Lots of Birthdays!

I have a lot of friends and family that have birthdays in the first couple months of the year, and always end up being late with cards and gifts because January and February seem to pass so quickly that I don't have time to make the cards...well, I'm determined to not be the same this year!

The early birthdays include two of my nephews...and I've got both of those cards done!

I chose bright colors...they are both elementary school ages...and have found a fabulous website with a talented designer who offers her cutting files for free! Its called Birds Cards, and she has a range of wonderful files that cut quite smoothly, go visit!

The diamond lattice background and both the birthday greetings are from her site.

I have a difficult time using ribbon on cards for guys...but I think that the simple use on these cards works...I'll save the ruffles and such for other cards.

I'm linking these two up to the challenge at 3GirlJam ~ anything goes, if you want some ideas on how to use ribbon in creative ways...go check out the design team and the links...so awesome!

Supplies:

• patterned cardstock: The Paper Studio
• ribbon: the Dollar Tree
• cutting files: birdscards

Thanks for stopping by!

Meredith

Friends With Flair ~ Banners and Borders

So every Friday, the Unity Stamp Company sponsors a linky party for anyone who uses their fabulous stamps to show off what they have been working on. They call it Friends with Flair, and you can find it right here.

If you haven't managed to make it into the craft zone this week, then I recommend that you go take a look-see at the other projects to gather inspiration!

I managed to try out one of the silhouette files I had...I must say, it sure is easier on my hands to have the machine cut all the borders rather than punching them myself!

I'm in serious need of birthday cards...as more than half the family and friends on the list that I try to send to have birthdays in January and February!!!

Hmm...I'm thinking that the banner with the stamp needs set off some more...it looks lost among all that great color...I'll try using a larger banner of the dark blue cardstock as a mat...

Yup, that's better! The stamp is from the May 2010 Kit of the Month...here's a closer look. Its a very finely detailed stamp...I think that next time I'll use a different ink, Distress Inks don't seem to do it justice.

One down...lots to go!!!

Supplies

• cardstock: Wausau
• patterned cardstock: SEI
• stamp: Unity
• cutting file: Silhouette

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Meredith