Tuesday, April 13, 2010

New Tim Holtz Birdcage Die Cut!!!

I was so excited to find Tim Holtz's new birdcage die cut at the local scrapbook store.  I saw it published on his website months ago and have been waiting patiently for the stores to get his newest goodies.  I bought some jump rings and crystals (from a bridal decoration -- took it apart, as the crystals were the perfect size for this project!  Gotta think outside the box, you know!)  I used chalk to color in the bird and wing die cuts so they would be more noticeable.  Core-dinations is the cardstock I used for the birdcage itself.  After it was die cut, I used sandpaper to tone down the shiny metal look and bring out the black center of the paper.  Love these papers -- so many possibities and colors, too!  I also distressed the birdcage with brown paint, to give it a more antique look.  I found the chain in the jewelry section of a craft store that had the rectangle-shape as the birdcage.  I think it is a perfect compliment to the card -- attached it using a jump ring.  I distressed some Prima flowers and put a crystal brad in the center for an added touch.  I found some scrapbook paper that looks like an old Sears catalog, so I used that for the background of the birdcage.  I still wasn't completely happy with it....so I found some vintage trim and attached it to the left side of the catalog paper....Now I was happy with it!  Just needed that little bit extra "something"!!!

Card to celebrate my mom!

Here is the card I designed for my mom, celebrating her honor of "Woman of the Year"... have to get it in the mail today!!!  I think she will love it!!!  I used black crystals as well as regular crystals to "glam" it up; added a bit of ribbon to the front as well -- I thought it needed that extra something. 

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Congratulations to my mom!!!

How exciting!  My mom has been chosen "Woman of the Year" from her parish, Mater Christi, in North Riverside, IL.  The archdiocese will honor all the "Women of the Year" at a special banquet on May 15th.  I am so proud of her!  She has been actively involved in their parish ever since it was founded almost 57 years ago.  Mom is incredible at 86 years of age -- Congratulations, Mom!  We all love you!!!