Congratulations to Rae Barthel!

Rae is this year's Gallery Idol winner. Congratulations, Rae! Your cards were amazing every week.

My Bags Are Packed...

I'm ready to go. I better stop before I start singing. Nobody wants that.

Tomorrow morning I'll be saying adios to the buckeye state for two craft-packed days at CHA. Gus is pacing nervously and glaring at my suitcase. Buddy is gleefully oblivious. Sean has fresh milk, strawberry Pop-Tarts, and pressed work clothes. I think I have everyone covered.

I'm super excited to get down to Florida and meet all of the amazing ladies I interact with on this here internet. My roomie is the amazingly funny Joan so I am sure to have a good time! I booked a hotel with internet access, so I'll make sure to check in over the next couple of days. I even charged my camera battery again just to make sure it has enough juice to get me through day one. Oh, jeepers I can't wait!

Get Well Umbrella

Good afternoon Blogland! It's a little gray and rainy here in Ohio at the moment. The plants are happy and the air is nice and cool, so I'm not complaining. The rain started me thinking about umbrellas and I knew exactly what I wanted to share today.


This little "get well" number was created by stamping an umbrella from Scattered Showers in Seascape and Charcoal inks. Then, I added the edging and red dots with the tip of a marker for a little burst of color. I stamped my sentiment onto Spring Rain cardstock before adhering the umbrella image. I wrapped the image panel with a strip of Pure Poppy ribbon and a piece of pearl cotton thread and secured them with a brad.

I set that aside while I stamped the background using Background Basics: Retro onto Smoky Shadow cardstock. I adhered the patterned layer to a white card base and mounted the focal image with foam tape. The final touch was adding Glossy Accents to the red dots for just a little dimension.

Thanks for stopping by this afternoon. I hope you're having a great day! See you soon...

Recipe:
Cardstock: Spring Rain, Smoky Shadow - Papertrey Ink; Ultimate White - Strathmore
Stamps: Scattered Showers, Faux Ribbon - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Seascape, Charcoal - Palette; Frost White - Colorbox
Fibers: Pure Poppy Saddle Stitched Ribbon - Papertrey Ink; Pale Blue Pearl Cotton - DMC
Other: Foam Tape - Scotch; Pewter Brad - Making Memories; Glossy Accents - Ranger; Red Marker - Zig

Gallery Idol Round 4: Humor

So here we are. Round 4; the finals. I'm going to avoid melodrama, but I do want to say thank you. Thank you to everyone that stuck in there and voted every week. Thank you to Paper Crafts for giving me this opportunity. Thank you to Sean for listening to my harried brainstorming (especially after this weekend of bad jokes) and for offering your opinion and for not getting crabby when I'd ask you repeatedly if you were sure the cards were good enough. Thanks again, everyone. It means so much. I'm not a big hugger, but I'd hug everyone of you if I could (or at the very least give a fist bump).

This week's theme was difficult for me. Hopefully it translates over the interweb, but if it doesn't...well, blaze of glory and all that. I took a line we say around here from time to time (that I just found out was part of a rap song?!) and added a punchline. I had a creative writing teacher once tell my class to "write what you know." Well, I should just let the card speak for itself...



















First, I want to say I am well aquatinted with chubbyness and therefore feel comfortable making such a joke. Secondly, there is nothing wrong with angel food cake. It just sets itself up as a good punchline. It's like the chess team captain of cake while chocolate is the bad boy musician. Chocolate is sinful. Chocolate is good.


So to make this card I printed my joke onto Aqua Mist cardstock and scored the punchline to the inside. Then, I printed the set up on white cardstock and stamped that with Spring Moss and a background from Background Basics: Retro. I trimmed that down and used the Apron Lace border punch along the bottom edge. I adhered that to the base and wrapped the top with a bit of twill to make it look a bit more finished. A scalloped circle of Spring Moss was adhered atop the twill to highlight the focal image.


The focal image was created by stamping piece of cake onto Kraft cardstock and embellishing it with Liquid Applique. The applique was heat set when wet to get the fluffy appearance. I trimmed around the cake and foam mounted it to a matted piece of white cardstock stamped with a circular burst pattern. That whole piece was adhered to the Spring Moss circle with foam tape. The cake looked a little naked, so I added a candle with a rhinestone flame.

