That's Amore

Seven layers of paper and some pretty embellies make up this special Valentine's card.

I used Close To My Heart "That's Amore" papers and Stickease, Heartfelt and Heartthrob stamps for the hearts and sentiments, Tulip and Blush inks, Clear Sparkles, and sheer ribbon. The pearl hatpin is from my sewing box, until the pretty pins arrive from CTMH. (Check those out in the new CTMH spring catty on page 29!)

I scored the chocolate background paper and sanded the lines with a sanding block for the distressed effect. No, I didn't evenly space those lines on purpose ... and more about that quirkiness about me ...

The whole front looks off center now that I look closely, but that just goes with me, 'cause I'm always a little off center and not too concerned about being precise. (I eyeball most projects.)

When I was young, I remember my mom said, "Everything we see in God's world is so unique and special...the trees don't always have symmetrical branches, and it's okay if one side of your hair doesn't look just like the other side!" (That usually happened on a Sunday morning when I lamented about my bad "do" and wouldn't leave the bathroom without crying.) Now I've probably rambled long enough. But here's the little life lesson:

I learned from Mom that even off-centered and not-so-perfect things are very beautiful and special! I'm thankful that she ALWAYS made me feel so special even when I didn't like my un-perfect looks. And I have grown into my nose (just as she told me so!) ... but that's a whole 'nother story!

X Box and Album

Here's a memory keeper box and a coordinating photo album for a young boy who likes trucks, cars, boats, and everything that moves! I repeated circles and dashes throughout the project and added some "all-boy" stamps and journaling pull-out cards.

I used the Close To My Heart box, album, Childhood Boy stamps, chocolate ribbon, autumn mini brads, chocolate photo clip, buttons, hemp, chocolate marker, and a chipboard X (inked with outdoor denim). Papers are from a local scrapbook store.

The Birthday Tree Tradition

For nearly 25 years, we've had a tradition of keeping the Christmas tree up and its lights glowing to help celebrate Bethany's birthday in early January.

The Christmas ornaments get packed away and the birthday theme changes each year--sand and beach toys; Barbies, Kens, and Skippers; Scooby Doos; Smurfs; Strawberry Shortcake & friends; musical instruments; mini-volleyballs; car keys; plastic champagne glasses; Betty Boop; plastic skeletons (when DD began chiropractic college); and colorful paper parasols, just to name a few.

I love the bright lights in the darkness of mid-winter and really hate to pack it all away.

Any suggestions for DD's next January celebration?