Family Frame

I love making things not of the ordinary.  Once in a while I get that opportunity.  This little gem was one of those times.  With Memorial Day coming up I am reminded that our families may be far and wide or some gone from us but we love each other in ways that only each of our family members can understand.

My first born son is graduating from high school this week, a huge milestone for our family.  We are so proud of him.  But it's finally sinking in, that he's growing up and it won't be long before he's out on his own.  He and I are both having growing pains I guess as I remember the baby that he once was and he looks forward to the man he will become.  As he moves into the next stage of his life I have faith that his family ties will stay strong and he will always be a part of our lives even if he doesn't live close by (although he has assured me that he will).  We have been so blessed.  Love you baby boy.

May Card Club and Grad Invite

1st Version

2nd Version-May Card Club

See the shimmer?

Final Version-Graduation Invite

 I spotted a group pic of some cards over on Becky Roberts blog which you can see here.  First I made my card almost identical to the one I saw in her pic.  I was thinking of using it for my son's graduation invites - first pic.  Once I made it though I decided it would be good to do the girl thing to it - second pic (used this for May Stamp Club).   Even with all the gray and white, I think it turned out pretty. For the flower I used the Big Blossom punch from Stampin' Up. I learned to make it over at Splitcoast Stampers from their weekly newsletter - third pic. The scallop petals gave the card so much more character, don't you think?  There are about 5 layers of punched flowers crumpled, opened up and joined with a brad.  Then I crumpled them again and inked up the edges.  I moved the layers around a little as I inked them until I was satisfied with the way it looked.  I alternated the pattern paper to add interest to the flower as well. I used a Clear Stamp set for the sentiment and added some organdy ribbon (Hobby Lobby).  I also used Stampin' Up's Note die (as well as their card stock).  Of course, I had to add Stampin' Up's Champagne Mist over the whole thing.  Don't you just love the shimmery effect?  I reworked the card again and came up with the third card shown as the graduation invite for my son (minus the glitter).  All I did there was turn the card to a landscape view and add the grad cap and stars with pop dots, a strip of black ribbon and a couple of bling dots to dress it up a bit.  I'm pretty happy with the end result.  I may have to rework it again just for fun to see what I can come up with.