My last step on the front was to add the button bow. Nichole Heady has a fabulous tutorial on these bows on her blog. I used Aqua Mist saddle stitched ribbon and a little hemp twine to create my bow. I'd never done one of these before, but I love how it turned out and I'm sure I'll be doing more of them in the future.

I was all ready to be done until I looked inside and my punchline looked a little lonely. I decided to spruce up the interior with a strip of decorative edge paper I had left over from doing the front of the card. I think it added a little something. I'm happy.

By now, most of you are old pros when it comes to voting. You can go HERE to see everyone's entries and vote for your favorite. Remember: You can only vote once! This is the last round so you are essentially voting for the winner. The voting runs from noon MST today through noon MST on Thursday. The winner will be announced on Friday morning.

Most of my week is dedicated to getting ready for CHA this weekend, but I'll try to stop in and post a few new cards before I head out Friday. Take care and I'll see you soon!

Recipe:
Cardstock: Aqua Mist, Spring Moss, Dark Chocolate, Kraft - Papertrey Ink; Ultimate White - Strathmore
Stamps: Piece Of Cake, Background Basics: Retro - Papertrey Ink; Circles & Dots - Inkadinkado
Stamping Ink: Spring Moss, Aqua Mist - Papertrey Ink; Burnt Umber - Palette
Printer Ink: Pantone 4625 U 80% intensity
Tools: Apron Lace Border Punch - Fiskars; Mega Scalloped Circle Punch (pink)- Marvy, Adobe Illustrator
Font: Chasm Normal (I increased the kearning a little)
Fibers: Aqua Mist Saddle Stitched Ribbon, Dark Chocolate Twill Ribbon - Papertrey Ink; Hemp Twine - Darice
Other: Foam Tape - Scotch; Liquid Applique - Marvy; Rhinestone - Darice; Button - unknown

Can Someone Please Teach Me To Be Funny Before Monday

The Top 5 in the Gallery Idol contest were announced today and I am thrilled to be on that list! The only difficulty is the challenge. Our theme this week is humor. Humor?! Those of you that know me know that my personal brand of humor is more of a dry, chuckle inducing (but not gut busting), roll your eyes sort of humor. I'm not sure how that translates into the world of greeting card design, but I'm going to give it the old college try. This could be a disaster...

Gallery Idol Round 3: Buttons

Good afternoon Blogland! I hope you've been well. My week was full of more super nice comments and emails from those of you following the Gallery Idol competition. I can't even begin to tell you how much I appreciate your support. I'm just a bundle of happy energy these days!

Anyway, today the third round of Gallery Idol begins. Our theme this week is to incorporate buttons. I lurve buttons! I wanted to use them differently than I usually do (as a random embellishment or flower center), so I started going through my supplies looking for an application that may not come to mind in the dead heat of summer. After much deliberation I give you...Christmas in July!


I started with an Aqua Mist base stamped diagonally with a stripe background from Background Basics: Retro in white ink. Then, I stamped my branch onto white cardstock and sponged the edges with Aqua Mist ink. That was adhered to a green scalloped layer and tied with Pure Poppy ribbon.


Next, I drew on my ornament hangers went looking for just the right buttons. I didn't have the perfect red button so I took a great white one and sponged it with reinker and a cotton ball. I realized the trick to even color was to get plenty of the ink on the cotton ball. I heat set the ink when I was happy with the coverage (if you try this at home please make sure to use tweezers and keep your fingers away from the heat). I layered the now red button with a nifty white one for a little extra dimension. I used contrasting thread to stitch on the buttons and add a fun detail.

I stamped my sentiment before mounting my image panel to the card base with foam tape. I'm really happy with this card. The color scheme is so fun and punchy!

So, the voting this week is much like it has been the last couple. The only difference being you don't have to re-register to vote if you've already done so. You may have to log in, but you won't have to re-register. You can go HERE to see everyone's entries and vote for your favorite. Remember: You can only vote once per round! It's going to be a tough decision with so much button-y goodness in the lineup. The voting runs from noon MST today through noon MST on Thursday. This round decides the Top 5 finalists (to be announced on Friday).

Thanks for checking in today! See you soon (I make no promises...I've been sucked into a "brain candy" book series and I can't seem to find my way out)...

