July 22, 2011

GIFTS FOR SPECIAL FRIENDS

Happy Friday everyone!!! I am busily getting ready for my Open House tomorrow and I have TONS to do today so I need to get going! First though, I wanted to share two of the gifts I made for two  lovely ladies who I wanted to thank for being such wonderful friends! They are both little shadow boxes that you can either hang or just stand on a shelf or wherever.  This first one I made for my sweet friend and sideline Christie whose tough Jersey exterior tries but can't hide a good heart the size of Texas underneath :-) Christie is a wonderful friend,  and I love being around her because she always makes me laugh, and reminds me not to take everything so serious - love that girl!! I made this one with butterflies because she LOVES LOVES LOVES them - even more than me and that is sayin' something, lol!! Lots of texture on this project as well - the butterflies are cut out with my Big Shot die and then embossed with the Finial Press embossing folder.  The patterned paper is actually from a hostess offering called Cheerful Treat - it's a whole pack of 12x12 paper and I think it is YUMMY!!! I used my Eyelet border punch on it to give it some visual interest and then added that pretty lace on top which is punched with our new Lacy border punch out of Rose Red.  The background is Wisteria Wonder and is stamped with the French Filigree background stamp, one I have been using a lot lately - I just love how elegant it looks!  The half scallop circle was also cut on the Big Shot and embossed again with the Finial Press folder.  And, see that cute circle the sentiment is stamped on?  It comes from the new Big Shot Die called Perfect Pennants - love, love, love this new die!!!  I threaded some of the pretty new Wisteria Wonder ruffled ribbon through the edges and just love how it makes it pop!
This second frame is for my sideline Cathy, whom I have never actually met in person, but who was so very sweet and helpful to me in recent months.  So, I wanted to show her how much I totally appreciate her! She is EXACTLY the reason why I love Stampin' Up! soooo much - without a thought, she was there to offer her help and friendship and a fellow demonstrator - isn't that awesome??!!!  So, thanks Cathy, you ROCK!!!!  Her frame has a similar layout but is made with completely different papers, colors, and embellishments.  I used the Paisley Petals patterned paper as my color chart, with River Rock as the base, which is stamped using the French Filigree background stamp (see, I told you I love it, LOL!)  I cut a Top Note Die in half and embossed it using the new Houndstooth embossing folder, which I think look amazing! I did the same type of  design for the sentiment, but used Pear Pizazz ribbon this time.  The pretty flower is made using the Fancy Flower punch, some pretty Victoria lace ribbon, and a vintage brad, all sprayed with shimmer mist - sooooo pretty! And, I did add lots of pearls because it seemed to need some pretties *wink*  I hope she likes it - she was not at Convention so I sent it home with Christie, since they live close to each other.  My favorite thing to do is stamp and make things for friends, customers, family, etc.  It brings me a lot of happiness, and that is why I stamp!!!!  If you have to have any of the items featured here, you can purchase them in my online store or you can contact me and I will be happy to place an order for you!! And, don't forget:  the $99 kit special is still going on but it ends this month, so if you have ever thought of being a demonstrator, now is the time - I know I would LOVE for you to join my team :-)  Now, I am off to get ready for tomorrow's Open House - if you are local and would like to come by, please do - this is a  FREE event showcasing lots of new catalog items, and we are going to do make 'n takes, product demonstrations, play games, and yes, there are prizes to win as well *wink*  Check out my website and look on my events calendar for all the details and come on by - I would love to see you!! Have a fabulous weekend everyone - and, I hope you take some time to create something :-)

2 comments:

CanadianScraps43 said...

Hi Alex sweetie. It really has been a long time since I made a comment here. Sorry about that, just so many blogs to comment on and so little time. I am trying to get better though. I do still see what your up to though even if I don't always comment. Your projects today are wonderful and such a great idea. Funny but someone just told me today to make some home decor projects and you just gave me an idea. Thanks so much sweetie for sharing. I trust that you and your family are doing well. That you are all doing well since your sickness last year. Don't be a stranger. Drop by my spot sometime. Big Hugs.

Jessie/knightrone said...

So gorgeous!