The British Empire Medal

A lady who lives in the same city as me saw one of my customised cards and contacted me to ask me if I could create a card for her Mum. She had just received the British Empire Medal for her work and dedication with her dance charity Magpie Dance, which she founded over 30 years ago. Her daughter thought that it would be nice to congratulate her with one of my cards.
My customer sent me a picture of her Mum proudly wearing her award. Mum is a dancer and artistic director, she told me. The dance company is for adults and children with learning disabilities and it is contemporary dance, very modern.
Together we decided to show Mum in the black and white outfit she wore to collect her award. I suggested adding the Magpie Dance logo and some papercuts and pictures of the dancers as well.
Whilst I was away I was delighted to receive a message from her, letting me know how pleased Mum was with her special card. "Just gave the card to my mum and she was thrilled. She said what a clever woman, she even got it down to the dress!"

Shortly afterwards she got in touch again and requested a card for her friend's 40th birthday. Her name is Max and she is an amazing spiritual individual, she said. She does breathwork, acupuncture and inner dance (spiritual dance through a sound healing journey). She is spiritual, mindful, fun, quirky, mother earth. She is originally from the UK, travelled to Australia when she was young, loves camping, just led and did a red tent spiritual retreat, leads Breathe & Receive workshops,  as well as running her business Helping Hands. Lastly, her favourite saying is "Honor your truth" she said. I think that there was more than enough to work with!
I showed Max with her hands clasped together in the namaste gesture, which signals welcome and union in a symbolic way. Candles, a lotus flower, a hand receiving some acupuncture treatment, and a red tent surround her, along with a little green tent to represent her love of camping, and the logos of her businesses. To finish off the card, I included her favourite saying.

Lastly, Sophie was turning 20. Her auntie asked me for a card which showed off her niece's baking skills. She has her own business called Sophie's Sweet Treats. She sent me a photo of some of the cakes Sophie has made, and requested a cake or two on the card. I picked out a very fancy chocolate cream cake from the photo, and added a couple of cupcakes and a wooden spoon. A bold number 20 finished the card off nicely.

* This post has been shared on Wednesday around the World, Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop, Wow Us Wednesdays, Moonlight and Mason Jars, Artsy-Fartsy, Share Your Cup Thursday, The Homemaking Party, Little Things Thursday and Happiness is Homemade.