Pillow Box of Love for I Feel the Love

Happy Monday, my sweet friends! I hope you had a beautiful weekend. :o)

As you all know, I am an avid supporter of the I Feel the Love Project, hosted by the inspiring Madison of Funky Cards. Each month she highlights a particular person, family, or organization in need of our love and prayers. In turn, we have the honor of using our creative passion for a higher purpose. I cannot even tell you what this project means to me. When the 1st rolls around, my initial thoughts aren't of a new month but rather that there's a new recipient who needs our love.

It is no secret that sweet Trinitie has inspired me this month and that she is often on my mind... and always in my heart and prayers. I wanted to make one more little blessing for her, so I made a pillow box and filled it with a few tiny treasures.

Or maybe a lot. ;)

In a moment, a few close-ups to better see these cuties and the actual box...

My idea is to send her these so she can make her own little crafty creations using them, if she so desires. Or to simply have a whole lot of new friends to smile at as they keep her company. They were made with so much love, so I like to think each one is delivering a hug from me. I originally planned to make her a petal box filled with a bunch of my stamps that she could color... but then I read that after her brain surgery she lost all feeling on her left side and she is left-handed. Her mom posted a picture of a recent trip out to dinner where Trinitie was working on her writing, showing progress. My heart broke all over again. Doubtful that coloring was the best idea, I turned to Create a Critter which never fails with kiddos. :) She can simply do as she pleases with the assembled critters.

Now for a few closer photographs of Trinitie's sweeties! I couldn't resist using my favorite butterfly punch to send her a rainbow of butterflies. Despite it not showing, all of them are either sparkly Core Couture or pearlescent cardstock.

(I am in love with the heart-buttoned snail and want to make one for myself! I would think of Trinitie every time I saw it, which makes it even better.)

I think I've made approximately one million sparkly penguins since getting Create a Critter.

I needed to give her cupcakes and a Simply Charmed ice cream cone. If I actually knew her, I would bake her favorite cupcakes and take her out for the best ice cream on the planet. A double-scoop of love.

Lastly, the pretty pillow box. I kept it simple to avoid the potential for eager little hands breaking anything.

The Making Memories paper stands well on its own, I think. I wrapped crinkle ribbon around the short side only so she wouldn't need to remove it every time she opens the box. The tag is cut from Art Philosophy, which I adhered to the corresponding chipboard shape that came in the bundle. I love the thickness! I attached it to the crinkle ribbon with Grape Fizz Trendy Twine. The "Love" sentiment is from Create a Critter.

The box behind it was made last night, using the simple tutorial found HERE. Since I used Wild Orchid Crafts flowers on the cards I made Trinitie (found HERE and HERE), I wasn't comfortable sticking them in a regular paper envelope. To give them a little protection, I made a box out of 300gsm paper. I wrapped it with sprightly purple ribbon from Hobby Lobby.

There are still five days left if you'd like to make a card for this sweet girl. She will appreciate it more than we could possibly know. :o) I love her to pieces and hope my cards and pillow box of surprises bring a burst of sunshine and sparkles to her heart.

Thank you for visiting me today! I hope your day sparkles with love and blessings. :o)

Key Recipe Components:
 * Cricut cartridges: Art Philosophy, Create a Critter, Simply Charmed
 * Cuttlebug embossing folder: Swiss Dots
 * Paper: Core'dinations, DCWV, Heidi Grace, Making Memories, My Mind's Eye
 * Twine: My Craft Spot (Chocolate Truffle, Grape Fizz, Twisted Lime, Sky)
 * Peachy Keen Stamps: Critter Faces
 * Butterfly punch: Martha Stewart Small Monarch
 * Ribbon: Crinkle ribbon from My Craft Spot; sheer dotted ribbon from Hobby Lobby