Fresh Fish

Yesterday while I was reading my Facebook page- I came across a really cute sketch from Sketchy Thursdays. I was inspired. Here is my take on the sketch:

Here is where you can find the sketch:  http://sketchythursdays.blogspot.com/2011/08/818-sketch.html

I use my Unity Stamps on this layout as well. Stamps from the "This is the Time" set.

I tried to get a close up of my bullet journaling. I tried to give good hint for catching the "big fish". Photos were taken @ Universal Studios- This past June.  Paper is from my stash. Cardstock is Stampin Up! I used Thickers for the title.

Some Get Well Soon {LOVE}

My daughter Emma wanted to make something special for her piano teacher ( who was recently hospitalized). We decided on a bouquet of flowers.  I do like to make my own flowers- because they last a lot longer ("Real" flowers while lovely, eventually do die ).

We chose to make the flowers in blues and browns, which seem to be her favorite colors. The flowers were made using a paper pack from DCWV ( their linen closet collection ). I cut them out using my Cricut Expression and the Walk in My Garden cartridge. I used a mason jar for the "vase". I got the idea for the mason jar from the Tip Junkie blog. I used hot glue to make the heart and the "Love". Then I spray painted it white. The ribbon is from Stampin' Up ( Marina Mist ).

Here is a close up of the flowers. The buttons are from my stash. I was pretty happy with the end result. Especially since I waited until the last minute to put them together! It seems like I am always doing that- waiting until the last minute to complete a project. :| 



Emma had her lessons this morning and Marcia seemed to really enjoy her flowers. We are glad that she is out of the hospital and in better health.

I'm A Dork...

It's official. I am a dork. I used a sketch for this card and now I can't remember where I got it from. I even looked on my blog list ( I know I got it from one of them..but, I can't find it anywhere.). It's like the sketch ( and maybe the blog itself disappeared). Scary stuff, that. So, I am going to post the picture anyway. With the knowledge that I am NOT trying to take credit for this idea. The sketch does belong to someone- and the credit belongs to them. It was an awesome sketch. I love how my card turned out.

It looks exactly like the sketch- with the exception of the added ribbon.

This is the inside of the card ( it was not part of the sketch). I took the cupcake theme and brought it inside. The stamps I used for this are from Stampendous ( it's an acrylic stamp set ). Cardstock is SU!, printed paper is from Simple Stories-Life Documented set of paper. Cupcake was made using my Sizzix. Ink is SU!


Now, all this card needs is a little cash inside it so I can send it on it's way. It's quite a bit late...But, she knows that I love her so it'll be okay. :)

A Sweet Sixteen Post. Better Late Than Never.

My daughter turned sixteen this past June.  WOW. Sixteen. REALLY? When did that happen? These are the thoughts that careen through my mind. Sixteen, a mile stone for her, heart breaking for me. Heart breaking, not because it means I'm getting older. Heart breaking because sixteen means that her father and I have only two more years with her before she goes off to school, or where ever her dreams may carry her. Two more years where we continue to instill in her our values, trying to make her into a productive member of society. Two years where we can hug, touch, play and guide her along the route through high school. TWO YEARS. It isn't enough time. It's hasn't been all fun and games. Nope. Especially the last few years. HELLO! She's a teenager. A female. Sometimes it's like an alien has taken over her body. Gone is the toddler who stole many a heart. In her place is this faux -adult full of crankiness and angst. Though, there are times when I see that toddler. In her smile. A smile that lights up a room. In her smile I can see the curious imp, the child that always wanted to know WHY? I love her smile. It's effervescent. She's effervescent. We are truly blessed to have had her in our lives for the past sixteen years, and we are looking forward to seeing her mature into the adult that she will be. Happy Sweet Sixteen Linsea!

Her are some pictures of her 16th birthday party. We had it at our local waterfront Park.

 These are Mason jars that I spray painted white and blue. The tops of the blue jars are wrapped in lavender tulle, the tops of the white are wrapped in blue tulle. These are the center pieces used at her party.

                                      These are the invitations we send out .

                                                                                                                                    

Here is the Birthday Banner. We we not able to hang it up because it was too windy- and trying to tape it onto cement was a painful endeavor.

We ended up using two picnic tables. I place table clothes on each table. One in Blue, one in lavender.  We bought food from Costco, sandwiches, soda, cake. I made the cupcakes.

I'm not sure how well you can see them- but, I stamped hibiscus flowers all around each tablecloth. The hibiscus flower is from Stampin' Up!, the ink is also from SU! Bordering blue craft ink.

These are the cupcakes. I used my Cricut Expression and the Going Places cartridge to cut out the Hawaiian shirts. The paper is Bazzil, but I can't remember the name of the colors.


I think everyone had a nice time. I know Linsea was pretty happy with how everything turned out. I for one am glad it's over. It takes a lot of time and effort to put on a birthday party. Thankfully, I'm done for a while!