// FREE DIY Summer Party Printables!

I LOVE SUMMER! I love summer SO MUCH! I know it's hot and humid and the mosquitos are the literal worst, but I love the beach and the pool and creeks and basically any body of water, along with popsicles, parties, and a lot of fruit! Today I'm sharing a few free* (!!!) party printables that you can use all summer long! These pieces were all inspired by the fun and festive party decor at Michaels right now, so if you're curious where everything (like that cuuuute pineapple serving dish) is from, now you know.

I used my Cricut Explore Air 2 machine to cut out the fruit pieces, but you can (almost) just as easily cut them out with regular ol' scissors. I've included downloads for both the .svg files and the (flattened) .jpg versions. You can print them on white cardstock rather than put them in layers if you hate manual cutting haha. I love making 3-D/multi-layer cards like this so these invitations were fun, albeit frustrating for a while. I'm still learning the ins and outs of my machine so I could have probably made it even easier on myself, but it's kind of a tinker-and-try sort of thing. If you have any handy Cricut tips or resources, I'm all ears!

supplies:

cardstock

die-cutting machine 

(or good ol' scissors!)

printer

glue

stationery brads

The .svg files I have included are each layered in their own file. This means your Cricut will automatically break them into their own layers based on color so you can cut with just one mat. Just a heads up in case you get in there and are all "Wut?" haha

The way I've set up my invitations is to have 2 sides attached with a stationery brad so it can swivel (or bend, in the pineapple's case), revealing the party info. Additionally you can also print the party info on translucent vellum to add a third (middle) layer. Con to living in a small town: probably not going to find vellum in your stores... haha I didn't include the party info in the files because you'll obviously have your own stuff. You can print directly onto the cardstock, like I did, or go the vellum route, or whatever else you come up with. Just get the info in the invite, right? ha

the files:

.svg files for die-cutting machines // .jpg files for printing + manual cutting

Whether you're looking for fun décor, bright blooms, or cute party supplies, Michaels has everything you need to MAKE summer bright and fun! Now I'll probably spend the remainder of spring/summer obsessed with fruit prints and that gorgeous fuchsia color! If you're on the prowl for more inspiration, pop over to the Michaels’ blog, The Glue String, to see the rest of the Michaels Makers’ summer fun project ideas.

xo KB

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* Free for personal use only.

// Happy National Compliment Day! - 8 FREE Printable Compliment Cards!

Happy National Compliment Day!

Did you know that was a thing? Apparently so! It's even noted on my ban.do Best Year Ever calendar haha Compliments are awesome. Sincere compliments get all up in our ~feels and they put a little pep in our step. What's even better than being on the receiving end of one of these? Being the one giving them out. I think that when you do something nice for someone, you just can't help but be in a good mood! It's such a great way to get out of a funky mood - Have you ever tried it? Seriously, give it a shot! Next time you're feeling crummy - for any reason at all - give someone a sincere compliment. The appreciation and joy in the reaction of the recipient is sure to make your day a little bit better and brighter. And you'll likely have made their day, too!

So in the spirit of sharing positivity, I whipped up 8 little rainbow colored compliment cards that you can print, cut, and share with ease! Some are silly, some are sincere, but every lsat one of them is sure to make someone feel good. And that's what we want right? All the feel goods!

--- ♥ CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE CARDS ♥ ---

just save the image to your desktop and print!

If DIY compliment cards aren't really your thing, you could also...

* Swipe these bad boys from ban.do! 

How freakin' fun, right?

* Send something yummy and sweet
with a note included! *

These incredible Champagne Strawberries would be a safe bet haha

(and I know this because Whitney and I ate far too many - 10/10 would do again)

* Create a Compliment Jar for
someone you love *

Every time they're feeling down they can grab a pick-me-up you wrote for them

I hope you're excited to make someone's day! If we all just practiced a little bit of kindness... can you imagine?! Don't forget, compliments aren't just for friends and family. Compliment a stranger you pass on the street. Compliment the cashier at your local supermarket. Compliment the universe for simply existing. Don't be afraid to spread your sunshine. 

What's your favorite compliment
that you remember receiving?

Happy complimenting!

xo KB

January 2013 Mixtape + Download

One of my personal blog goals was to share at least one playlist a month on the blog. I used to do it every Monday for a "Mixtape/Music Monday" feature but at some point I just stopped doing it. I really like sharing music that I'm currently into and I feel like one a month is totally doable. Here's my January mix! Let me know if you like it!

I also included a downloadable album art piece. CLICK HERE to save/download it! You can print it on any regular ol' 8.5 x 11" sheet of paper and then create your own album sleeve to gift to a friend or toss into your car. Just a heads up, though: It works best with white cardstock! 

You can also listen to this playlist via Spotify HERE!

Any specific songs or artists you've really been into lately?

(snow image via)

PS; When packing up my office today for the move, I found a box of letters and postcards from former penpals and folks I met through blogging. I've been thinking about opening a PO box back up and if so, I'll send out my monthly mixes to my ~penpals. Let me know if you'd be into it!