Teacher Card in Apple Green

Core'dinations (green), white linen, black linen, apple stamp by Hampton Art, Studio G, "Best Teacher" by Imaginisce, Copic markers YG25, YG67, E50, E25, E13, black Memento ink, Quikutz Apple embossing folder, corner punch, sanding block, Ribbon by TPC Studio

I made this card tonight for Eli's teacher, and will place a "welcome back" note inside.  I plan to make 3 or 4 duplicates, as to have them in my card stash when Teacher Appreciation Day rolls around.

I adore the happy colors in this card and love it when I get a chance to use green (my favorite color).  I also love Core'dinations card stock and how when you emboss and sand, the core color isn't white...it is another color.  It's been a while since I've used my Copic Markers, and it was very nice to have them out again for this project.

By the way...the stamps used for this card were only $1.99 (each)!  The apple was in the "Hot Spot" bin at Archivers ($1.99 bins) and the sentiment stamp is either from Archivers or Michael's, and I'm pretty sure it was the same price.

Have a great weekend!

Hot Pink and Zebra Personalized Stationary / Invitations

White Linen, Black Linen, Melon Mambo, Designer Paper by gcd studios (Cosette Collection), Black Jewels (Bazzill Blackbird), name printer off on printer, Fiskars Upper Crest border punch, Martha Stewart punch, SU Corner Punch, SU Black Ribbon, Adhesive

I created the card up top last night for my friend, Jessica. She is hosting a bachelorette party for her best friend, and needs to mail out some invitations. She found the below invitation on the internet - and loved it, because her friend loves zebra print (I do too!!!). I think she did a great job picking out an invitation - don't you? She wanted me to duplicate the look. I made the above card, and gave it to her this morning. She loved it! Jessica is going to make the invitations herself, but she is borrowing my punches, and my design. I printed out the measurements for her paper cuts - so she can assemble everything pretty quickly. I think she is going to put all the party information on the inside of the card, since the home-made version opens up (not just a postcard, like the one she found on the internet). This will also leave more room, in case she wants to add a sentence or two. I really enjoyed using my favorite hobby to help a friend in need! I was pleased she asked me for help.

My Swim with the Dolphins

Here I am, getting a dolphin smoochie

I traveled to beautiful Riviera Maya, Mexico last week with my husband and son. We had such a wonderful vacation! We enjoyed many activities such as snorkeling, swimming in the ocean and pool, and also took in a couple day excursions. And most importantly, we were also able to relax and decompress. One of the best experiences I have ever had in any of my travels is swimming with the dolphins. I did it for the first time in 2002, and was lucky enough to do it again a few days ago (Friday the 13th). If you ever have the opportunity to swim with these fun and playful creatures, I highly recommend doing so. To me, they represent the aquatic version of playful little puppies - they are so sweet; only they are more peaceful and graceful. The only bad part of the experience, is that it went by too fast! We swam at a place called "Delphinus" and had an hour in the water. We wanted our son to join in and swim with our group, but he was too standoffish. Children don't realize how large dolphins are until they come close, and they really can be intimidating to a small child. I think he'll be ready in a couple years. I hope you enjoy our photos of our dolphin encounter. I will post more pics from Mexico in a day or two.Our group (they keep the groups very small, average 5 or 6 at a time with the dolphins)

Me doing the "dolphin push". (Two dolphins push your feet so you are pushed across the water.)

My husband getting a dolphin smoochie

Simple Friendship

Supplies: SU "Simple Friendship" stamp, SU cardstock in Pumpkin Pie, So Saffron, Real Red, Pacific Point, and Whisper White, SU Markers, Black Ink, SU Organza Ribbon, Paper Piercer, White Gel Pen, Circle Punch, SU Eyelet Border Punch

I case'd this card from Dragana Skoro, with the exception of a couple minor changes. I added the ribbon, and didn't use a scallop punch, and didn't use celery (green). I think my blue was different too - many even my orange. But it basically looks the same. Her blog is here.

I thought this card was so festive when I saw it - I just had to make one!
I wondered what is was that captured my eye. Then, it hit me! It reminded me of this:
Memories of fun days in Mexico! Hope this brings a smile to your face today!