Birthday Card

My daughter, Grace, celebrated her 23rd birthday at the end of June.  Her husband suggested I make a feminine card instead of one with monkeys on it as I was thinking of doing.

My card combines several different ideas.  This one is the basic idea, while this one at Splitcoaststampers.com inspired the rest of the front.

To figure out how to make the card base, I watched the excellent video by Becca Feeken on YouTube.

My card base was made using Spellbinders Decorative Labels Eight.  The next layer I cut with Spellbinders Labels Eight, then embossed the oval on the top with Designer Frames by Sizzix for Stampin' Up!  Using my Stamp-a-ma-jig, I stamped my words in the oval.  (The stamp is from the set Salutations by Anna Griffin, and the ink is Violet pigment ink by Color Box.)  Finally, I ran just the bottom of the panel through my Cuttlebug using the Swiss Dots embossing folder.  The ribbon was a last minute addition.

It was fun to learn a new technique, one I know I will continue to use often. 

Cards

Before my husband went into the hospital for his stem cell transplant (he's doing really well, BTW), I made a bunch of cards.  Three different designs, but multiple cards, just in different color combinations.

For the birthday and thank you cards, I began with this design, which I originally found on Pinterest.  It lent itself to scraps, so I began by going through our scrap box, pulling out all the pieces which might work.  I then paired them together.  Here's some of what I came up with.

The top is a Cuttlebug embossing folder.  The ribbon is from my stash.  I found the star brads in the cupboard; it's been a long time since I used brads! 

Here are two of the feminine cards.  The heart on top of the ribbon is from the Decorative Photo Corners set by Spellbinders. 

 

 These thank you cards are the same idea.  A Cuttlebug embossing folder for the top, decorative paper on the bottom.  The decorative motif is from Spellbinders Fleur de Lis Accents.

The thank you notes have all been sent - except for one - but I still have plenty of the birthday cards.

Another Birthday Card

Our son-in-law had another birthday in August.  I ran out of time to make him a card, and threw this together rather quickly.

Since Anthony is a filmmaker, the clap board was perfect.  It is from a set by BoBunny Clearly Stamps.  Although you can't see it well, I stamped "Happy Birthday" in gold ink as the title of the production.  The word "Action" I cut out with Spellbinders Nested Pennants.

Birthday Card

My father was a Christmas baby.  I remembered at the last minute that I needed to make him a card, and since I didn't have much time, I made a simple card.

I used my Bic Mark-It permanent markers to color the image.  A little coloring, a little layering, and a little ribbon, and the result is a quick, masculine card.

Happy Birthday, Sarah

Today is my firstborn's birthday.  Like most mothers, I wonder where the years have gone.

Sarah, you have grown into a lovely young woman.  You are kind and considerate.  You are a gifted crafter.  You are a good cook.  You have a heart for others, willing to help as you are able.  Most of all, you love the Lord Jesus with all your heart, soul, and mind, and seek to follow Him every day of your life.

Your dad and I are blessed to call you daughter.  I am blessed to also call you friend.

Happy birthday, dear daughter.

Happy Birthday!

Today is my hubby's birthday.  He doesn't look a day over 35, does he?  LOL  (Ok, he WAS younger when this picture was taken last New Year's Eve.  It was the most recent picture I could find.  He's making the best meatballs our family has ever eaten - his specialty!)

Those of you who have read my blog for a while know that nearly six years ago, Phil was diagnosed with a relatively rare blood cancer called Multiple Myeloma.  Unfortunately, this cancer has no cure, although with new treatments, patients are living longer than when Phil was diagnosed.  It has been a very difficult year for Phil, as he has endured one painful medical problem after another, most not related to the Myeloma. 

And so on this very special day, I wish you a very happy birthday, Phil, and if God grants it, another year of walking with the Lord and growing in His Grace.  I love you!

Birthday Flowers

My birthday was back in October, and my sweet daughter, Grace, came home with these lovely flowers, which she arranged herself.  (She's so talented!  You might remember that she made the bridesmaids' bouquets for her wedding, and did a wonderful job.)  Don't you agree that sunflowers are such cheerful flowers?  They certainly brighten these dull fall days!

Another Birthday Card

August 23 is also my son-in-law's birthday!  Anthony's card is much simpler than the last one I shared, but then masculine cards don't call for all the bling and other pretties, right?

I purchased the paper at Tuesday Morning , but have torn the paper pad apart, so I don't know who made it.  The greeting is by Stampin' Up!, and I used Fresco "Vesuvian Ash" ink to stamp it.  I used Spellbinders' Classic Squares Large & Small for the greeting.  The polka dot paper was cut using Creative Memories' Oval Patterns.

Happy Birthday!

24 years ago, just after noon, (and with much help from doctors), our firstborn came into this world.  We named her Sarah Elinor.  She has grown into a beautiful young woman who loves and serves the Lord, and who brings great joy to us. 

Sarah is a crafter just like me, and excels at knitting, cross stitch, scrapbooking, and many more crafts, including her newest hobby, polymer clay crafting.  You can visit Sarah's Etsy shop here.  She has become a good and patient cook (remember that first - failed - batch of brownies?) and will attempt dishes that require much work, always to our culinary delight.  Sarah serves us in many ways, but especially as she braves the stores once a week to do our grocery shopping.  She is also a cat lover, just like me.

Happy birthday, dear daughter.  May God continue to work in you to conform you to the image of His Son, Jesus, and may you serve Him wholeheartedly all the days of your life.  We love you!