Wedding Invitations for Ian & Jess

I have been living, eating, sleeping, and dreaming wedding stationary for the past three weeks and, as of today, they are IN THE MAIL!  The  wedding colors are lilac, dark brown, and cream. The paper used for the invitations was from The Paper Cut in Appleton, Wisconsin.  Paper colors were:  Kunzite Stardreams, Hera Stardreams, Echo (brown) Stardreams, Esse Espresso, and Cream Luster.  The swirl ribbon is from Creative Impressions.  The ink used for the stamping was Brilliance Pearlescent Lavender and Color Box Fluid Chalk Dark Brown. The stamps used were from the Fantastic Flourish clear set by Hero Arts. The invitation itself is the "V-Flap Formal Invite" die cut from The Paper Cut.  The printing was done by Karen's Print Rite in Waterloo in the darkest Pantone brown I could find.  The hand-lettering on the envelopes was done using a brown Gelly Roll pen.  The favors are made using an AccuCut die owned by my friend, Dena Rekow.  Isn't it the cutest thing ever?!  It will be filled with a small mesh bag containing Jelly Bellies in the colors of the wedding.  It's now less than seven weeks to the wedding and I still haven't shopped for a dress!  I would MUCH rather play with paper and ribbon than go through the humiliation of shopping for clothes, but I better get on with it soon . . . maybe next week, or after Easter . . . 

Alyssa in the Jazz Show

Jazz Show 2008: February 29 & March 2

Alyssa was supposed to sing a duet of "I Hope You Dance," but her friend got sick and had to drop out right before Friday's performance.  Alyssa was really disappointed. The chorus teacher suggested Alyssa try it as a solo.  She summoned her courage and decided to "go for it" at the Sunday afternoon performance.  When she walked out on the dark stage, the follow spot illuminated her, and she began to sing, my heart was in my throat.  I, who also love to sing, would never have had the courage to sing a solo like this.  She remembered every word.  I was so proud of her!  

She and three close friends performed a song/dance routine of "I Won't Say I'm in Love" from the movie "Hercules."  They spent several "snow days" at Kassie's house designing and sewing the Muse costumes.  Hours were spent sewing, laughing, rehearsing, eating Kassie's mom out of house and home and generally reveling in the camaraderie - one good thing that can be said for all those days of school missed due to the weather.  Alyssa also performed four numbers with the Swing Choir:  "Get Ready," "Your Mama Don't Dance," "Le Jazz Hot," and "Farmer Tan."  It was a thoroughly delightful show!