Hard at Play...

This past weekend was a very busy one - albeit a very fun one.
We spent the day Saturday taking my son to Cracker Barrel for a birthday breakfast, then we chatted with the neighbors all afternoon. Around 4, the grandaughters came for us to tend for the evening.
I got the baby down for a nap, (The other girls pretty much entertain themselves these days) and then slipped out to my "studio" (ha ha) because I had to hurry and whip up some cards for the weekend events.
This first one is for my son's birthday. He is an art major, so it can't be the typical "average" card for him! I took one of the fun photos I have of him, and printed it with some "special effects," then used some of the funkiest black & white papers I had (these are KI Memories) I found the felt "Happy Birthday" border at the Roberts Crafts booth at the expo (It's self adhesive, and a little tricky to get on straight, but I thought it was cute)

This next card was for a very good friend of my son's who just returned from a Mission to Eugene Oregon. (Yes, he was one of those nice clean-cut boys who rides bicycles and knocks on doors.)
It was so good to see him again - he was here so much "back in the day" that my daughter called him "my brother from another mother" ...it's funny, because he shares a birthday with my son too (well, almost - his is a day earlier)
This photo isn't great either, because I had to hurry and take it as I was on my way out the door to go see him.

I used some fun new SEI papers (and button) I found at the expo, some scraps of Basic Grey from my stash, and some Studio 45 punch outs that came in the mail Saturday.
What a great, great weekend!
:)

Celebrate Friendship

The older I get, the more I realize how important friends are in my life, and one of my biggest regrets has been that I haven't kept in touch with so many of them from my past.

This past week, I found and contacted a dear friend from my early college days, and have exchanged a few emails with her.
What an amazing joy to reminisce on old times, and get caught up to date on her life! It was a total surprise to find out that at one point we were living in the same little town - and we never ran into each other! How crazy is that?

Just a little reminder that life is short and friends are a gift and should be cherished...

This card was a bit of an experiment - I often tend to over-think things, when sometimes simple is best.

The paper is Basic Grey, I used a pre-made tag and stamped it with Stampinup stamps.
(The ribbon is also Stampinup)
:)

Surprise!

Just thought I'd surprise (stun, shock) you today by actually doing something... !
I've been in a slump around here again, and nothing gets me through that better than some "creative therapy."

It seems that everywhere I turn lately, I am surrounded by touching stories of personal tragedies of one kind or another, so many of us out there are experiencing trials that bring us to our knees. I find myself repeating the words of this scripture over and over in my mind;

My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high...

With all of that in mind, here's a little token of comfort and peace for us all.

I used some Basic Gray, and Stampinup papers, the birdie sticker is from K&Company (comes with all sorts of 3D butterflies - I love these!) The rub-on is Making Memories, and the buttons are All My Memories.
(Funny how sometimes a photograph makes the project look better, but sometimes - well, it's looking a little out of proportion this time - sorry)