A Sister-in-Law in the "Out Law" Group!

My "outlaw" of a sister-in-law, June, celebrates her birthday one day after mine on September 1st.  I wanted to honor her birthday by making a special card with her in mind.  This past year she has "housed" many out-of-town family members for various family necessities, as well as fun visits too.  She is always so very gracious and welcoming. . . and my husband and I thank her for that.  A thought comes to mind when thinking about those visits during the past several years. . .June always has a pitcher of ice tea ready and welcoming when you visit.  A very cool and refreshing drink for those warm spring and summer days!  

With this in mind, I remembered a "tea" card kit that my sister (Heidi Gonzales: My Lil' Scrap Corner blog) had given me several months ago.  I thought it would be perfect for June.  In creating it, I tweaked Heidi's design just a bit to enlarge the size by adding a vanilla cardbase and a watermelon-colored mat layer.  As I traditionally do, I decorated the inside and added a verse that I composed. This is the card I chose to make June for her birthday and I hope she really likes it.

Recipe:  PTI pattern papers, SU cardstock: very vanilla, blushing bride; Bazzil cardstock: watermelon.  PTI dies: Tea for Two die/stamp set, Fillable Frames #11, Edger #2, Tremendous Tags Dies, Leaf Prints dies. Martha Stewart: Vintage Floral Around the Page punches. Memento Coca Brown. Colorbox Chestnut Roan (distressing)Hug Snug Vivid Pink seam binding ribbon. Stash: Lime green felt, pink flower, rose cut-out, pink/white scalloped lace.

My Kansas sister-in-law has a Birthday in 2012!

As you might expect, I have a sister-in-law with a birthday in August.  With eight sister-in-laws, there's got to be one almost every month of the year, though I do think I miss a few.  But, if I start making cards for brother-in-laws, I know I will certainly hit every month for sure!  I am trying to get better at sending birthday cards since I am now retired...my work has become cardmaking, LOL!  Do you ever think, "This is crazy, I'm stressing myself out because I have too many cards to make!  It's supposed to be fun...not work."  I find it kind of funny at times!  So, here is Joanie's card adapted and inspired by a card design by my sister, Heidi Gonzales (My Lil' Scrap Corner).

Happy Birthday Joanie...have a great one!

A Little Thank You

Here's a little card I made as a thank you for gracious hospitality sent my way.  I also need to thank my sister, Heidi (My Lil' Scrap Corner), for lending me inspiration from a card she had made several years ago using a similar idea.

I used Mind's Eye papers, Bazzill cardstock, Papertrey stamps, and twine.

Thank You for the Visit!

It is not often that both my husband and I are in California at the same time, but we did manager to do that this spring.  We were also able to make the jaunt to visit John's brother and his wife who live away from the Sacramento area, heading toward San Francisco.  We had a wonderful catch up visit and were able to stay to have lunch out at their favorite Mexican restaurant.  It was so nice for me to be able to spend time with them and get to know my newest sister-in-law better.  She is a very friendly, gracious, and outgoing lady, and I find her delightful company.  I decided to send them a little card after returning home to let them know just how much we enjoyed our visit.

Recipe:  MME papers, SU Chocolate Chip cardstock.  Papertrey stamps.  Decorative Brad (stash).  5/8" White Satin Ribbon (stash).  Papertrey Tag punch.  (Original design by Heidi Gonzales - My Lil' Scrap Corner.  My card is enlarged, layout rearranged, striped paper added.)