Notebook for Epo

This is my sister Emily.  We call her Po.  It's a long story but in a nutshell this is the path that her name evolved through.  Emily->Emony->Emonine->Eponine(When the Les Miserables movie came out)->Eepo->Po.

This gem is probably one of my very favorite things I have ever made.  Ever.  I love all the layers and the character of the little details.  It so perfectly fits my sister.

I'm always really bummed to see the retired list every year--but at the same time--SUPER excited for all the new products coming in the new catalog.  I am so sad to be losing the best In-Colors we've had in years. Featured in this project that are retiring: Baked Brown Sugar Ink, Crisp Cantaloupe Cardstock and White Simply Pressed Clay.  The Alphanumeric Simply Pressed Mold is not retiring however, which makes me think that maybe a new product will come to replace simply pressed clay...

Can't wait to see the new catalog!

Butterfly You

Let me give you a little insight into my creative process.  

I start with something I really like--in this case it was the butterfly thinlit dies.  I then find a paper or an accessory to compliment it.  This paper comes from the occasions catalog and Sale-a-Bration, as well as the embellishments.  

Just start putting things on the page and rearranging them.  Start simple to get a basic idea of what you want and where you want it.  You can see I chose to do a patterned background, a butterfly as the focal point, and a sentiment. 

Then do it a second time but elaborate--use more layers, more accessories, more patterns, more wow.  I just keep adding things until I feel that if I added anything else I might ruin the card.  I don't usually show anyone the first version (lucky you!) and I almost always like the second card better...

...wouldn't you agree?