Princess Birthday Card

Did you ever start a card with no idea of why?  That is me lately! I guess because I have just been to Disney and saw all these little girls running around in different Disney Princess dresses- I wanted to wear one too.... I mean make one too..!!!  So I started to do some Punch Art to see if I could recreate them.  What fun! 

I used the items in the picture below - along with the Oval Punch ( not in picture).

As always, I checked out Pinterest for some ideas!  I love this Screen Divider Card! I used both the front and the back of the card.

Check out the link below for instructions-

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/48835977190789948/

Also, I love this idea and I had the punch so I used it to create the top border. 

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/48835977190794190/

Anyway, I was finishing it up and thought... Who would want this card?  I have two adorable Grandsons - so no help there...  I thought of my niece's little girl, Amelia.  When I asked her Mom when her birthday was- It's March 28th!  Perfect!  I knew there was a reason I made this card!

Here are some close ups of the dresses!

I think I am adjusting to this retirement thing.  It really is different not going to work everyday.  I am working on cleaning the house - we sent 3 bags the size of trash bags to the Salvation Army last week!  I can't believe how much stuff accumulates!  Working in my craft room whenever I want is very cool too!  I think this retirement thing is growing on me!  Enjoy your day!

Retirement Thank you cards

Well, I am now officially retired!  Last week we spent the week at Disney World in Orlando!  What better way to celebrate!  I was busy before I left trying to make all the Thank you cards that I needed to send.  I love Stampin Up's new Stylish Stem dies!  I layered the small die on top of the larger one to give it some dimension.  They are so pretty and really easy to make!

I received so many flowers from everyone!  The bouquet below was from my employer, Norway Savings Bank.  I was there for almost 15 years!  The flowers below are from  Skillins's Greenhouse in Falmouth, Maine!  They do a fabulous job!  Aren't they  beautiful!  Believe it or not- they are still beautiful after a week away on vacation!  That's me below- did you see the little boxes I made with Stampin Up's Curvy Keepsake die?  They were fun to make since I made them all different and filled them with Hershey's kisses.    I am still getting used to being retired!  I really miss my wonderful staff.  I think that is what has been the hardest - not seeing them everyday.  I am trying to keep busy so I won't wonder what they are up to....

 The next couple of pictures are of some of the flowers I received.  I thought it might be nice to see them since we are in the middle of a blizzard here in Maine!  Boo Hoo!  I was hoping Spring would be closer..It is supposed to be 6 days away.  Hard to believe!  They are talking about more snow on the weekend but not as much as we are getting now- 18- 22 inches!!  Really...!!

I can't leave you without at least one or two pictures of our trip to Disney!

This one is of the fireworks at Epcot!  My favorite!

The one below is of the new attraction at Animal Kingdom-River of Light!  I loved it! 

I will leave you now- since hubby and I are going out to snow blow so that we won't have 2 feet to blow tomorrow.  Fun! Stay safe!

Thank my Lucky Stars

Today was my last day of work!  I am now officially retired.  Wow, it seems so weird to type that. I have been at my current job as bank Manager for Norway Savings Bank for 15 years - in banking for 40 years.  The title of this post says it all.  I have been fortunate to  have worked with some wonderful people. That is what I will miss the most.  I made the boxes above for my staff.  I wanted them to know that I realize how lucky I have been to have worked with them and to have known them! My heart is heavy right now because I will miss seeing them every day.  I have wonderful memories of our time together.  We shared a lot of laughs - that is what I will remember most.   Now on to new adventures!!

I have had so many people ask me "What are you going to do?" Well, I know I will be spending more time in my craft room!  It is great to have a hobby that is so much fun and relaxing!  I can't believe how time flies when I am working on a project! Of course, I hope to spend more time with Hubby

( who is already retired) and the Kids and Grand kids.  Spring is coming and with that gardening and just enjoying the outdoors.  I am hoping to have more time to get back into cooking too.  My Hubby has always been the main cook for our family- I would like to experiment with new recipes.  That could be good or bad for my poor hubby!

I found the instructions for these adorable boxes on Pinterest!  I know they are featured in the Stampin Up catalog.  I added some bling to the top of my boxes.  The height of the box itself  is 2 inches -  the cover is 1 inch wide.  But you can make your boxes any size you like.  Here is the link to the Serial Stamper and the instructions -

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/48835977190138357/

I used the largest Star die to make my boxes so the strips are scored at 1 1/2 inches.  Also, I used two 9 inch strips to make the sides of the boxes as well.  The best part is the fun in decorating them.

So I have joined the ranks of the Retired!  Hopefully, you will see more posts.  We are planning another trip to Disney.  That will be fun as always!  I am ready for the new adventures to begin!