Surprise Birthday Blog Hop!

Today we are celebrating Leanne's birthday by throwing a fun birthday blog hop party!  We thought we'd gather a few of her friends and design team members to celebrate her special day.  If you came here from Danni’s blog you are in the right place.  If you didn’t you may want to start at the beginning at Yumi & Fumi's Handmade Crafts blog. 

I met Leanne through blogland- mainly because she is so nice and leaves comments on almost all my posts!  So sweet!  I was fortunate enough to meet her in person too!  I heard she was going to the Winter CHA and thought I'd try to meet up with her then.  I'm so glad we were able to meet in person.  Leanne has been a blessing to Sister Stamps too.  Not only was she one of our guest designers, but she frequently posts Sister Stamps cards for her Lilo's Fun Friday posts!  I can't thank her enough for all the publicity she's given Sister Stamps over the past year.  Thanks Leanne!  You are such a sweetie!  Hopefully we will cross paths again one day and have time to hang out.

Sooo Leanne...  Are you surprised that I participated?  Ha ha ha ha ha!  I know you are! OK enough talking... on to the card!

I gotta admit, this is my 2nd try.  I guess I'm out of practice!  I decided to use Mariko since she is holding a gift- perfect for birthdays...  Since I'm still into the shabby chic theme, I decided to try incorporate it but using brighter colors.  I turned to my new 6x6 American Crafts DP for the flag paper and drew my colors from that pallet.  

 I found a heart doily from my stash and decided to use that in my background.  Stamped "Surprise" from my new Penny Black birthday set (love that by the way).  Used a crystal flourish and a variety of flowers by I am Roses and Wild Orchid Crafts.  The smaller acrylic flowers are by Dress Me Up buttons.  Here's a better look at Mariko.

Just wanted to share my shabby style here... Inserted into the large white rose is actually a stick pin I made.  Can you even see it?  There's a bunch of beads under the rose.  Stick pins are my new favoritte embellishment.

Thanks to Eva for helping coordinate this surprise hop!  And Happy Birthday Leanne! Tanjyoobi Omedeto Gozaimasu!   Go have a good time girl!  Now you are off to see Kathy from Pixie Boutique!  Be sure to end at Leanne's personal blog to wish her a Happy Birthday!!

Thanks for coming!