September Birthdays!

September is a busy birthday month for me, so I'm frantically cranking out birthday cards, trying to stay ahead of the game and make sure I get cards out to friends and family in time!

When I make birthday cards, I'll use the same paper and crank out a lot more than I actually need, to put in my stash of cards to have on hand. If there are 6 birthdays that month, I make sure to make 10 or 12 cards, to have extras on hand, just in case I get behind on the next month's birthdays. I try to vary them so that everyone doesn't get the same exact card, but I will use the same paper patterns or colors. I'll crank out 10 layouts using the same paper, then add the images at a later time, and vary the stamp sets I use. Here is an example of similar cards that look very different, depending on what you add to the front. All paper used was from Eclectic Paperie: the floral paper I used is SEI Paisley and Petals - Planted Posies, the stripe is from My Mind's Eye, Magnolia "You're a natural" stripe, The blue polka dot's are also by MME, Magnolia, "The best of friends dots".

The trio of hats is an unknown stamp, borrowed from friend Stevie at the stamping retreat in Wisconsin 2 weeks ago. I also bought a new stamp set from friend Jenn "Otter" Hollett called "Birthday Banter", by Stampin Up. Ok, well, it's not really a new set, but she was trying to unload it & it's new to me, so it's all good! Notice that I stamped a couple of "it's a hare late" cards. I have the best intentions but stuff DOES fall through the cracks sometimes! Trust me, it will get used! :)