Recipe:
Cardstock: Aqua Mist - Papertrey Ink; Ultimate White - Strathmore; Leapfrog - Bazzill
Ink: New Leaf, Pure Poppy - Papertrey Ink; Dark Brown Chalk, Frost White - Colorbox
Stamps: Background Basics: Retro, Take A Bough - Papertrey Ink
Tools: Scalloped Border Punch - Fiskars; Needle
Fibers: Red Embroidery Floss, Aqua Embroidery Floss - DMC
Other: Foam Tape - Scotch; Buttons - unknown; Silver Pen - Marvy

And Then There Were Ten

Yes, as one very astute crafty friend has noticed, (ahem...Joan) I made it to the Top 10 in the Gallery Idol contest. I saw her comment and had to chuckle. Thank you again to everyone that has supported me thus far! Some of your emails have virtually slapped me with a silly stick and I am so very happy to be advancing. The theme this week is "buttons." I instantly started kicking myself for not ordering at the Papertrey release the other night, but I'm sure I'll come up with something. Stay tuned...

Gallery Idol Round 2: Around The House

First of all, thank you to everyone that has left me comments and sent me emails loaded with well wishes. I've got warm fuzzies in spades these days!

Today marks the beginning of Round 2 in the gallery Idol competition. Our theme for this round was to incorporate a household item: chairs, frames, birdcages, lamps, kitchen utensils, pillows, chandeliers, teapots, appliances, dishes, etc. Admittedly, my initial reaction was less than enthusiastic. "How on Earth am I going to make a card incorporating a vacuum cleaner?" I was stumped. The first couple of days were marred with false starts, but I think I managed to successfully pull myself together. I present to you...my big comfy chair.


I designed the chair in Adobe Illustrator and printed it on Spring Moss cardstock. My first step was to reverse mask the image using a piece of copy paper and stamp the plaid pattern in white and Ripe Avocado. That way, when I went to cut it out there wouldn't be plaid lines in the negative space outside the stitching.

Next, I backstitched all of my lines. I did the piping with 3 thread strands of floss while the knots are full strands. I can't do a French Knot to save my life, so those tuft thingies are just plain old double knots. Just keeping it real, Folks. After all the embroidery was done I cut out the image, being very careful to avoid the stitches.


My next step was creating the little dust ruffle. I took a scrap of Spring Moss and stamped it with the same pattern as the rest of the chair. Then I scored it at 1/4" intervals in a peak & valley formation. I did my folding and then scrunched it up in a tiny little ball; unscrunched it and scrunched it again a few times. Then, I did that thing where you separate the layers of cardstock by peeling them away from each other. I think it's called the faux suede technique. Really, I just wanted my paper to be thinner and softer so I could make it look a little more like fabric. It worked out rather well, me thinks. The ruffle was adhered to the back side of the chair with a little red line tape.

I set my little chair aside for a moment while I prepared my base and stamped the Kraft layer with polka dots. Next, I trimmed a strip of Ripe Avocado with pinking shears and adhered that (along with the Kraft) to my base. Finally, I stamped my sentiment, tied on my button with some twine, and mounted my chair with a little foam tape. Doesn't it just look warm and cozy?

So, the voting this week is much like it was last week. The only difference being you don't have to re-register to vote if you've already done so. You may have to log in, but you won't have to re-register. You can go HERE to see everyone's entries and vote for your favorite. Remember: You can only vote once per round! It's going to be a tough decision with so many amazing cards in the lineup. The voting runs from noon MST today through noon MST on Thursday. This round decides the Top 10 finalists (to be announced on Friday).

Thanks for checking in today! See you on the flip side...

Recipe:
Cardstock: Ripe Avocado, Kraft, Spring Moss - Papertrey Ink; Ultimate White - Strathmore
Ink: Ripe Avocado - Papertrey Ink; Frost White - Colorbox; Versamark - Tsukineko
Stamps: Polka Dot Basics, Background Basics: Retro, Boards and Beams - Papertrey Ink
Tools: Adobe Illustrator; Pinking Shears; Sewing Needle
Fibers: White Embroidery Floss - DMC; Hemp Cord - Darice
Other: Foam Tape - Scotch; Button - unknown

Gallery Idol Update

Yesterday morning the Paper Crafts Blog made the Top 15 announcement. I am happy to reveal that I was on that list! We were busy here, there, and everywhere yesterday for Sean's birthday, so this is the first I've really had a chance to write an update. A great big "Thank you" to all of the folks that went to vote (either for me or someone else). The contest is so much fun and I feel fortunate to be involved.

The theme for the next round is "household items" so I'll be spending my Saturday figuring out how to incorporate a vacuum cleaner into a greeting card. Wish me luck!

