Party Dress!

Yesterday,was the 6th birthday party for one of my students.  I happened to be available, and her mom has been a huge volunteer in my classroom this year, so I decided to accept her invite, and attend.  I had a fun time at her party...the kids played on the trampoline, big toy, and painted shirts.  Some even played teather-ball, and there was a swimming pool (but the weather just wasn't quite warm enough yet).  I made this party dress birthday card using a design inspired by a Stampin' Up card class I had previously attended. 
The technique is simple, really.  You cut a large scallop out of two-sided paper.  Cut out the "wings" from each side to curve in and make a dress shape.  Fold over the top scallops to create the ruffle at the top, and turn over, then glue the "wings" at the bottom to make the ruffle at the bottom.  I tied some sheer ribbon in the middle, and popped up the dress using foam dots.  I added dark pink paper for the background, which I ran through the dots embossing folder in the Big Shot, and gave the bottom some balance with a cream satin ribbon.  Finally, I stamped "Birthday Wishes" in Melon Mambo, and punched it from the SU oval, then scallop oval.  I also popped the sentiment using foam adhesive.  ~Hoppy Crafting!

Vinyl, Pails, and Flowers, Oh, My!

Being a Kindergarten teacher, I am very fortunate to have some great parent volunteers that come to help with the kids, as well as prep for projects, facilitate reading groups, and pretty much any other job that helps keep our classroom running smoothly.  Without all of this extra help, I assure you that my job would be 10 times more challenging, AND, the kids who really need a ton of extra help would not be getting it as much....that's what happens when you put 24 kindergartner's (5, 6, and 7 year olds) in one room for only 2 1/2 hours a day.  These volunteers are vital! 
To show my appreciation for my consistent parent helpers this year, I found these adorable painted metal pots at a local craft store, planted them with subtle purple/white petunias, and covered the pots with vinyl sayings (bloom, inspire, smile). I used Gypsy Wanderings for "bloom, smile, and inspire," and cut them from black vinyl.   I also cut a small scalloped card from Wild Card, and stamped "Thanks so much..." on the front, then finished the inside with "...for helping us grow this year!".  I've been surprising each parent helper during this last week and a half of school, and each one has seemed to appreciate this gift.  I hope they truly know how much they have helped these kids grow!  ~Hoppy Crafting!