29 Days of Sweets

My Step-son and his wife were married a year ago. They had a fun reception which included a full table full of cookies (which my mother-in-law and I made). We had a lot of fun making and arranging the cookies. Sadly the Bride and Groom were so busy that they didn't get any of the cookies.

I decided that for their Anniversary I would make a unique recipe book that included all of the cookie recipes plus some other family favorites. I customized it by making it their wedding colors (Pink & Brown) and played on their Wedding date (Feb. 29th Leap year). So of course the book had to include 29 recipes.

I had lots of fun with this. I created some cute recipe cards with some amazing digital paper and embellishments which I printed out on blank 4 x 6 index cards. It had a great old casual look and feel. I used regular scrapbook paper to cover a 6 inch book with 20 pages (7-Gypsies) and inked everything to grunge it up.

I cut 6 inch squares and then cut them in half to create pockets for the recipe cards. I then put an eyelet in each side of the pocket to maintain strength and threaded some ribbon through the top eyelet.

I put numbers (1-29) on each recipe card and punched out circles (stamped 1-29 on them). I placed the numbered circles on each pocket so that it was easy to return the recipe card to it's pocket. I left several pages so that they could personalize the album with pictures. I also added several extra pockets with cards for their favorite dessert recipes.

I wanted this book to be personal so I added some gel pens so that they could mark the book up. On the back inside cover I wrote a personal message and on the back outside of the book I stamped and wrote some important dates for them to remember (wedding date, etc). I had fun making this even though it took more work than I thought it would. It was definately worth it. Since the Recipe cards are 4x6 the cards stick out of the top a bit to add to the home made rustic feel.

Anniversary Gift

I am so far behind on Birthday and Anniversary cards and gifts so I thought that I had better get on the ball.  I made this Name sign for one of my Step-Son's and his wife.  I liked the idea of having a sign that had the sur name of the family and the date that it was established.  I hope they think so too.  

I used about three Cricut cartridges to put the Name, EST., and Year and then decided that it needed something more so I matted everything and then added glitter (art glitter).  I included the state flower (50 States) of where they live now.  I was going to put the flower of where they were married but Nevada's state flower is sage brush!  It would have helped if I had done the glitter before assembling the whole project but I didn't think of it until after.  I have glitter everywhere!

I have been inspired by all the creative blogs out there and how they have an idea and just do it (what a concept!) so I grabbed some cardboard, covered it and started cutting letters.  I'm getting a little braver all the time.  I have so much scrapbook paper and supplies that my challenge to myself is to make all of our gifts this year out of my stash.  Sorry everyone!

On the back I put a personal note and the year I made this.  It is always difficult to make something for someone that you don't know as well but I hope that they know the good intentions that it was made with.