Handmade Graduation Announcements

We are under a month from Sam's graduation, so I finally got his invitations made. When we ordered his senior pics in the fall, we had lots of these wallet sizes that I used. I made 3 different styles because I had 3 different poses, and I am thrifty!

The base of each card has been texturized with the Big Shot giving it some extra detail. Banners are trendy right now, and the little info on the banner worked out great.

No, this is not an orchestra picture. However, Sam took piano lessons until last year. With his long fingers he can play some mean classical piano. Now he spends more time making 'beats' on his computer. I thought the background notes on "Crumb Cake" gave a lightness to the darkness of the photo.

These cards are just a quarter of a sheet of cardstock. The back of the flat card has information about his graduation activities. The great thing is I already had everything I needed for these cards. No more money spent.

We really love this guy!

Engagement Photobook Gift

My nephew and his fiancé had pictures taken recently. As a favor to his mom, I collected some and put them in this 8 X 8 album. Because I purchased it on the clearance rack (it's a retired album) it only cost $5.99. The album matches the feel of the pictures they had made.

Below is a sample page. I used Crumb Cake for each page varying
the layout depending on how the picture "spoke" to me.
No journaling, but I did have borders around each photo.

Simplicity is key to not overshadow the happy couple. The album size is great for his mom to show others her son and soon to be daughter.

Check out the clearance rack on www.pennynewton.stampinup.net and buy one of these albums for yourself or a friend. I have another one ordered to put photos of my soon to be graduating son.

Angel Food Cake with Pineapple

I guess this recipe has been around for awhile, but I just found out about it. Mix angel food cake mix and 20 oz. of crushed pineapple...nothing else! It's so moist and not a calorie killer.

I popped a little coconut in my batter just because I wanted to. A dollop of Cool Whip finishes this simple and delicious dessert.

Paper Folder on the Go

I needed to carry some important papers somewhere, so I made a little folder to put them in. Am I crazy? Probably. Beautiful things that function make me so happy, and I must add that I am quick at turning out some of my crazy projects.
With this beautiful polka dot paper from www.pennynewton.stampinup.net I sewed around the 3 edges with my sewing machine. I did have to add this little fabric flower.

Can you see the sticky circle that the fabric is on? I trimmed it a bit and then stuck it on the paper. So quick and cute!

Strawberry Picking Day

Strawberry picking day is a highlight of spring for me every year, and today was it. I went out early with a friend and my bright pink boots. Good thing I had the boots.

Upon return, I taught her how to make jam like someone taught me. We made 2 batches and split the spoils followed by a strawberry spinach salad. Let the strawberry desserts begin. I still have 2 gallons in the fridge.

Oh, Hello

 

I tried something new with the envelope: I can write the address in the oval. The words are best seen if you stamp off on a scrap sheet before stamping on the envelope to lighten it.

www.pennynewton.stampinup.net

Floral District File Folders

For the past few months I have been involved in an organizing class. Some days I feel it, and others I don't. Sunday night I was on a roll about making my kitchen desk look better. It gets all of the "stuff" that is left on the table to be cleared off before we eat. That means lots of paper clutter-my weakness.

After web searching "pretty file folders", I was inspired. One suggested 2 sheets of designer paper held together at the bottom with clear shipping tape. I changed that up a bit and attached the paper to a manila folder I already had. The corners were rounded and a label maker for the tab makes it look better.  (I shredded papers on Monday and got 4 trash bags full!)

Honestly, I have tried this in the past to little avail. The folders became black holes. One organizer said for this to work, you must go through it at the end of each month to cull out and refresh. Okay, maybe that is the missing element. So after one day, it still looks good. I'll let you know if I can maintain it or not. She also suggests putting everything on a master calendar. I am already doing that. I really love a real paper calendar rather than all digital. The digital is used as a back up for me.

How about you? Do you need a better system? I'm hoping this "pretty" system will be functional.
I still have a couple of months in my organizing class; we will see what happens.