an almost birthday present

I wanted to make Rich a mini album that he can keep in his office at work. Nothing fancy, just a picture of each of the kids. Now, this was supposed to be a gift for his birthday, but as so often happens, once I got it made I just couldn't wait to give it to him!

Anyway, it's nothing fancy, but I still think it came out pretty cute. I just covered the pieces of a dumb little jigsaw puzzle that one of the kids got in a kid meal at some fast food joint when we were on a trip somewhere. Love being able to make use of something that would have otherwise been hauled off by the trash/recycle man. Added bonus, I just used scraps I had strewn around my scrap table. And I finally got to use my cool 7 Gypsies stamp, too! Oh yes, this little project put many a smile on my face as I created it :)

happy birthday, Sara

I was so excited all those years ago when I was pregnant with Annie to find out that my wonderful friend Kim was going to have a girl, too. Turns out Annie and Sara are very, very different. Still, on the rare occasions that we're able to get together, the girls get along wonderfully. Each year, I try very hard to come up the perfect birthday gift for Sara...but finally, this year, I was stumped. Annie told me to get her gift cards. But I didn't think that was exciting enough. Annie assured me, "Gift cards are a preteen girl's best friend! Trust me, Mom, she love them!" So, I decided to trust her, but I still wanted to jazz them up a bit, so I made this special holder for them. I hope she likes it! Annie totally flipped over it, and made me promise to make her one for her birthday, so I hope that's a good sign.

The front cover:



















And this is what it's like opened up:















(click on photo for a closer look)

uninspired

Not sure why, but I just can't seem to get inspired while creating these "prizes" for Annie's contests. This is the super plain one that July's winner will receive.

a quick photo card

Nothing fancy. (And honestly not crooked in real life.)

two made, one photographed

I'm so bummed that I forgot to take a picture of the anniversary card I made for my parents before I mailed it off. It was actually one of my better efforts. Figures, huh?

But here's the card I made for Max's teacher:



Max had the sweetest teacher in the world for kindergarten. She really, truly was just the perfect match for our little guy. She just innately seemed to "get" him. I know he's going to miss her.

another journal

I think I should just give up on this blog, since I can't seem to get anything made these days. Should have had this little journal finished a couple weeks ago, as it was Annie's prize for her June contest. Better late than never...at least I hope that's what Kara will think, as she was this month's winner.



(It's actually much brighter and prettier in person. Not sure why the picture came so dark, but I didn't realized until I'd uploaded it, and I was just too lazy to redo it.)

a quick little project

Each month, Annie has a little contest with her reading challenge. One part of the prize is a covered comp book, made by yours truly. Nothing much, but along with a bookmark and some candy, hopefully makes a nice little prize. After all, as she said when she started hosting the challenge, there's not much one can do with a 10-/now 11-year-old's allowance, right?