Cheer Up, Buttercup!

I just have a quick card to share today. This encouragement card was done for the Clean & Simple Challenge #19 over at the Splitcoast Stampers website a couple of weeks ago. The challenge was to create a card based on this layout from Natasha Trupp.



I started by randomly stamping my umbrellas in Summer Sunrise and Charcoal inks. Then I added the sentiment and the splashes which were covered in glitter and Glossy Accents. The white panel was matted with Spring Rain cardstock and mounted to a Summer Sunrise base using foam adhesive. I used a white gel pen to accent the corners and called it done.

Thanks for checking in today! I won't see you tomorrow because it's Sean's birthday and we'll be busy checking out the animals and picnicking at the zoo. Have a good day!

Recipe:
Cardstock: Summer Sunrise, Spring Rain - Papertrey Ink; Ultimate White - Strathmore
Ink: Summer Sunrise - Papertrey Ink; Seascape, Charcoal - Palette
Stamps: Scattered Showers, Pond Life (splashes) - Papertrey Ink
Other: Foam Tape - Scotch; White Gel Pen - Sakura

One Last Birthday Card

Good Morning Blogland! I've pre-posted this because we're at the farm today. I imagine I'm slathered in sun screen and up to my elbows in salad greens right now. I'm sure it's a lovely sight (well if comical is lovely in your opinion).

Anyway, today I am going to show you one last card from my Gallery Idol open call submissions and show you a picture of my birthday cake, too. First the card.


This card is where clean and simple meets shabby chic. To start, I cut four squares of patterned paper from October Afternoon and distressed the edges a smidge. Then I pierced around the inside edges and adhered the squares to a piece of blue cardstock in a block pattern. I mounted that square to a Vintage Cream base and fluffed up the edges of the patterned paper again to try and give it as much texture as possible.

Next, I covered the chipboard frame with the opposite side of the patterned paper and used an emery board to weather the edges a little. I stamped the sentiment (Imaginisce, I think) onto a small piece of Vintage Cream. I set that aside while I embellished the frame. The flower leaves are actually narrow strips of silk ribbon that I folded over and secured under the Primas. Once the frame was sufficiently embellished, I adhered it to the sentiment and mounted the whole thing to the patterned paper block.

Recipe:
Cardstock: Vintage Cream - Papertrey Ink; Whirlpool - Bazzill
Stamps: Happy Birthday Sentiment - Imaginisce
Ink: Pear - Paper Salon
Patterned Paper: Picnic Basket - October Afternoon
Fibers: Green Silk Ribbon - May Arts; White Embroidery Floss - DMC
Embellishments: Chipboard Frame - Basic Grey; White flowers - Prima; Brushed Nickel Mini Brads - Making Memories; Buttons - unknown

Now for the cake! I mentioned the other day that it was a Texas Grapefruit Cake. Sean found the recipe in Savour magazine. He thought it looked tasty and knows how much I appreciate all things citrus, so he asked the wonderfully talented Devon to bake the cake and deliver it the day before we arrived home from our trip to Tennessee. The whole drive home I was pestering Sean for clues as to what "the present at home" was, and he was getting annoyed so every once in a while he would break down and give me a snippet of information.

By the time we arrived at the house I was sure it was some sort of strange cocktail ingredients and (honestly) I was a bit of a cranky pants (you'd understand if you knew about the margarita fiasco of Christmas '08). The next thing I know he's presenting me with a big, beautiful cake covered in pretty lettering and roses. I'm rather certain I squealed. At any rate it was fantastic and it's taking us some time to finish. Here's a picture:


Isn't she beautious?

Well thanks for hanging in there and reading all about my 98th birthday card in a row and my unusual taste in birthday cakes. See you tomorrow!

We Have A Winner!

When asked to pick a number, Sean replied "6," giving us our winner, Katy Frame!

Congratulations, Katy! I'll get ahold of you shortly to get your address.

Thanks for playing, everyone!

Gallery Idol Round 1: Wedding

As I mentioned last week, I am unbelievably fortunate in my selection as a Gallery Idol participant again this year. I'm so glad I decided to take the plunge and submit. I forgot how much fun I had with it last year, but those familiar memories came flooding back with that very first acceptance email. Thank you so much, Paper Crafts Editors, for giving me this opportunity again!

