My mom has always loved the saying from Dr. Suess’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas: “Maybe Christmas, he though, doesn’t come from a store.  Maybe Christmas, perhaps,
means a little bit more.”  And for the past few years, she has seen the saying printed on a plate at various local craft fairs.  Well, this year was finally the year she got her saying. 
Not from the lady who sells the plates, but handmade by me (with a little help from my dad!).

The project was easy, thanks to the right tools!  My Cricut was my go-to for cutting perfect letters.  And with the Cricut Design Studio software, I was able to save paper by fitting the letters into every corner of the paper.  My dad cut the plywood to size, matching the size of the frame already hanging where this sign would go.  Using leftover red paint saved even more money.  A few coats later I was ready to glue on the letters.  A mixture of craft glue and water made it easy to cover all the edges of each letter.  I then sprayed the board with several coats of clear gloss finish.  I took apart a holiday garland piece from Michael’s and stapled the pieces to the back.  Finally, some ribbon completed the look.

It was a great experience making this board, knowing the whole time how much my mom would love it. Email me if you are interested in making your mom (or anyone else) cry too!

I have been working on some new orders for cards and can't wait to share the photos with all of you.  However, you will need to remain patient so that I don't ruin the surprise for the recipients!  I would hate for someone to see their card on the website before they see it in person.  Plus, the recipient's reaction in front of the person giving the card is the best part!  And hopefully that is why you buy your cards from me.  For that personal experience.  To show someone you really care and that the card you wanted to give them wasn't mass produced.  The card they are receiving was made specifically for them and there is no other card identical to theirs.  It's easy to say happy birthday on someone's Facebook wall or by shooting them a quick email or text.  But in today's electronic world, go the extra step for your family and friends and give them a real card.  And not just a Hallmark card from Walgreens (although I will admit, I browse them for ideas!).  Anyone can run to the local drug store and grab a quick generic card.  Give someone you love an Amicus Cards greeting card and hopefully it will make them smile and make them feel even more special than they already are!

To everyone visiting the site after receiving a postcard, THANK YOU!  I greatly appreciate your support.  Please spread the word about Amicus Cards to your family and friends. If you know of someone who might like a postcard or business card, please let me know.  I greatly appreciate your help.

I am thinking of putting together packages of cards that you can purchase to keep on hand.  The designs would be more general in nature, but can include elements to make it personal, such as a name.  Customers can also mix and match types of cards, such as birthdays and thank yous.  Price is expected to be $20 for 10 cards.  If you are interested or just like the idea, let me know!

Since my brother got engaged on July 22nd, my mind has been racing with thoughts and ideas about wedding invitations, save the dates, and other little touches I can create with paper crafts. 

Today, I will be exploring making my own pocket invitations.  Pockets are very popular right now.  (For those of you who don't know, pockets are a folded piece of paper, in which you adhere the invitation and hold the enclosure cards for the reception and responses.)  While pockets are fun, they can be expensive, some running over a dollar each.  When you are inviting 250 people, that's a big extra cost.  Therefore, I think I can make them for much less.  So stay tuned to the blog for the results of my exploration today as to whether I can make them myself.  I'm hopeful! :) 

A huge thank you to the Cullnan family members who ordered cards for Dan and Lauren's wedding.  Photos are up on the website.  Check them out!  I hope the bride and groom enjoyed the personal touches of the cards. 

Well, maybe not booming per se, but at least getting started.  Business cards have been order so now I feel like a real company.  Thank you to everyone who has showed interest in my new adventure.  Stay tuned for more!

After an interesting trip to Archiver's (my favorite scrapbooking store, www.archiversonline.com) last night that included a storm that shook the windows and five minutes of retreating to the back for safety, I am working on some new ideas for cards and invitations.  I am now workhave eyelets, which I will be using to keep multiple papers together on invitations.  Check out the Products page for my new invitation idea.  I also created a birthday card that incorporated the same eyelets.  It will be posted after the birthday girl actually gets it!

After a break from crafting and cardmaking while studying for the bar exam (which I very happily passed!), I am back to creating!  While looking for a job as a lawyer, I am creating cards and scrapbook pages.  I am starting to explore new techniques that I hope will take my work to the next level.  Stay tuned!