A Sister-in-Law Birthday in June!

I have six sister-in-laws from my husband's side of the family and the first of those has a birthday in June.  With my cardmaking get-away, I am READY!  This birthday card is even going to be a week early when she receives it!  Oh my, that surely must be a first for me!.

I made this sweet little wildflower birthday card using one of Stampin' Up's Sale-A-Bration stamp sets and my favorite embossing folder, Elegant Dots, as a background.  This embossing folder turns your cardstock into such a lovely and delicate pattern, and it was perfect for the little wildflowers!  This card's original designer, Liz Thayer, presented the design at a cardmaking event in April, and I took it home partly finished. because I wanted to color my flowers with my Copic markers.  

I tweaked my card just a bit by adding three wildflowers rather than just two, as I prefer the look of an odd number of elements rather than an even number.  I think I read somewhere that this has to do with your brain and its perception of things it sees.  It automatically pairs things seen, and if there is an even number, it subconsciously reaches that conclusion quickly and becomes less alert; where as, an odd number keeps your brain alert and attuned to what it is looking at.  In other words, it does not get bored!  Whatever the reasons, that one sounds good to me!   See my finished sister-in-law birthday card below!

My finishing touch was to create an inside design that complimented the front design and choose a suitable little birthday verse.  As I am traveling, I used my Mom's Papertrey Ink birthday stamps to find this verse rather than composing one of my own and completing with my computer and printer.

Recipe:  Stampin' Up products:  Cardstocks--Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Pistachio Pudding, Melon Mambo.  Patterned--Birthday Bouquet dsp (2016 Occ).  Stamps--Flowering Fields; Boys Will Be Boys (sentiment); Party Wishes (to make inside corner pattern).  Embossing Folder: Elegant Dots.  Bow Paper Clips.  Glitter: Dazzling Diamonds (flowers).  Other: EK punch: Scalloped Corners-medium.  Papertrey Ink stamp:  Inside & Out: Birthday.  Copic Markers.

My "Old" Boss Celebrates His May Birthday!

My last boss before retirement, and principal of the elementary school where I worked as the office manager, is having his birthday in May.  I wanted to make him a card to send my birthday wishes and to let him see what I've been doing with myself since I retired.  Cardmaking is a hobby I started a few years after retirement with the encouragement of my sister and mentor, Heidi Gonzales (mylilscrapcorner.blogspot.com).  It has been a lot of fun, creating new and wonderful friendship, and something that I really enjoy doing as well.  It is so much fun to share my creations with family and friends.

You will note that this card sports a mustache, and, of course, you guessed it right, he has a mustache so I just had to make a card using my brand new Bow & Mustache EK punch.  This is actually the second card I have made with a mustache...such a cute idea.  My first card was for my brother-in-law's birthday and is posted back in January.  It was done using the Stampin' Up Bird Builder punch...a different look, but works well too.  But, I love this new quick and easy punch with the curly mustache ends.  I hope my friend and ex-boss likes his card as well as I enjoyed creating it for him.

 (Card inspired by a Liz Thayer design and modified by me.)

Recipe:  Stampin' Up papers:  Basic Black cs (base/ mat layer), Soft Suede (mat layer), Naturals cs, Neutrals dsp stack, Modern Medley dsp.  Creative Imaginations: Paint It w/Luminarte (brown word mat layer).  SU stamp: See Ya Later (modified).  EK punches: Bow & Mustache, Fancy Corners (inside). Inks: Memento Black, SU Soft Suede (distressing).  SU Chevron ribbon, pearls. 

A Niece-in-Law's Birthday

I missed a birthday for one of my niece-in-law's birthdays while getting ready for my California trip, Easter cards, and several birthday's in Washington before I left.  Since it was going to be late without time to prepare the card's verse or finish inside embellishments, I decided to use a card ready from my already-made stash, and do the finishing touches after arriving in California where she lives.  

This card's original design idea was by Liz Thayer, with my own personal modifications.  I enlarged my card, added several background layers, changed the stamped image, added a Spellbinders' Deckled Rectangles die-cut behind the image, and added the green pearls.  I composed the inside verse and added embellishments to coordinate with the front image.  I hope Danielle will enjoy her belated birthday card.

Recipe:  SU Paper: Whisper White cs, Rich Razzleberry cs, Old Olive cs, Sycamore Street dsp (2013 SAB).  SU Products: Patterned Occasions stamps, Rich Razzleberry ink (oval distressing), Delicate Details Lace Tape (halved), Lacy Brocade Embossing Folder, Designer Frames Embossing Folder (oval), 3/8” Striped Organdy ribbon (Old Olive). Spellbinder dies: Ovals SM, Deckled Rectangles SM.  Queen&Co.: Olive half-pearls.  Inside - EK punches: Daisy Scallop edger, Scallop Photo corners.

A Birthday Cupcake!

