Okay, I have to say it.  I love these new mason jars from Zazzle.  I can think of so many fun ways to turn these into cheap bridal party gifts with a unique twist for every bridal party member.  For your bridesmaids, you can fill them up with chocolate or for the bridesmaid that loves flowers you can plant a pretty african violet or any other inexpensive flower or you can put some chocolate chip cookie recipe ingredients inside and seal the top.  For your flower girl or ring bearer, you can fill it will toys and / or candy. For your groomsmen, you can put a small gift card inside.  For Mom and Dad you could slip a small handwritten note inside.  Just a fun way to say thank you!

Cheap Bridal Party Gifts Mason Jar by henishouseofpaper
Browse Thank you Mason Jars online at Zazzle.com

National Nurse Practitioner Week

Okay, this may seem like a strange thing for me to blog about, but today I am going to talk about National Nurse Practitioner Week.  For a long time, I did not know nurse practitioners existed.  Then one came along in the form of a helper for my Mom and I when Mom went to the neurologist.  I grew to like her after regular visits and I grew a respect for the profession.

In time, my daughter told me that she wanted to be a Nurse Practitioner.  She carried this dream for awhile, but like many other young people has moved on to another idea for a career.  But I have never moved away from having respect and appreciation for the nurse practitioner.

Since Nurse Practitioner Week will be coming soon, I decided to create a greeting card to honor this wonderful profession.  The Nurse Practitioners of the world are the unsung heroes who do so much for people and so often go unnoticed.

Happy Nurse Practitioner Week to all with appreciation!

National Nurse Practitioner Week Card by KathyHenis
View more Nurse practitioner day Cards

Sympathy Thank You

I'm feeling a little strange lately.  The 1st anniversary of Mom's death will be here in just a few days.  I always wonder how it is that time flies so quickly.  This past year has truly been a whirlwind event.

This approaching anniversary reminds me of others who have experienced losses and how it is such an incredibly difficult time in one's life when you lose a loved one.

 I can't help but be reminded of my sympathy thank you store at this time which caters to those who have lost a loved one.  I've been feeling a little sad about this store lately too, because there are so many people who are copying my format and I don't want to lose my sense of purpose.

 I created my sympathy thank you store as a labor of love because I wanted to do something for people who had lost a loved one.   I don't crank out tons of designs because I don't have time and because I just don't want to create a store like that -- for me all my designs are about the heart.  I want to create heartfelt designs for people when their hearts are at a low point.  I create each design myself and all the words on designs come from my heart.  For me it is about doing something which gives purpose to my life.

So at this anniversary time I am hoping purpose will be restored for me and I will continue to create designs that the customers will appreciate at this difficult time in their lives.

Classic Photo Sympathy
by KathyHenis

White Orchid Sympathy
by KathyHenis

Change of Address Moving Christmas Cards

I love designing change of address cards, especially around Christmas, as these cards no longer are just change of address cards, but they become change of address Christmas cards. This is a fabulous way to let friends and family know all the details of your new address and send a holiday card at the same time.

One of my favorite change of address Christmas cards is this design which is new for 2013 and combines bright colors with a great Chalkboard look and rounded corners on a flat card.
 

Change of Address Christmas Flat Card Chalkboard by henishouseofpaper

If you are looking for a folded card here are some fun choices:
 

Moving Christmas Card - Change of Address by KathyHenis

 

Change of Address Christmas Card by KathyHenis

 

Change of Address Christmas Card by KathyHenis

 

Change of Address Christmas Card, Christmas Tree by KathyHenis

 

Moving Announcement Christmas Card by KathyHenis

Lastly, I have a couple where you can show off your beautiful new home too:
 

Moving Photo Change of Address Christmas Card by KathyHenis

 

Moving Change of Address Photo Christmas Card by KathyHenis

to do list

Are you like me and love to make to do lists?  I just don't know where I would be without my to do lists so when Zazzle introduced the pocket journal with checklist pages my mind immediately went to -- "these would make great to do list journals."  This is how my collection of to do list journals was born.  Here are a few I think you will like:

 

to do list journal beach by KathyHenis

 

to do list journal burlap look by KathyHenis

 

to do list journal by KathyHenis

Monogram To Do List Journal by KathyHenis  

 

to do list journal for men by KathyHenis  

I am delighted to supply fellow to do list lovers with these great pocket journals.  I have already ordered one and am anxiously awaiting it's arrival.

