Layouts

I think the layout of a project is one of the most important things to success. Once you find the perfect layout, you can create a dozen projects using the same template but they all look different.

I have to thank Melissa Phillips for the inspiration for these cards. I try to read her blog daily (http://www.lilybeanpaperie.typepad.com/) and am always blown away by what she does. This first card, unfortunately, had to be censored. It's for a friend who wanted a less than traditional greeting on the front....which is what makes handmade cards unique; you can say what you want. It is done with some Doodlebug papers, an embellishment by Me and My Big Ideas, some crystal stickers, fibres, my Fiskars punch for the edging and some pretty gingham ribbon.

For the second card, I used KaiserCraft paper (black/cream), 7Gypsies paper (pink), rubons, two punches - Fiskar and Martha Stewart - brads by Making Memories, flowers by Prima, stick-on pearls and some very pretty lacy ribbon.

I was able to get my snow tires on the other day, during the November heat wave, though it has cooled off considerably today. I spent the day at the casino yesterday and did not walk away a winner but rather the loser that I normally am at those places. However, losses were minimal and it's a fun day so what the hell.