It's my niece's birthday during the month of February, and I wanted to make her a card.  I used a card design similar to one made at Liz Thayer's March SAB 2013 cardmaking fest.  My card is larger and square, and I gave added more mat layers, embossing the whte layer.  I used my Deckled Rectangles Spellbinder die to edge the little greeting's green mat and the oval to cut out the embossed oval holding the cupcake stamp.  Pearls were used in the lower right corner to add embellishment detail.

Niece Angie and my oldest daughter were the best of cousins and friends during their growing up years because they were closest in age.  When our family began moving around the country with my husband's job, we tried to get the girls together for summer vacation visits.  Either Angie would fly to our location, or Michele would return to California (where she was born) and visit wth Angie.  I think they like that best as cousin Angie had a swimming pool, plus Grandma's and many aunts and uncles lived in the vicinity.  To this day, they remain good friends and were in each other's weddings.  So, we send birthday wishes to this all-growed up niece via my little homemade card!

Recipe:  SU Paper: Whisper White cs, Rich Razzleberry cs, Old Olive cs, Sycamore Street dsp (2013 SAB).  SU Products: Patterned Occasions stamps, Rich Razzleberry ink (oval distressing), Delicate Details Lace Tape (halved), Lacy Brocade Embossing Folder, Designer Frames Embossing Folder (oval), 3/8” Striped Organdy ribbon (Old Olive). Spellbinder dies: Ovals SM, Deckled Rectangles SM.  Queen&Co.: Olive half-pearls.  Inside - EK punches: Daisy Scallop edger, Scallop Photo corners.

A Birthday Spin!

My little great niece will be celebrating her 5th birthday today all the way across the country in Georgia.  Her mother and family are transplanted to Georgia from California while her daddy is stationed there on military duty.  Though I miss seeing them all on my visits to California, I am happy they are on U.S. soil, and Daddy has finished most, if not all, of his tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

I wanted to make a whimsical card for Taylor, so thought of the pinwheel Sizzilit I had stashed in my cardmaking equipment and of a card I had previously made at a Stampin' Up class given by Liz Thayer and thought I'd begin there.  My little birthday spin evolved into the card below, and I hope Taylor likes it!

Recipe:  SU Island Indigo cs, Recollections Cool Water cs pack, SU Sycamore Street dsp (2013 SAB). Spellbinders Big Scallop Ovals SM.  SU Clouds Embossing Folder. SU punches: Modern Label, Word Window. Sizzilits Pinwheel die. Offray double-sided satin ribbon, Mini gold brads, SU Pool Party Baker’s Twine, SU Dazzling Details (glitter glue), Toothpicks. Becca’s Bowmaker.

Using Stampin' Ups New "MERRY" Expressions Thinlit #1!

I just purchased Stampin' Up's new Expressions Thinlits a few weeks ago.  The first time I saw this new die and also got to use it was at a Christmas Cardmaking Event hosted by my friend, Liz Thayer.  First, I am including the very first "MERRY" card I made designed by Liz for her cardmaking event.  I did tweak the card a bit with my own ideas by adding a white cardbase below the red to give it another layer and fishtailed my ribbon instead of burying it edges beneath a layer.  This card is just too darn cute and I know whomever I decide to give it to will be delighted!  In my next post, I will show my own card that I designed using this new "MERRY" die.

Recipe:  Stampin' Up products:  Paper-Whisper White cardbase, Real Red cs, Red Glimmer, Season of Style dsp.  Stamp: Happy Hour. Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Gumball Green. Dies: Expressions Thinlits-Merry. 5/8" Satin-Sheer.

Christmas & Hot Chocolate Go Together! Tag Card #5

I just love this Stampin' Up stamp and die that creates a hot cup of...hot chocolate, hot toddies, coffee, tea, etc.  I made quite a few paper, ribbon, and layout changes to this tag, plus added a scallop border and embellishments.  I also had this lovely sheer snowflake ribbon that just absolutely begged to be used.  I didn't have a picture at the time I was making this tag, so I just ad libbed with the pieces that I had.  I was really happy with how my tag and card turned out.  Hope you like it as well!

Inspiration from Christmas Tags by Heidi Gonzales - mylilscrapcorner.blogspot.com.Recipe:  SU stamp/die set: Scentsational Season (cup), Jolly Bingo Bits (snowflake). SU dies: Two Tags Bigz, Holiday Collections framelits, Snow Flurry Bigz. SU Punch: 2-3/8” Scallop, Scallop Edge Border. EK Punch: 3/4” Scallop Circle, Medium Scallop Photo Corner, Scalloped Scallops Edge Border. SU papers: Cardstocks-Early Espresso base, Baja Breeze, Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla; Snow Festival dsp (scallop trim), Festival of Prints dsp stack, Silver Glitter paper. SU Ink: Soft Suede. Colorbox Chestnut Roan (distressing). Rhinestones. Stash: Cream crochet thread; Snowflake glitter ribbon (Michaels).