Memorial Christmas Ornaments

I really enjoy creating products for those experiencing loss. I have experienced a great deal of loss in my life and these customers have a special place in my heart. In an effort to expand my Sympathy Thank You Store, I have added memorial Christmas ornaments this holiday season. Here are some of my new memorial Christmas ornaments.

Personalized Memorial Christmas Ornaments by sympathythankyou
Create one-of-a-kind personalized ornaments at Zazzle

Memorial Christmas Ornaments - Photo on Beach by sympathythankyou
More In memory Ornaments

Memorial Christmas Ornaments Sunset with Photo by sympathythankyou
More In memory Ornaments

It is truly a pleasure to create products customers will cherish forever.

Dog Memorial

Today I write from the heart about my beloved dog who passed away this February.  It is amazing how much we mourn the loss of our beloved pets and my Cricket was such a beloved pet.

I met Cricket by accident.  You see we were planning to get a puppy, but when we asked a breeder if she had any puppies, she sent this picture of a dog named Cricket.  Cricket was being retired from breeding after three years and needed a home.  For some reason, I felt an immediate attachment to Cricket and kept his picture by my bedside until he came home.  The evening of his arrival he threw his body into mine and I knew we had both found a friend.

Cricket arrived just a few days before 911.  He saw me through many hard times in my life and I grew to love him just as much as I knew I would the day I first saw his picture.  He loved a good back massage and being close to me.  I still marvel at how he could put his head on my stomach and make all my worries disappear.  It was like he possessed a special power.  The power to comfort me.  I felt like he carried me for years and in the end I carried him.  I was able to give back to him what he had given to me.

The last few months were especially hard knowing he would not be with me much longer.  It was so hard to see him become a shadow of what he once was.  The night before he died, I sat with him for a long time and it was like the old days and the new days combined--I could feel his love and comfort and I believe he could feel my love and comfort too.  It was no longer him carrying me as it was in the old days or me carrying him as it had been for many months, it was a beautiful sharing that went between us.  Right before going to bed I told him "it was okay, if he had to go." The next day he died.

It's been months, but as I write it seems like yesterday.  I miss him very much.

In his honor, I created a pet dog memorial Christmas ornament.  It only seemed right to create one in his memory.  This is the most heartfelt thing I have ever created.
      

Pet Dog Memorial Christmas Ornament Gifts by ornamentsbyhenis

Here is the reverse side of the ornament

Pet Dog Memorial Christmas Ornament Gifts by ornamentsbyhenis

I hope it brings comfort to others who have lost a pet to have an ornament in their honor on the tree. I know it will comfort me.

Math Watch

Do you know someone who loves math?  Or do you love math?  Either way, I've got the watch for you. This fun math watch features a white infinity symbol in the center on a black chalkboard looking background. This watch is a great look for the geek in you or someone you love!  

 

Math Watch - Infinity Watches by KathyHenis 

Unique Save the Dates

You just got engaged and picked the date.  Now you want to spread the news, but just some ordinary save the date will not work for you.  You need a unique save the date.  Well, I've got the answer for you.  This unique save the date invitation flat card features a theatre style theme with the two of you being the stars.  I think you will agree it is the perfect save the date for anyone looking for a unique twist for their save the date announcement.
  

Unique Wedding Save the Dates Invitation by henishouseofpaper

Bridesmaid Thank You Card

Looking for a great way to thank your bridesmaids?  I just completed a survey and discovered 66% of brides are planning to say thank you to their bridesmaids with a gift and a card and another 34% are just planning to get bridesmaids a gift so bridesmaid thank you cards are really important to brides.  Giving a card in addition to a gift adds a very personal touch.  Your bridesmaids were there for you every step of the way. They calmed your nerves, ran errands and provided moral support. Cards are a great way to let your bridesmaids know how much you appreciated them.  Here are some I designed which I think you will really like:

Custom Pink Roses Bridesmaid Thank You Card by KathyHenis
Make a card online at zazzle

Bridesmaids Thank You Card by KathyHenis

Custom Black Bridesmaid Thank You Card by KathyHenis
Make a card on zazzle.

 

Bridesmaid Thank You Card by KathyHenis
Make a card on zazzle.

