27 years ago today the best thing happened to me…I gave birth to my 1^st child, Will! For all of you Mom’s out there – you know what I am talking about as there is something magical about that 1^st child with all of the “what if’s”…the “I don’t know what to expect”…the “what do I do now’s”…the whole process is a miracle!

I always knew that I wanted to be a Mom and I was always so hopeful that I would be able to be one. I cherish my children and am so proud of each one of them! It is also so funny how each of your children are so different…. it is these differences that make certain things extra special!

Many months ago I shared with you a book that I adore (Mitten Strings From God) – it is not a religious based book rather a book about just taking time to slow life down and enjoy things…something that I read yearly as it just lets wonderful memories flood into my mind.

It is super scary to me that kids these days do not know how to have “simple and good old fashion fun”…like climing a tree and then repelling from a rope…creating skits/plays…building a huge tower out of cards….playing hide and seek etc…making homemade cookies…just experiencing simple pleasures that create lasting memories!

WOWZERS – what’s up with me….I have been on this Memory Lane a bunch this week…but today is Will’s day and I am so incredibly proud of him! I can still hear his voice when he was a Senior in College saying “Hi Mom, I got a job teaching” and then when I was beaming over the phone and I said where?….and he said China – my heart instantly was filled with joy as I thought WOW – what courage…how amazing to be able to go off on a journey like that…(now I did not know it would have been 4 years)

John and I adore having him in the states and he is sooooo suited to be a teacher! He works at a Montessori School teaching little ones…they call him Mr. Will! I thought that this would be a SUPER cute card for him and something that his children would like!

I knew that I wanted to do the chalk board thing….so off to good old google I went! I stumbled onto this video from Stampin’ Up Demonstrator Dee Slater and it was an inspiration to me – naturally I tweeted it a bit to give it my own twist – and I am super happy with the end result! The way that I cut the paper – it makes (2) perfectly…as I cut the paper in half at the 4 1/4" mark!

I did follow it pretty close but I do like my take on it by using the Black Paper as shown in the video and Soft Suede Core-dinations Paper to give it some texture, depth and sheer fun! To this I used the Hardwood Stamp (when I first saw this stamp…I was a totally YUCK…as it is totally not me but then when I saw samples at Leadership with it – I changed my mind).

When you use a BIG stamp like this…I suggest that you lay the stamp down, ink it, then put a piece of copy paper on it and give it a good rub for maximum coverage! Works like a charm! I used the same color, soft suede ink!

I wanted to use this paper and then use the sanding block on it to exposure some good old fashion texture like an old chalk board! One thing that I did different from the video was that I cut the pieces of the chalkboard at 1/2" – thought it looked sturdier!

Please make sure that you stop back tomorrow as you will see the 2nd part to this gift for Will…it is a classic…one that will frustrate you at the beginning (I'm honest) but once you master it – your heart will be doing the "happy dance" as it's a keeper!

I was a bit worried that it would not "stand up"…but it did…but I still thought it would look cute to put a small piece of linen thread to look like "the chain" that was between the easel sides!

I just took a glue dot and placed it – put a piece of linen thread and then kept pressing my finger back and forth to "take off" the stickiness….so when it was closed and in the envelope – it would not "stick" together! I think it makes it look super cute!

The chalk marker is wonderful…and to this card it is what makes the edges! I used my "handy-dandy" ruler and friend and simply made a 1/8" line on all 4 sides!

Knowing that this had to say "Happy Birthday" I thought that the sentiment from the Sketched Birthday Stamp Set would be perfect…and it is! I used the Embossing Buddy to prepare the Black paper…pulled out the versa mark and stamped the image!!!

Embossing is so fun – something that you are as always excited as your were the 1st time you did it! Using the White Embossing Powder and then the Heat Tool to set it…the magic happened! To get the "effect" – take a sponge dobber and using the white craft ink….."LIGHTLY IN A SWIRLING MOTION" add it to your chalk board!

Pulling out the (2) super Sale-A-Bration items…a big woot – woot, the banner blast stamp set and the banner punch created this super cute banner for the easel! Remember, for every qualifying order I receive for Sale-A-Bration, I will send you a simple swatch book of the designer series paper!!!

One the back side of the easel – I did put a quick sentiment to Will….tomorrows post will be part 2 to Will's Birthday! This "Easel Card" really is a fun and easy project/card to do! You are going to love tomorrows post!

I recommend that you watch the video….make the 3 1/2" X 1 3/4" template handy and mark it EASEL so you will remember it….and you will use it over and over again….

WOW….thanks for all of the responses for the blog candy and this was a super hard one to decide!!! I read them all and the ones that made my heart beat a bit faster were…..(there was not one that specifically got "the teacher" thing "spot on" as the theme) but I will say….I loved all of the ideas and using the World Map was a GREAT!

#1 – Kathy said…

Please email me, and let me know what Sale-a-bration item you want….and it's yours! My heart is happy and I am blessed in so many ways! I deeply thank you for being such great cyber friends!

Sorry for the length of today's post but I do hope that you liked it….please say a "Birthday thought" for my dear Will…please pop back tomorrow to continue this fun!

Until tomorrow!