Mom's 2013 Mother's Day card

I am SO thankful to have had my mom for another year! Her health is delicate and not to be taken for granted -- and I DON'T!!

This was LOTS of fun to make. Did a wee bit of layering on a kraft card base.

The card stock envelope was made with a PTI die called "Bulk Mail Envelope." The finished depth is 1/4 inch, so the finished envie doesn't require extra postage. I thought it might be terribly "involved" to put together, but this one is my first attempt -- and it was surprisingly EASY to assemble and it turned out FINE.

Over the next few days, I have several card projects to post. I've been making them -- just haven't been posting. (I'll try to do better.)

Making Teacher's Valentine with Abigail!

Our THIRD year of creating Teachers' Valentines together! And, every year, Abigail does MORE of the process, herself! I prepared for our creative time by assembling a supply of embellies and adhesives on a tray and cutting papers to cover the bag pages. I wanted Abigail to be able to immediately begin, with NO waiting for Grandma to measure and cut.

And, here are photos!

Abigail is getting to work, edging all sides of the folded bag with pink ink.

Smiling while she works

In addition to her Valentine and Hobby Lobby gift card, Mrs. Gregory was given a small box of chocolates -- and I'm sure -- an EXCITED smile from Abigail!!

It was SUCH FUN to continue our Teachers' Valentine-Making tradition!! And, soon, we will work together on a Teacher's Easter card! WONDERFUL MEMORIES!!

One More Year as a TEEN

Morissa, my youngest (of five), will be NINETEEN on Wednesday!! Head shakin' CRAZY is what it IS. (grin)

She still likes zebra print, so I "pinked it" as a background to this year's bday card.

I used a new mft (My Favorite Things) die to make the rose. Really like the die -- just wish one were available at three sizes LARGER. The leafy flourish was made with another new mft die. The sentiment & punched shape were by S.U.! And, the sentiment mat was made with a PTI die. In the bottom-right corner is a sweet zebra-stripe gem, but it is barely visible in the photo.

Enjoyed making Morissa's card -- hope she likes it. (Seriously, as long as there is CASH inside, she'll be satisfied, I'm sure.)

THANK YOU, Melissa!

Melissa, the Office Manager at the YMCA, where I work, made CHRISTmas AMAZING for the ladies who work in the office!! She hosted an "Office & Spouse/Boyfriend" party at her church with a buffet-style dinner and "Dirty Santa" gift exchange. And, she gifted each of "her girls" (grin) a LOVELY wooden country-style photo frame! She organized an "all-employee" CHRISTmas party at the Y facility, complete with games and prizes -- LOTS of fun!

Well, I have wanted to make a "thank you" card to send her, but had to wait until I was healthy -- B-A-D flu going around here -- but, I'm finally healthy, so was able to spend this coooold Saturday afternoon making her a card.

I was smiling while I made it -- thinking of my online friend, Audrey, and my desire to accomplish the technique which SHE has mastered -- LAYERING. I gave it my BEST SHOT on this card!