Birthday Cards

For too many years to count I have made birthday cards for my side of the family (I'm too self conscious to send my corny birthday greetings to Tom's side). In the beginning I made each and every person's card specific for them. That practice soon had to be abandoned because of time limitations. Each and every year the cards have become more and more simple because of how much time it takes to make them. Last year's version was a pathetic "happy birthday" printed on each card and a cut out birthday candle glued along side. Very boring. But given the amount of time I have, it was what I could do. All during the year as I was filling them out, I vowed it would be my last year because it just took so much time. (They are still personalized and very corny on the inside.)

In some of my last days with Katie, she told me how much those cards have meant to her kids and that they still have every single one of them. So I decided I could not quit. Since my time is still limited, I am just finishing them today. (I've missed all of the January birthdays. . .don't worry, you'll still get them!). Here is what I'm doing this year. My family can close their eyes.

I've got about 15 different versions of this one and I painted over the small greetings so they can scratch one off (I'll be surprised if they stop there. . .). A few of them say they win more than the dollar already included, but they have to call me to get it. The quirky auntie is excited about birthday cards once again!

Here's the link where I got the know-how as to how to do this. I printed the photos with a glossy finish @ Costco.