Sunday, March 25, 2007

Here’s my birthday gift from Eric. It’s an Ellison Die.
When I had my kids I made the choice to give up my job and be a “stay-at home” Mom. I had a couple of part time jobs and volunteered a lot at school. One of the perks was I got to use the school’s Ellison Machine which is like a fancy cookie cutter press for paper. I used it to work with my Sunday school class for cards, crafts and bulletin boards. I got an opportunity to go back to work fulltime, which had always been the game plan for our family. It’s not that we needed the money so much then; it’s just that I needed to get my skills back up to par so that when the kids went off to college--- when we would really need the money--- I could contribute. It was tough going back to work ---at getting the routine down and plus the emotional rollercoaster Moms go through. So Don bought me an Ellison Machine to ease the tears. Working fulltime, the school was closed by the time I had a chance to use theirs. And for a year, instead of flowers for Mother’s day, I got the tulip Ellison Die, for Valentine’s Day I got the heart. He still treats me every now and then. Well, Eric got me Daisies for my birthday. I used it to make, bible verse tags for my SS kids, cards for their weekly letter, and a fabric postcard for my Mom this week. They cut fabric or paper.


Lots of first this weekend. The first time in 2007 that Ransom and I made our hike without boots…. I might as well as had ballet slippers as good as those tennis shoes felt compared to heavy boots. Another first--- no jackets… It got in the low 60’s, and while I realize it’s early for the temperatures to be permanent….it sure is fun to pretend that winter is over….

Eric spoke at Purdue this weekend, had fun. He spoke with his Pharmacy Frat or student government or something. Wish I could have heard him. I’ve always told him if the Pharmacy thing fell through, he could always be a Baptist preacher….He looks great behind a pulpit…. He just laughs….

Gratitudes:
1. Belated birthday cards from my SS kids
2. Sleeping late 2 days in a row.
3. Phone calls with my Mom.

16 comments:

Juliann in WA said...

this is a fun die cut - I bet you will be able to do a lot with this one

Leigh said...

ope you had a lovely birthday :-)

May Britt said...

Happy birthday to you. The daisy is so cute and funny with faces on.

Fiona said...

What fun, I've never heard of an Ellison Machine but it sounds like the kind of thing I could play with for hours! The daisies look great.

Clare said...

Like Fiona, I've never heard of an Ellison Machine. Is there a UK equivalent do you know? I love the daisies.

Anne Heidi said...

OOH pretty daisies, they just put a big smile on my face. Thank you!

Gail said...

I am always impressed with how creative you get and how personalized all your SS things are. Those kids are really lucky to have you as a teacher.

KC Quilter said...

Oh, how I loved the Ellison machine when I was still teaching!!! Lucky you to have your very own. Sounds like you had a fun birthday!

Lois R. said...

Happy Birthday! That is one cute daisy die. Love what you're doing with it.

(BTW, I never heard of an Ellison machine either)

Darlene said...

You are incredibly talented! Now, can you cut fabric with the die cutter? I'm wondering if you would press fabric onto a stiff iron on interfacing and use the die cutter? Just curious!

I'm so sorry I missed your birthday but happy belated wishes to you!

Libby said...

Well, count me as one who never heard of the machine either. But it looks like something that could be a LOT of fun.
Isn't it fun when the birthday just keeps going and going *s* I love a good birthday party.

Laurie Ann said...

That machine looks like fun! What a cool present!

Kairle Oaks said...

How fun to have your own die cut machine. You make such cute stuff! Love the little faces on the flowers!!!

Dee Light said...

I love Ellison Die Cuts. It is so cool that you have your own. I used the die cuts a lot when I was teaching. Happy Birthday!!!

Joanne said...

What a unique gift. And thanks for the education -- I have never heard of an Ellison die!
You must be very proud of Eric -- speaking at Purdue -- how wonderful for him. Enjoy the spring temps -- I sure am (and I know it's temporary down here, too! LOL)

Quilts And Pieces said...

You are so talented! They look wonderful!