text: When my kiddos were still wee tiny, I really looked forward to this time of the year. Some years I would make handmade Valentine’s for them to pass out in class, but mostly, my kids liked to pick out the themed store-bought variety based on their current favorite passion, like Barbie and Disney Princesses, Pokemon, Knock Knock Jokes, and Star Wars. How I loved watching them select the perfect Valentine for each classmate. Helped them tape on that little piece of candy. Lent a hand in crafting the best shoebox mailbox in anticipation of all the fabulous cards they would soon receive.
  These days, we don’t do much for Valentine’s, but I couldn’t let the day pass without putting together a few special treats for my sweets. After all, what’s Valentine’s Day without chocolate? And this recycled plastic packaging can hold a lot of it. Perfecto!
  I added a large paper doily to the inside of the box and wrapped the outside with a strip of pretty paper. Made a fancy tag to dress it all up using embossing powder and stamps, scraps of paper, and lots of fabulous Sizzix dies. I was inspired by my sweet bloggy friend, Alex, to break out my old watercolor paints. And by Yvonne, who has taught us how to rock everything gold. Thank you, ladies, for pushing me out of my comfort zone!
  I am in love with that love phrase. The little cupid, too. You can find out more about them, and my project, today on the Sizzix blog.
  Thanks so much for stopping by, my friends! Wishing you all a wonderful weekend. Anyone else planning on gluing themselves to the Olympics, like me?
  Sizzix Originals Die – Phrase, Love
  BasicGrey- Ovals, Interlocking
  Tim Holtz Sizzix Movers & Shapers Magnetic Die Set 2PK – Mini Love Struck Set
  Tim Holtz Tag & Bookplates
  Sizzix Big Shot Die Cutting Machine
  Matchbook Notecards with Sizzix
  January 29, 2014 audreypettit 19 Comments
  We are having such a lovely, leisurely start to the day here. School is closed. Mother Nature has graced us with something we don’t see too often in these parts.
  Yes…it’s just a tiny little bit of snow. Just a thin white blanket. Enough to be pretty and enough to play with, and enough to mess up the roads for the school buses leaving their lots at 4 am. Our little Southern state has only bags of salt to arm ourselves with against foul weather, not the equipment and plows of our Northern neighbors. And so we cancel school at the first tiny flake. And then we sit home and stare out the windows.
  Fortunately I was able to make it out yesterday to stock up on bread.
  So we should be able to ride out the storm in relative comfort! Haha
  I’ve been working on my thank you cards lately. Seems I always need so many of those right after the holidays. This year, I really wanted to do something unique and special with my thank you notes to show my friends and family how much I appreciate everything they do for me. With just a few of my favorite Sizzix dies, and a fun matchbook-fold technique, I came up with some really cute little note cards that I’m excited to share with you all!
  Aren’t they fun? I love the simple matchbook style fold to these, and love that they fold flat enough for mailing and stay closed until you open them without need of adhesive to hold them shut. Better yet, they are a bit different than your regular note card, and look kinda fancy, but are actually very easy to create.
  Here’s my stack of note cards all closed up. But unfold the front flap, and you have a perfect little spot for notes and greetings.
  I am such a sucker for that sweet little snowman. Think he adds a touch of unexpected whimsy and fun.
  I’ve got the complete step-by-step tutorial for creating these cards up on the Sizzix blog, if you’d like to learn more.
  Thanks so much for stopping by, my friends! I’ll be back tomorrow with an extra post this week, a little guest designer post for Top Dog Dies…hope to see you all again then!
  Sunkissed, Barefoot, and Carefree
  August 7, 2013 August 7, 2013 audreypettit 16 Comments
  This summer, my two lucky kiddos got to spend five blissful days at the beach. Although I didn’t get to go, I was gifted with these adorable photos of them, both looking so happy, and so carefree. I don’t often get great photos of the two of them together. Pete hates the camera, and still prefers to goof off rather than smile. Yes, I’m afraid the photo bomb is a common occurrence at our house. And I think I can count the number of photos I have of him with a big toothy grin on one hand. Needless to say, these photos are special to me.
  Special photos like these require drastic measures. So today I have a bit of a rarity to share, an actual scrapbook layout, for my “anything goes” post on the Little Yellow Bicycle blog.
  Papers are a combination of two different LYB collections, Vintage Summer and Winterings. I pulled out lots of my favorite prints in tones of blue and brown to mimic the sand and surf. The layered floral die cuts from the Paper Crafting Kit reminded me a bit of seashells when cut into fan shapes. The die cut edging on the rosette strip and decorative edges cardstock piece make me think of beach blankets. A definite nod to the ocean while having nothing to do with the ocean. I do love that!
  Stop by the Little Yellow Bicycle blog this week for more “anything goes” fun and inspiration. And did you know…….LYB is still offering 25% off of every collection, including our newest, Feels Like Home. Just use the code LYB25 at the online store.