As much as I craft, I very rarely make things for him believe it or not. So in comes the idea of a simple mini book with 30 reasons why we (kids and I) love him so much.
Now here is where the problem comes in. Usually I can dig off to the studio and craft away...(very peacefully might I add), however, due to my tight work and social calender, the weeks leading up to his birthday didn't allow me any time to head over to the studio, soooo I had no choice but to work on this mini album at home...with Mike constantly home with me.
When I first started dabbling in papercrafting, he really showed no interest. But as the years past, he has grown to understand my love for the crafts, and likes to give me feedbad and I put as I work on a project.
However, this was the ONE project that I didn't need him "checking" in on!! The man just kept peeking his head up in my personal craft space to see how I was doing. So I had to keep a back up project near by (which actually is a project half done from like last year that I have yet to finish...hey!! Don't be giving me no awkward eye! I know you have those kind of projects too!)
In the end, I was able to do this project in stealth mode and he didn't suspect a thing.
I've now aquired the skill of ninja crafting :)
For this mini album I usually love to embellish and make some layouts and so on, but when you are crafting in ninja style, you gotta be quick and swift! So I just kept it very it simple.
Don't forget to get the kiddos involved!
Remember your book doesn't always have to close flat. I added some 3d elements like the straws, and also added a brad to this pretend door to act as a knob.
I also chose to make this book, sentimental, but funny so he could really smile and laugh whenever he reaches for this book.
For example, behind is door I basically wrote : I love that you are a gentleman and you always hold the door not only for me, but for other ladies in public. (Even if those bitches can't say thanks! I'm grateful for that!)
There are definely more swear words in this book, and totally done on purpose. I wanted to be real,intimate, and also funny. If you know my hubby, f bombs are just part of his vocabulary, and you can't just go to your local hallmark and find a card with f bombs all over the place.
I also dabbled in using acrylic paints. Here is my attempt using acrylic paint on a piece of acrylic board. Ran into a small craft girl problem, but I'll save that for another post.
Anyways, I hope that enjoyed having a peek into Mike's album. If you haven't made anything for a loved one, i suggest you try. Mike and I have known each other for 15 years plus, and he was really touched by this gift, I've never seen an ear to ear grin from any gifts given to him in the past.
Give it a try, it doesn't have to be fancy, oh and I am here for you if you need any tops on how to master ninja crafting :)
