Announcing a very Lively collection & some sister-love!

I have always struggled with what to give as a gift to my siblings, especially as we've grown older and sadly, farther apart - in both distance and in our relationships with each other. My sister, Sally, is 16 months older than me, so many people often thought we were twins. My mother always dressed us alike, did our hair the same, etc., so it was confusing, at times to tell who was Sally and who was Sammy. We love each other at the core because we have gone through so many defining moments in our childhood together, and we have plenty of good memories to look back on.

At any rate, Sally's birthday is at the end of June, and for the first time in a few years, I am actually prepared to send her a thoughtful, handmade gift. It's not flashy or expensive, the idea came straight from my heart. My sister has always been a very "Lively" person - friendly, a cheerleader/drill team member, loved by everyone, friends with many groups, etc...and she did it in her own way.  I choose "Lively" for my project because of the bright colors, the energy and vibrance they elude, and because the theme of the collection is to live your life, enjoy the simple moments, and to celebrate living, every day!

When I sat down in the craft room, I instantly wanted to make my sister a gift she could enjoy more than just on her actual birthday. Since she is turning 32, I decided to alter a simple dollar-store jar to hold 32 little handmade cards and write something I like/love/admire about her. Hopefully she will read them a day at a time, and perhaps on one of the down-days we all have, my little hand-written memory will lift her spirits and make her smile.

For the tag attached to the front of the jar, I used layered 3x4 pieces of patterned paper as a base and then I junked it up with the Petite Type alphabet stickers from the 12x8 "Elements" as well as the little "my favorite" sticker  and the pointing finger sticker from the 12x12 "Details" sheet.

For the top of the jar, I used a technique taught to me by DT member Janeen - creating little rosettes is so easy and they look absolutely adorable adhered to the top of the glass.

Each little card (there are 32 total) has a compliment, a thank you, a memory, or something I admire about my big sister. I used all of the papers from the collection, the texture and weight made them feel so substantial and long-lasting, I know they will withstand the test of time, and I dearly hope she saves this sentiment forever!

 Ta da! All finished and ready to be packed up and sent off so she receives her present ON her actual birthday! As an adult, it's hard to figure out what to get/give your friends for gifts or special occasions, and this idea really came full circle with our new "Lively" collection.

Oh...of course, I had to make a matching birthday card, using the 12x8 un-coated stickers, which inked beautifully, may I add...and they added the perfect little touch to off set my not-so-great handwriting! One of my favorite quotes I pulled from the 12x12 sticker "Details" sheet and placed it on the back of the card.

So...we are pleased to introduce you to another new collection from Authentique Paper, "Lively"

 12x12 "Details" un-coated adhesive cardstock stickers

12x8 "Elements" un-coated adhesive cardstock stickers

6x6 "Bundle" - 36 sheets, each with a coordinating solid color on the back!

Collection Kit which includes 12 patterned papers, the Details & Elements stickers

As always, click over to our website to view the individual paper images, they are too pretty to miss! 

Be sure to leave us a comment here on the blog AND on our Facebook page for a chance to win a "Lively" prize pack before it is even officially released!

Have a great day and remember how easy it is to brighten someone's day with a gift made with love and a splash of pretty paper!

xoxoxo,
Sam