Yesterday was a great mail day!

Most of the time I don't get too terribly excited about the mail.  But yesterday was an exception.  First I opened an envelope containing the summer collection of skittles that I had ordered.  The colors are just fabulous!  Thanks, Corri!   Next, there was a card from a very dear friend in her 90's whom I hadn't heard from at Christmas, which never happens.  So, I was happy to hear she just had a bad patch and is doing much better.  And on the bottom of the mail pile was a familiar gray plastic envelope.... my April issue of Quick Cards magazine with a sweet pack of Lily of the Valley designer paper.

I wasted no time and headed straight for the dining/craft table to make this card:

 I used a Spellbinders die to cut the picture from the front of the notecard I had just received from my friend.  Next I cut the same aperture from a piece of the Lily of the Valley paper and inserted the picture.  The sentiment is an unidentified rubber stamp from my stash.  Using a sheet of white CS 10.0 x 6.25, I scored it at 4.25 and 8.5 inches.  That left a 2 inch flap on the inside of the card into which I can safely tuck a few photos.  Just to dress it up a bit, I used a scalloped border punch on the edge and added a strip of the dp to match the front.  The little rose was salvaged from the back of my friend's card, too.  A similar scalloped edge and dp strip was added to the top of the inside with a simple sentiment - Enjoy!  The card front was attached and a bow, charm, and skittles added to finish the card.

(inside of card with photo pocket at the bottom)

Finding time to write long notes in Christmas cards each year seems to get harder and harder, perhaps, because I procrastinate more and more.  Maybe 10 years ago I simply wrote in my friend's Christmas card that I'd send a letter and photos after the holidays and have continued doing just that for years.  I'll be sending this recycled card and several photos back to her.  I think she'll be tickled to see how I reused her note card and to see how big all the grandkids are getting to be. 

The challenges I am entering today include:

Polkadoodles Challenge Week 15 - Pretty and Pink

Simply Create Too Challenge #83 - No digis or stamped images (This image was recycled from a store bought card I received in the mail.)

Sister Act Card Challenge #101 - Anything Goes

4 Crafty Chicks Challenge #241 - Die Cuts

Fresh Brewed Designs Challenge Apr 8-14 - Coffee or Tea Theme

Scrapy Land Challenge #15 - Anything Goes (I used Spellbinders dies)

Clear It Out Challenge - Anything Goes + Stash Item -AG (skittles, ribbon, charm all from my stash)

Pile It On Challenge #63 - Die Cuts/Punches (I've used a die cut, circle punch, scalloped circle punch, scalloped border punch and corner punch.)

Scrapbook Blessings Club April Challenge - Anything Goes with Pink, White and Green

Kraftin Kimmie Stamps Challenge #274 - Decorate the Inside