This was way harder to commit to than I originally thought. Maybe I’m just not that great at sitting down for a good amount of time to do every challenge. Maybe I don’t like the restriction of topics, even though they’re fun topics. 30 Days of Creativity, I’m not going to give up on you yet. I appreciate those who haven’t given up on me either. Been trying to follow the other “30 Days” bloggers that linked to the original post on Craft Critique. How is everyone doing?

Day 28: Paint with your fingers.

I used gloves. Is that cheating? I think safety first. My paint is acrylic, but some had ingredient warnings on the label. You would probably wear gloves, too. This needed a little something more…

… okay, I likey now. Reminds me of my Nick Bantock-inspired card. Except there I used a brush and rubber stamps (instant artistic flair). I think I should explore more paint and ink projects – you know, when I have more time. *sigh*

Birthdays have always been a large part of my childhood. My mom and dad hosted birthday parties for me until I was 22 years old, believe it or not. A summer birthday meant picnics, backyard games, lots of family and friends. Sometimes we’d just go out to eat at a nice restaurant.

I always thought I’d give my kids memorable birthdays and fun parties. Just two years ago (almost three) we hosted a Webkinz party for our daughter. Some of her friends still talk about it. And now my son’s turn…it started with him in January of this year. “I wanna Lego theme birthday party!” How strange (or cool) is it that a four-year old thinks about party themes? My planning started two weeks ago since I get worked up over these things. I hope by sharing the process I’ll minimize the amount of Maalox I drink on top of the acid reflux pill I already take.

For this Lego birthday invite, I had Ollie pose his Lego figures and we had a little photo shoot. I edited the pictures in Picasa, made a collage and added invitation text in the empty space. Instead of printing the invitations at home, I uploaded the completed picture to a major store (think Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, etc.) and ordered 5 x 7 prints. They turned out so well, and it was very easy to do!

Hope this inspires you to do your own invitations!

Day 20: Read a crafty book or blog and write about it or create something inspired by it!

This might be one of my favorite craft books, Handmade hellos: Fresh Greeting Card Projects from First-Rate Crafters.  I grab it when I just need paper and card inspiration – we all need some every once in a while. The book has “…designs ranging from elegant to striking and sentiments both sweet and snarky…” Something for everyone! And how nice is it to get a handmade card from a friend?

I’ve made a few projects from this book, but I’m sorry I didn’t take pictures before I gave them to their chosen recipients. I typically end up creating things just in the nick of time, like minutes before I head out the door, go to a party, etc.

So, the book was published in 2008, but it’s still full of fresh and relevant card ideas. Eunice and Sabrina Moyle pulled together over 25 projects (that’s over 20 international artists) for all crafters to drool over. I love that it’s more than a “how-to” feature; they include artists’ bios, resources and special materials sections, too.

The techniques section has background info like how to make an envelope and a variety of sewing stitches. And, a template envelope in the back of the book is convenient and ready to use. Great photography makes me want to make all the cards, but since the projects are rated as Basic (quick), Moderate, or Advanced (involve), I can figure out what I actually have time to do.

All instructions have illustrated steps, and at the end of each card “recipe”, variations are included. So if you’re an adventurous (or renegade) crafter like I am sometimes, go with the suggestions for different approaches to the card. And, who doesn’t appreciate “Green Greetings” – you can use post-consumer waste, recycled paper or scraps for your projects, too.

New to me: Gocco printing. I’ve heard of it. Never done it. The book has projects that use it! Makes me want to buy a Gocco machine!

Go check out the Hello!Lucky site, check out this book… Anyone already have it?

If you’re like me, and life is moving at the speed of light, you’ve realized that you have yet to make a Mother’s Day card. I’ve actually worked ahead and have my mom’s gift ready… personal shadowboxes which I’ll have to share after the fact because I never know when she’ll be reading this!

Here are some great links to last-minute Mother’s Day Cards. If you have anymore links, please feel free to share in the comments! Enjoy the weekend, everyone!

Mother’s Day Printable Squirrel Family Card From Canon’s Creative Park

A Kokeshi Doll Mom’s Day Card from Joy Charde (CreativeMamma.com)

Mother’s Day Poster Cards at A Proffittable Life

A Mother’s Day Card and Tags with a New Orleans/French feel (at least to me, it does) at Living Locurto

Check out the bookmarks and coloring sheets there too!

With only four (or five) more days to Valentine’s Day, there’s still a little time to craft a personal card or gift. Sadly, my children picked some cards from the store and while cute, just isn’t the same as making your own like my daughter did a few years ago.

If you have a few minutes to spare, check out all these wonderful projects! So many to choose from!

Picture courtesy of Craft Critique

An entire list of Valentine crafting is at Craft Critique in the 2010 and 2011 Carnival

Easy-to-Make Valentine’s Day cards at Better Homes & Gardens

A Vintage Typewriter Tin Valentine on Design*Sponge

At The Purl Bee, try your hand at these Valentine Heart Barrettes