The Graduate....

So my son, Jacob, recently graduated from high school and will start college in the fall... I cannot believe how fast the years have flown by! You know you hear that all the time from parents who have older children and you think....sure it goes by fast.  But it really does!  A few years ago, I ran across this song and it just so truly fits, and she has such a beautiful voice.  Slow Down by Nichole Nordeman

We started our day, presenting Jacob with presents and, of course, a handmade card.  It's a clean and simple design, that I'm very happy with how it turned out, and I'm excited to say that I am participating in the Red, White & Blue ModSquadChallenge.  (A first for me!)

Supplies:

Recollections red, blue, black cardstock (Michaels)

Georgia Pacific White cardstock (Walmart)

Neenah Classic Crest Solar White 110lb cardstock (for my card base)

Miscellaneous mirrored sequins

Stampin Up Summer Sun Yellow ink (for edging)

Darice Embossing Folder

Wink of Stella

DCWV Stack 10 patterned paper 

Red Vinyl (Expressions Vinyl)

Hints/Tips:

I cut out multiple copies of the "Congratulations" and stacked to add extra dimension.  I got this great tip from Jennifer McGuire and was so surprised at the difference it makes.  Try it, you'll love it!

Instead of writing someone's name on the envelope, use vinyl and cut it out.  Personally, I think it adds a really nice touch.

Use patterned paper to make your envelopes.  I keep the pattern on the outside if I'm going to personally deliver the card.  When I mail it, I keep the pattern on the inside of the envelope.

Next came a party!  

I created this double banner.  I love how the vinyl really makes it stand out.  Each banner piece measures 9.25" x 10.5." 

Supplies:

Recollections cardstock (red and black)

Cricut Vinyl (gold and silver shimmer)

Basic Yarn

Gorilla tape

Hints/Tips:

I used my Crop-A-Dile to punch two holes in each side of the top portion of the banner and threaded the yarn through each (by using two holes on each side this allowed me to keep the majority of the yarn on the back side of each banner).  As an added precaution, I added Gorilla tape to the back of the banners securing the yarn.  This works great and the banners hold up well.  

My only improvement I'll make next time is to find regular string to use instead of the yarn.  Because the yarn can stretch a little, it made the banner droop a little more than I wanted.  It really made no impact, but for my sense of aesthetics I'll use "non-stretchy" string. 

I actually had four sets of these table decorations "grad cap, 2019, and Jacob" bottles distributed throughout the party.

Supplies:

Recollections cardstock (red and black)

Georgia Pacific white cardstock

Cricut Vinyl (silver shimmer)

Deco Foil (silver, rainbow)

My Favorite Things Inside & Out Stitched Oval Stax

Michael's Small Milk Bottles

Michael's Gold Confetti Strips
Wooden Kabob Skewers
Art Glitter Glue (recommended by Mary Polanco--Thanks, Mary, I'm loving this glue!)

We had blank "advice" cards available and asked each guest to fill out for Jacob and place in this adorable box.  Believe it or not, this box was what a set of sheets came in! I just adhered cardstock on the sides (to cover the sheet manufacturer's information).    I created a cute scalloped oval and shadow, added enamel dots to finish it off.  

Supplies:

Recollections cardstock (grey)

Georgia Pacific white cardstock

Eyelet Outlet Enamel Dots (grey and gold)

Hints/Tips:
This Brother printer is one of my newest purchases.  I've been looking for a laser printer that will take heavy cardstock.  So far, it seems to be exactly what I was looking for... I used it for my Neenah Classic Crest Solar White 110lb cardstock without any jamming.  (I did use the front and back by-pass.)