-projects.  Which I don't mind.  

Especially since we don't live close, I was THRILLED for the opportunity to be a "part" of our neice, Chloe's birthday party in some way.  These are invitations I made for her 3rd birthday Tea Party.  She has cute little teacups that are purple, yellow, orange, and green polka dots for all her friends to use at the bash.  We love these kids just as much as the 19 pound pumpkin who lives down the street, so it's really nice to get to do something so simple for them.

ANYWAYS, SU cardstock in Wild Wasabi, and Vintage Violet (I have a serious amount of this shade leftover from Rochel's wedding!!) and, of course, COSMO CRICKET patterened paper from the new Snorkel line (ha!  there are SUPPOSED to be fish with it!), and metal tags from STAPLES (that's for you, Dean... I know you are getting card-making ideas from my blog).  The teapot is from theangelcompany and teacup inside is SU!  Both are "random" (makes me happy) stamps that are actually party give-a-ways.

Here's the angel herself... but this picture is from last spring when her sister was born.  She gets cuter everyday!

Happy Birthday, Chloe!