Happy Birthday Nicole

I sometimes find it very difficult to think up card designs/layouts/colours, etc. and then feeling like every card has to be different; and every card has to address something about the recipient's personality just makes it that much more difficult.  This year I'm trimming back on the number of cards I send, and I'm going to start making and using the images I really like and just send them --- say happy birthday on the inside or something!  This card is a direct lift from the Make it Crafty site ---actually I got the whole idea for the card from somewhere  the colours, etc.  I actually lifted the entire design from somebody's image, copying it pretty much the same - different background paper and stuff, but I can't remember/find where I got it --- if th eoriginal artist sees this, please send me a note and I'll give you all the credit!  I tried to do it justice, and by adding the link to Make it Crafty, feel a little better about the theft!  And, it's not like I sold the card --- and I did buy the stamp and have never even lent it to anybody --- god knows I've got enough issues without adding more --- but I digress!
Materials:  Stamp:  Make it Crafty Mushroom House and little sprite; CS: SU; DP: Prima Colour by Copic

Get Well Marla

Well, I broke down and got a Cricket!  It was Jenn's scrapbook pages that inspired me, and although I don't actually scrapbook, I a seriously beginning to think of starting.  Anyway, since I spent a fortune on the machine (Home Shopping Channel) I figured I'd better learn how to use it and make some cards.  The attached card is a direct copy of the one in the cartridge handbook --- Art Nouveau page 9 -- I made some modifications, but for all intents and purposes, I copied -- but since I'm giving credit I think that's okay!
Materials:  Cricut - Art Nouveau cartridge; CS: SU

Happy Birthday Jenn

It was my girlfriend Jenn's birthday back on January 6 --- unfortunately I was so tied up doing the 50 baby shower invitations for another friend, and still in recovery from doing all my Christmas cards that I absolutely missed her birthday --- in fact I didn't even remember it until the next day.  So, I felt I had to work hard to make this one full of bling and glitter so she'll know that I do love her after all!  I'll be giving it to her on our regular monthly stamping night so I've had to wait to post it because Jenn's pretty much my only commenter! (Thanks Jenn).  I understand she did have a great birthday though so that's good!
Materials:  Mo Manning's digital image; CS: SU: DP: Prima; Flowers: Prima; Leaves -and circles and scallop: Spellbinders;  Glitter -- Copic Atyou Spica; Colour by Copic

Thinking of Barb

My lucky friend Barb goes to Florida every winter (leaves here around November) and spends her time golfing and hanging around with friends in a much warmer climate - because let's face it - even when Florida has crappy weather, it's still not as cold as here!  Anyway, I was sitting here thinking of Barb and decided to send her a little note - bring her up-to-date on what's happening with me - hence the little card because not much is happening - and to just let her know I'm thinking of her.  The Tilda holding newspapers seemed appropriate!
Materials:  Stamp:  Magnolia; DP: K&Company: CS: SU: Cut-outs by Spellbinder; Colour by Copic

Happy Birthday Steve

My son-in-law's birthday is today Sunday January 15 where he will celebrate his last year in his 30's -- hopefully he's not too traumatized!  Steve loves life, loves his family, and is kind of not enjoying his current job ... but he does love computers, and everything Apple - hence the little apple in the top right.  Mo Manning seems to have just the right image for so many occasions. And, although initially I resisted digital images, I am now a fan as I can size them to whatever size I want .. what's not to love -- and storage is a breeze!!!

Materials:  Image: Mo Manning Digital Images; DP from my stash; CS: SU: Colour by Copic

Brand New Baby

One of my colleagues just welcomed his first granddaughter into the world!  What a great time it is and I'm sure he's going to be just gushing when he comes home. I like to send congratulations on grandparenthood cards since that's the time of life I'm now in!  Unfortunately I only found out after I had mailed the card that the new baby has a headful of black hair --- oh well, baby still looks pretty cute I think!  I had to make 2 cards - one for myself and one for my boss to send - so I used Mo's designs for both.  The first one also includes some embossing with SU Bigshot Texture Plates (or whatever they're called!)

Materials:  Mo Manning Digital Images; Spellbinder Dies; DP from my stash; CS: SU: Colour by Copic

Cards for my helpers at work

Throughout the year I am assisted by a bunch of marvellous helpers throughout our region and in my office.  I try and get them a little something at Christmas time to let them know how much I appreciate them .. I try to tell them throughout the year as well, but think a gift is a little more concrete!  This is a Kraftin' Kimmie stamp that I got last year and haven't used, until now.  I added the little stick-on thing on the bottom left of the card because I thought it looked a little bare.  And, you can't likely see it, but I used a Sizzix embossing folder to emboss snowflakes on the cardstock.  Looked pretty good in real life.  And this is the last one for a while anyway!!!

Christmas Card #18

Okay, this is the last of the LOTV ones --- 2 cute little mice.  I made those glittery snowflakes with a Spellbinder die and SU's glitter paper.  I quite like them!

Christmas Card #17

I think I may have miscounted because there still seem to be a couple more cards in the "IN" bin.  Oh well!  I don't know how I feel about this green --- doesn't seem really  Christmassy to me - maybe I'm just tired?

Christmas Card #16

Home stretch --- only 2 more to go after this one.  I will confess that this is not one of my favourites, but I was losing my will to live by the time I made this one!

Christmas Card #15

So close!  That little guy looks so rested and sated --- I wish it were me.  Even the puppy looks played out - I can identify with that!