A Little Birthday Card for Cousin Junie!

My cousin, Junie, has a birthday in July.  I decided to make her a summery birthday card from a Stampin' Up card class designed and taught by my sister, Heidi Gonzales (www.mylilscrapcorn.blogspot.com).  I just love this Summer Smooch paper from Stampin' Up, which recently retired.  The whole card brings a smile to your face.  I composed a little verse and decorated the inside to match the papers used on the front.  I hope Junie likes it.

Recipe:  Stampin' Up products - Papers: Daffodil Delight, Whisper White, Island Indigo cs; Summer Smooch dsp. Stamps: Bright Blossoms, A Word for You. Inks: Red Riding Hood, Lucky Limeade. Punches: Oval Scallop, Oval, Itty Bitty Punch Pack. Daffodil Delight seam binding ribbon; Rich Razzleberry flower button; pearls; Linen thread. Other:  EK corner punch. 1/2" corner rounder 3D foam tape.

A 45-Year Catch-Up Visit!

As I mentioned in a previous post, while I was still in California, my husband surprised me with a trip of his own south.  I think he yearned for a little sunshine, because as you know, other than being a bit warmer and no freezing nights, Seattle doesn't really have much of a spring that provides sunshine.  I'm fond of saying we have liquid sunshine!  I think he was a little jealous when talking with me that I had been enjoying regular bouts of sunshine almost daily since my arrival in early April.  But then, it is possible he may have also missed me!

As mentioned, we headed further south to the Sacramento area and had a chance to visit with some very "old" friends of more than 45 years.  Though my husband re-connected with them several years ago and was able to visit them before, I had not been down with him because I had other commitments at home.  This was such a wonderful occasion for both of us as the wife, Marlene, had finally began to recover from a fairly serious health problem.  We had a great luncheon with them and wonderful, reminiscing conversations, plus caught up with stories of our lives over the last 40 years.  I surely hope we get to make another repeat visit very, very soon.

In remembering this wonderful time, I wanted to send a little card letting them know just how much we enjoyed this catch-up visit.

 I made this card at one of my sister, Heidi Gonzales', first Stampin' Up classes a few months ago.  She taught how to use Stampin' Up markers with stamps.  I love this Summer Smooch paper (retired).  It is so bright and cheery.  (Her blog, if you are interested in looking her up, is: www.mylilscrapcorner.blogspot.com.)

Recipe:  SU stamp: Bright Blossoms.  SU Papers: Summer Smooches, Daffodil cardstock, Whisper White cardstock.  SU Ink: Riding Hood Red, Lucky Limeade, Island Indigo.  SU Postage Stamp punch.  Summer Smooch fabric brads (ret.).

2012 Christmas Cards to Make for Moms!

I was fortunate to be able to start my Christmas cards before journeying to California and while in California for my fall trip to visit Mom.  It is so much fun to make these two annual trips because both my mother and my sister live in the same town and they are both cardmakers so we have a delightful time!

I decided to start my Christmas cardmaking with my Mom and my mother-in-law as they both have to be mailed to California.  This card is for my Mom, using Stampin' Up products stamp: Snow Much Fun; Paper: Always Artichoke, Regal Rose, White Vellum; EFolder: Perfect Polka Dots. SU markers used + Dazzling Details.  Card idea from Liz Thayer.  I enlarged my card and added a pink card base.  I changed the sentiment and added a pink mat behind it, and made vellum layer one unfolded piece.  I also elevated the ribbon rather than place it in the middle.  Thanks, Liz. . .I love the embossed dotted vellum.  It's such a nice touch.

Alice's card is one I made at a Christmas Card Palooza while in California.  It is a card taught by my sister, Heidi Gonzales: My Lil' Scrap Corner, and just love it.  It has the vintage flavor that I love, and the felt poinsettia that we made with a dies and Big Shot is absolutely beautiful.  Heidi's card designs are also so creative and a delight to make.

Sister-in Laws with July Birthdays...

I have two sister-in-laws with birthdays in July--what can I say, my husband is the oldest of eight, plus my own family--makes for a lot of sister-in-laws!!

Dianne's birthday is TODAY, and the wise owl sends birthday thoughts her way!  I just love using owls in my cardmaking!  (Again, this card was taught by my sister, Heidi Gonzales (My Lil' Scrap Corner)...it was fun to put together and use all of the Stampin' Up tools and the Smooch paper line.)

Happy Birthday, Dianne!

All the way in Colorado, another sister-in-law celebrates her birthday later in July.  Again, the card I chose for Jeanie was made as part of a class taught by my sister, Heidi, using the Stampin' Up Smooch papers.  I changed the front sentiment using the computer with Razzleberry-colored ink and the Fling LET font.  The card I chose for Jeanie follows:

Happy Birthday, Jeanie!

Recipe: SU cardstocks, Smooch paper, SU button, SU stamp: Aviary, SU ribbon, Daffodil seam binding ribbon.