In case you've not heard about the Gallery Idol competition let's fill you in, hmmm? (directly from Paper Crafts website)

Paper Crafts Official Gallery Idol Challenge (June 1 - July 31, 2009)

It's back! Paper Crafts is proud to announce that its hugely popular gallery challenge Gallery Idol is back for season three. Last year after eight fierce weeks of competition, we named Nancy Cienfuegos from Orlando, Florida our season two winner. Now we're ready to induct the next paper crafter extraordinaire! Are you ready to win?

Based on Fox's hit TV show American Idol, our version will have readers submitting themed projects every week in hopes of becoming the grand prize idol winner. And just like our TV counterpart, online viewers will vote each week with only the best contestants with the best submissions moving forward in the competition to the next round.

The best part... the perks! Every time a contestant makes it through to the next round, she/he will each receive a fabulous prize package!

This year for our "Open Auditions" round, 276 members submitted 1,254 birthday cards for 20 coveted spots! It was an agonizing decision, but we're confident we got it right with this batch of 20 gals. Their first challenge is to create a wedding card for round one. Voting will begin at noon on Monday, July 6 and run through noon on Thursday, July 9. Make sure you check back here during these times to see all of the Top 20's wedding cards and to vote on your favorite one.

Let the competition begin!

So my card today is my submission for this round (wedding cards). I wanted to create something that had softness and texture, but also a little bit of a fun and a slightly unexpected quality. I hope that translates in my card.


To begin, I made the textured Hazel (light blue) layer by alternately scoring lines with my Scor-Pal and piercing lines to create a sort of monochromatic argyle pattern. I matted the Hazel with Vintage Cream cardstock and added tiny pearls of iridescent paint to the intersections of the scored lines for a little traditional wedding flair. I set that piece aside while the paint dried. My card went through several variations, but I knew I wanted to use this layer, no matter how my layout came together.

Next, I prepared my Kraft base by stamping tiny polka dots in watermark ink and rounding the bottom corners. Then, I took a strip of Ocean Tides cardstock and used my Notch & Die tool to scallop one edge. I adhered that to the Hazel layer and trimmed off the excess. I then wrapped that entire piece with some vintage lace I inherited from my Great Aunt Gina. I have no idea of the age of this trim or where it came from, but I knew its softness was perfect for the look I was trying to achieve. At that point I knew I wanted a little punch of color, so I added a strip of Melon Berry twill ribbon and a light blue button. I finished the ribbon with a delightful swallow tail snip. That panel was then mounted to the base using foam adhesive.

I wanted to use a sentiment that wasn't super conventional and I loved this phrase from the Scattered Showers set. I stamped the sentiment using Ocean Tides ink onto Vintage Cream cardstock and set it aside until I had covered a scalloped Maya Road frame in Melon Berry cardstock. Once those two pieces were adhered together I mounted them to the Hazel layer and took a deep sigh. I'm really happy with it and I hope you all like it, too.

So here's the deal with the voting. It began at 12:00pm MST today (7/6) and runs until 12:00pm MST on Thursday (7/9). This round's voting decides the Top 15. That announcement will be made on Friday. You can go HERE to vote for your favorite card. All of the ladies did an exceptional job and I, for one, am incredibly impressed with everyone. When you get to the website you will need to log in (or create) with your username and register to vote. It takes just a few quick minutes and I'm sure all of the participants would sincerely appreciate your support. Then you just click on the "Save Vote" button on your favorite card's vote page in order to cast your ballot. Keep in mind: you can only vote once per round. It's a hard decision! There 20 amazing cards and 20 amazing crafters.

Thanks for checking in today! Have a great afternoon and I'll see you tomorrow...

Recipe:
Cardstock: Hazel - Bazzill; Kraft, Melon Berry, Vintage Cream, Ocean Tides - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Ocean Tides - Papertrey Ink; Versamark - Tsukineko
Stamps: Scattered Showers, Polka Dot Basics - Papertrey Ink
Embellishments: Melon Berry Twill - Papertrey Ink; Hemp Cord - Darice; Vintage Lace - unknown; Chipboard Frame - Maya Road; Button - unknown
Tools: Notch & Die Tool - Basic Grey; Medium Corner Rounder - EK Success; Scor-Pal
Other: Foam Tape - Scotch; White Mist Iridescent Paint - Scribbles

Cupcake Wishes and Polka Dot Dreams

Good morning, Blogland! Today I'm sharing yet another birthday card that I submitted to the open call for Gallery Idol. I'll break it up with a little something different tomorrow, but for today we'll stick with birthday cards.


