Saturday, May 23, 2009

birthday "cards"





My husband's birthday was Friday. We took the day off to celebrate together, as we do every year. Since he already received his gifts before his birthday, I wanted to come up with something to surprise him. He's commented on occasion that I make cards (as in greeting) for everyone but him. So this year, I decided to make cards for him. But, instead of greeting cards, I made playing cards so he could "deal" the day however he wanted it to play out. It was a big hit. Here are the steps I came up with, in case you want to do something similar for someone you love.
  • Decide what you want on the cards. I used categories such as food & drink, movies, culture, outdoors, road trip, etc. Click on the photos to see what I mean.

  • Create a 3-column table in Microsoft Word or similar program, setting the column height at 3.5" & the width at 2.5"

  • Type in the table cells & use available clip art to add visuals & color. Print. I used glossy photo paper, but this isn't necessary.

  • Make a generic version for the card backs. Print.

  • Trim excess from all printed pages, keeping the table of 9 cards still together, 3 columns & 3 rows per page.

  • Glue card fronts to card backs. I used my tape gun, but if I do this again, I'll use the adhesive cartridge with my Xyron.

  • Laminate the fronts & backs. I used the two-sided lamination cartridge with my Xyron, but any lamination product should work.

  • Cut the cards. Use a small corner punch on all four corners of every cards. Note, however, this was extremely tough on my punch, so I'll be buying a new one at some point.

  • Print two of the generic card backs on one page of card stock. Cut and glue/tape to create card box.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

metal & wood yin & yang


One of the Yahoo groups I'm in does a weekly ATC hobnob. This week's theme is Yin & Yang. I chose to use metal & wood. The metal is light aluminum and the wood is a veneer insert that was inside one of DH's cigar boxes. It's a very simple ATC, but I like how that simplicity seems to strengthen the elements & put the focus on them.

Live easy, love freely & laugh loudly!

Sunday, May 10, 2009

mom's day cards

Here are a couple quick cards from last night. The images are from Stampington & Co.



I hope all you moms out there have a wonderful day!

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

dogs as teachers

The following is from an email making its way around, so you may have already seen it, but if not, enjoy.... I love the message and I'd like to give credit to the author, but the email I received didn't indicate who wrote it. If you happen to know, would you please contact me so I can give credit? Thanks!

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:

  • When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
  • Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
  • Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
  • Take naps.
  • Stretch before rising.
  • Run, romp, and play daily.
  • Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
  • Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
  • On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
  • On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
  • When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
  • Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
  • Be loyal.
  • Never pretend to be something you're not.
  • If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
  • When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!

Sunday, May 3, 2009

wonderland challenge

The open house blog party at Mixed Media Mischief Makers is just around the corner. Here's my completed piece for the Wonderland Challenge:


This 8x8 mixed media on canvas includes acrylics, polymer clay, "silk" flowers with UTEE centers, grunge board with spray paint, cut pewter (dream), mosaic tiles, drawer pull (crown), "admit one" ticket (part of a goodies packet my pal Marsha at http://tumblefishstudio.blogspot.com/ sent me a few months ago), glossy photo paper (Cheshire cat grin) heat-treated copper mesh, heat-treated soft copper and a safety pin.

Don't forget to swing by the Mixed Media Mischief Makers blog on Tuesday, May 5 for the open house! Be sure to leave a comment for a chance for a door prize. http://mixedmediamischiefmakers.blogspot.com/

Friday, May 1, 2009

golden visitor

Yesterday I was treated to several visits from a goldfinch. Although it's our state bird here in Iowa, I've not seen very many of them. I was delighted to discover it likes the new seed in the feeder. The photo isn't very sharp, but isn't this feathered friend a gorgeous yellow? When s/he flies across your line of sight, you see it!