Favorite Cousin’s Birthday

My hubby has a very large family. It doesn't matter how far your branch is from the trunk of the tree, everyone is family. I LOVE the feeling I get when I spend time with them and my heart is always full after a family event. There's not any formal shaking hands, hi how are yous; everyone is greeted with a warm hug and smile. When he invited me to a family reunion for his 'immediate' family on our second date; I thought it would be nice to meet his parents and siblings. I was thinking maybe 20 people total. Nope, this was a F-A-M-I-L-I-A reunion. The rented out the local hall and I was greeted with well over 100 warm hugs. One of his uncle's even asked me when he'd be invited for a free meal with drinks and dancing. I just smiled and looked at Eddie. He whispered in my ear that his uncle was asking when the wedding was! It's hard to believe that was just 8 years ago.

Anyway, one of the people who made an impression on me at the reunion was Erica (Eddie's first cousin). She introduced herself as Eddie's Favorite Cousin, an on-going joke between them. The moniker remains and always makes me smile. At the reunion I got to keep an eye on her baby girl during the large photo shoot. That little baby just celebrated her First Communion last weekend (I need to get the card posted that I made). For once, I'm ahead of the game and made Erica's birthday card early! Her special day is May 19th so the challenge is to not lose the card or let the kitties destroy the ribbon flower! I don't think Erica checks my craft blog so it should be safe to post.

Sketch Inspiration ~ 365 Cards Day 42 ~ Super Sketchy Sunday

 Color Inspiration ~ Color Chef Challenge #49 ~ Kraft, Violet, and light green

Inspiration

 Simon Says Challenge ~ Birthdays/Celebrations

The Corrosive Challenge #62 ~ Birthday

Totally Stampalicious Challenge ~ Flower Power

365 Cards Day 61 ~ Circles 3 Ways

We were to use at least 3 circles in three different ways. My ribbon flower is supposed to be a circle, the personalize brad at the center of the flower is a circle, the verse is stamped on a scalloped circle and I added freehanded gold circle 'dots' for good measure.

My Creation

Flower Detail

Organza ribbon really lends to a very shabby looking flower. It was a bit tricky to get tied, but I love the final effect.

Inside

Have I mentioned how much I love my Cuttlebug? I get so carried away I don't leave enough room to sign the card! LOL

Ins & Outs ~ Favorite Cousin’s Birthday
Stamps: Well Scripted (Stampin Up)
Paper: Kraft, DCWV Shimmer, SU Whisper White
Ink: Memento Lilac Posies, Gold Pen
Accessories: Elegant Bouquet Embossing Folder (Stamping Up), Misc Ribbon, Inspirations Alpha Brad
Techniques: Dry Embossing