Gone in a Flash

On Friday, the gorgeous 3 months-old bundle of joy you see in this photo -  my adored nephew Charlie, celebrated his 18th birthday. I find it utterly mind-blowing that these years could have gone so fast.  Just in case you didn't guess - I'm a doting auntie, and I'm so proud of him!  He's doing so well and turning into such a fine young man, but seeing him reaching this milestone birthday was quite emotional for me as I couldn't help but feel sad that his grandparents (on our side of the family), and various other family members who are with us on the Christening photos weren't there at the w/e to celebrate another of the special days in his life.

Funny isn't it, how really happy occasions often make us feel incredibly sad too?

Anyway, it's been a hectic couple of weeks and I've not done much blogging, or blog-hopping.  I'm giving myself and early birthday present and planning a do-as-little-as-possible week this week!  So with a bit of luck I'll get plenty of crafting and blogging done and spend some time catching up with all my favourite blogs.  I've loads of stuff to blog, but as my head is still full of Charlie's big birthday I thought I'd start the week with his birthday card and voucher holder.

I made a huge easel card - well huge for me, it's about 9" square - I had to make an envelope (of sorts) too because I didn't have anything big enough for the card once it was done.  Ahhh what price a bit of planning and forethought....?)

You'll probably realise that he's a Magpie's (NUFC) supporter....how delighted my dad would be of that alone!

Papers by Imaginisce and Doodlebug. All numerals and lettering Robo cut using Bazzill card, Papermania buttons, the perfect B&W ribbon and the B&W Divine Twine from The Ribbon Girl, Football-shaped tokens, silver star brads and B&W brads from my stash

We're giving all our nephews and nieces a sum of money in Premium Bonds as they reach 18 - we had the idea  last year when our eldest niece (on hubby's side of the family) hit 18.  So how come when I knew I'd be needing all the info again I didn't save all the images and wording I used on the gift wallet I made for her?  I've made darned sure I've saved it all this time!

Outside and all fastened up it looks like this:

The gift card looks like this:

  I printed out the logo and glued it to one side of the paper, then added the info on amount given etc on the reverse, then laminated the whole thing.
Inside it looks like this; the little pocket in the centre holds the gift card and there's plenty of room for  on the inside cover sections for adding a greeting and message.

Right, that's all for this time.  Tomorrow I'll be concentrating on Funky Hand stuff; It was my turn to set the challenge for this month and there's a new Christmas download release just gone on sale, so plenty to catch up with there.  I will catch up....one day!

Thanks for visiting