I started with a Pure Poppy base. I knew I didn't want to leave it plain so I broke out the Borders & Corners: Circle set and went to town. I chose the ring I used because it had polka dots and a circle all wrapped into one. Hooray for polka dotty goodness!

Next I took a piece of Kraft and stamped it with a medium polka dot in watermark ink. On a separate piece of Kraft I stamped my cupcake. I didn't stamp the cherry at all, but when I trimmed around the cupcake I left a space where the cherry would have been positioned. I then stitched the button onto that blank cardstock in place of the cherry.

Before adhering the cupcake with foam tape, I held it in place where I wanted it and lightly drew on a stem in pencil and stamped the sentiment. I backstitched on the stem and sponged the edges before matting the Kraft with a decorative white layer. Lastly, I mounted the entire focal point to the base with foam tape and filled in the polka dots (on the cupcake) with white gel pen.

Don't forget to comment on this post by noon (EST) tomorrow for your chance to win a little package of crafty sweetness.

Enjoy your day and I'll see you tomorrow!

Recipe:
Cardstock: Kraft, Pure Poppy - Papertrey Ink; Ultimate White - Strathmore
Ink: Burnt Umber - Palette; Versamark - Tsukineko; Frost White - Colorbox
Stamps: Everyday Classics (limited edition), Borders & Corners: Circle, Faux Ribbon, Polka Dot Basics - Papertrey Ink
Fibers: Red Embroidery Thread - DMC
Tools: Apron Lace Border Punch - Fiskars; Medium Corner Rounder (green) - EK Success
Other: Foam Tape - Scotch; Button

It's Your Day

Hello, blog friends! Happy Independence Day to all of my United States friends. Today's project is a birthday card that I made for the Gallery Idol open call.


I started with a gray base and added layers of Vintage Cream and patterned paper from Imaginisce. I love this paper because it has spot lacquer on some of the numbers. It's difficult to see in the picture, but it adds such a fun texture in person.

Next, I stamped the sentiment on cream cardstock that I matted with a layer of bright aqua. Then, I backstitched with aqua embroidery floss. I set the sentiment panel aside while I covered the chipboard star with Pure Poppy cardstock and stitched on an aqua button.

Then, I cut slits into the sentiment panel and added foam tape before wrapping Pure Poppy Saddle Stitched ribbon around the base and threading it through the sentiment panel. I finished the ribbon with a simple knot and attached the star to the sentiment panel. Not a super complicated card, but I'm really happy with my finished product.

Don't forget to comment on this post for your chance to win a little present. You have until noon (EST) on Monday to enter, so get those comments in early!

I hope you all have a fun holiday weekend. Be safe and be smart. See you all later!

Recipe:
Cardstock: Pure Poppy, Vintage Cream - Papertrey Ink; Gravel, Pool - Paper Source
Stamps: Star Prints - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Charcoal - Palette
Fibers: Aqua Embroidery Floss, White Embroidery Floss - DMC; Pure Poppy Saddle Stitched Ribbon - Papertrey Ink
Other: Chipboard Star - Basic Grey; Foam Tape - Scotch; Aqua button

All Sorts of News & A Present

So...I've had a big week and I'm super excited to share. Since I last wrote:

* I made it into the Top 20 of Paper Crafts magazine's Gallery Idol Competition (you'll be hearing more about this soon)

* I booked a flight to and hotel at the CHA Craft Supershow in Orlando at the end of the month. I even have a super fun roomie!

* And...I turned 25.

Since I can't send you a piece of the Texas Grapefruit Cake (super YUM!) Sean had made for my birthday, I guess I'll have to send one lucky winner a little something not so sugary, but still sweet. How about:

A current issue of Paper Crafts Magazine (July/August - The Eco Issue)
A package of Rubons from the Blue Hill Collection from Crate Paper
A package of Chipboard buttons from the Blue Hill Collection from Crate Paper
AND
A spool of Melon Berry Saddle Stitched Ribbon from Papertrey Ink

I'll try and get a picture and update that later.

All you have to do to enter is leave a comment on this post telling me about a birthday cake you've had and totally loved. Are you a yellow cake and chocolate frosting fiend or do you prefer pie? Let me know and you'll be entered to win my little prize. Have a good day and I'll see you all tomorrow with some sort of project (I really mean it this time).

*EDIT*-I forgot to mention the cut off to enter for the giveaway is noon EST on Monday.