Fiesta Cookies

Morning.  No cards today - just showing you why I have been AWOL from the craft room...one of my nieces, Madison, is giving a Mexican themed bridal shower for her best friend and asked me to make cookies for the party.  Here is the result:

A big thank you to my other niece, Kelly, who came over and helped.  Such a fun day!

No TIP of THE DAY as I am running late for Mah Jongg!  Thanks for stopping by.

Hugs.

Super card maker Roberta G.

I had such a great weekend.  Hubby and I spent several days in Arlington, Texas visiting relatives.  While there, I took the opportunity to meet a long time friend face-to-face.  Roberta and I met through Operation Write Home many years ago and have kept in touch via email.  We are both avid card makers and exchange ideas, stamps, designs - whatever.  Although we tried to meet in person last summer here in Houston, a little weather system called Harvey got in the way.  So, after many years of being internet buddies, we met in Arlington and are finally "for real" friends.  Of course we exchanged stamps and dies and laughter.  Roberta is one of the talented card makers who helps me supply cards to my various charities and she had some ready for me when I arrived.  I want to share some with you as her cards are awesome.  I love her designs and how she pays attention to detail.  See for yourself.....

This may be my favorite of the selection she gave me.  Something about the softly stamped flowers in the background just makes it extra special.  And of course one of the stamps matches the circles on the blue banner.

Notice how Roberta matched the curlicue of the background embossing with the curlicue of the design.  Little things like that make the card look so polished...so professional.

I particularly like the layout of this card.  Using several small images, she has your eye travel over the entire card.  Great use of space!

And here is that adorable panda from Stampin' Up.  The way she used the blue stamp makes it look like the panda is tossing confetti.  Isn't it cute?

Thank you, Roberta, for sharing your talents with kids in need.  These are fantastic!

My TIP OF THE DAY is very basic:  When you use colored cardstock for the base of your card, always line the inside of the card with a white or ivory liner.  Even yellow or pale pastel cards need liners.  Not only do these inserts make the card look more professional, but they allow the use of pencil when someone writes on it.  A lot of my charities do use pencils instead of pens, and the writing shows up much better on white liners than any pale color cardstock.  If you don't believe me, try it for yourself. Many of the senders of these cards are kids and they don't always press down hard when they write.  So, please keep this in mind.

Thank you for stopping by.  Hugs.

Jill