Happy birthday to me from my sis

It was definitely worth hopping on my bicycle and riding down the street to check the mail today because I got this whimsical, colorful, fun card from my sister, Julie, in the mailbox! I love the combination of little mini squares from sets that I wouldn't normally think to put together. She really thinks outside the box when she boxes things together. Thank you, Julie. What a lovely card. Homemade cards beat junk mail any time.

Thank you, Suzanne!

It was such a serendipitous moment when I checked my mail this weekend, at first wondering who had mailed a package to me, then realizing who it was. Someone who visited my blog, Suzanne from Florida, had bought a Mikey's stamp from me, and she surprised me with this adorable goody bag. Not only that, but she sent this beautiful card as a thank you note along with it! My loot included some Making Memories alphabet charms, some tiny silk flowers, some clear wedding themed stamps, and small clear blocks to USE the stamps, summery-colored bobbin ribbon, and some "slide-shaped" window framed borders. It was presented festively in the celophane bag, punched with a double slit punch, then finished off with the "cheater" bow in pink and green, with the sentiment, "just because." This stamping community is so nice. Thank you so very much, Miss Suzanne, for your generosity and random act of kindness. It truly put a smile on my face.

Suzanne used the "Doodle This" and "Doodle That" sets that are in the current spring mini catalog ($29.95 and $11.95) and did a lovely job in the coloring of the flower. Maybe when she reads this post, she'll explain how she did it....I could use some pointers from her!