Around the Clock Bridal Shower

I just love a bridal shower with an around the clock theme. Guests are given different times of day and they are asked to bring a gift the bride would be able to use at that time of day. This alone can add a fun element to the bridal shower!  The best part about an around the clock bridal shower is the bride will get gifts she can use at various times of day so she will get lots of different things. It is fun for the party guests to guess what the present might be so remember to ask your guests to put the time of the day on the outside of their present. You will need to send out invitations which will set the tone for the event so remember to send out around the clock bridal shower invitations.  Here are just a few I designed for an around the clock bridal shower:

  

Around the Clock Bridal Shower Invitation -- Blue by henishouseofpaper
Find other Round the Invitations at zazzle.com

Around the Clock Bridal Shower Invitations by henishouseofpaper
View more Round the Invitations

Beach Bridal Shower

A beach theme bridal shower can be really fun. Decorations can include beach balls, little umbrellas, sand, seashells, etc. just anything that reminds you of the beach. If you really want to go all the way with the beach theme, you can even have the bridal shower at the beach or turn someone's backyard into a beach! Why not have a cake decorated to look like a beach scene or like a beach towel. The possibilities are endless. By using your imagination, you can turn any shower location into a beautiful beach location. Just remember to keep the feeling casual, as you want the guests to feel like they are at the beach having fun! When planning a beach bridal shower, be sure to use beach invitations so the guests will know the theme ahead of time. Here are some great beach bridal shower invitations I designed which will get you started in planning the perfect beach theme bridal shower.

 

Beach Theme Bridal Shower Invitation -- Burlap by henishouseofpaper
Create an invitation online with zazzle

 

Beach Themed Bridal Shower Invitations by henishouseofpaper
Shop for Theme Invitations online at Zazzle.com

Sympathy Thank You Cards

When someone expresses sympathy for the loss of a loved one, it touches the heart.  A wonderful way to say thanks to all the people who were there for you after the death of a loved one is with a sympathy thank you card.  Sending sympathy thank you cards may not seem like something you want to do, but it is so important to acknowledge kindness and to let people know what they did really mattered to you.

Who should you send a sympathy thank you card to?
It is not necessary to send a sympathy thank you card to someone who sent a sympathy card, but it is certainly acceptable to do so. You will want to send a sympathy thank you card to anyone who did a little something or big something extra like sent flowers to the funeral, brought food, helped with children or errands, gave memorials in the name of your loved one, performed a special function for you (pallbearers, minister, etc) or gave any type of gift.

When should you send sympathy thank you cards?
It is important to send sympathy thank you cards out as soon after a funeral as possible. It is advised to send them out within two weeks of the funeral. If the task seems overwhelming, you can always ask other family members or friends to help put return address labels and stamps on and even address the envelopes. If you want to do it all yourself, pace yourself and do a few a day so you don't feel overwhelmed by the task.  If despite your best efforts you are delayed in sending cards out, do send them anyway, as it is always the right thing to do.  You may want to include the reason for the delay in your correspondence.

What kind of card should you use?
There are many options for sympathy thank you cards and here are just a few:
1. Use cards supplied by the funeral home.
2. Use blank note cards.
3. Use blank thank you cards.
4. Use cards designed specifically to be sympathy thank you cards.

Any of these options will work for your purposes, but if you are looking specifically for sympathy thank you cards, here are a few which I designed and think you will like.

With Words Inside  

Classic Sympathy Thank You Card by KathyHenis
Design unique personalized note cards from zazzle.com.

Sympathy Memorial Thank You Note Card -- Orchids by sympathythankyou
Find more Funeral thank you Cards at Zazzle

Custom Sympathy Thank You Card - Beach by sympathythankyou
Find other Funeral thank you Cards at zazzle.com

Custom Sympathy Thank You Card - Black by sympathythankyou
Create a greeting card online

Cards with no wording inside

Blank Funeral Thank You Note Card - Classic Silver by sympathythankyou
Create card designs on Zazzle

Blank Sympathy Thank You Card -- White Rose by sympathythankyou
Look at more Funeral thank you Cards at zazzle

Blank Custom Sympathy Thank You Card by sympathythankyou
Browse Funeral thank you Cards online at Zazzle.com

Vow Renewals

Today I am going to talk about wedding vow renewal ceremonies.  I think renewing your wedding vows is one of the most romantic things you can do. A vow renewal ceremony is not only re-fueling for the couple renewing their vows, but it is equally re-fueling for those watching the ceremony. In the world we live in, it is very nice to see there are couples whose love passes the test of time. Through good times and bad times somehow they have not only made it work, but their love has flourished!

First, let's talk about why we renew our wedding vows?  In a recent poll I conducted, I discovered 55% of couple's reaffirming their vows do so because their love has endured hard times and they want to reaffirm their commitment to one another.  Another 30% want to celebrate a special anniversary.  10% of couples would like to change something about the first wedding and yet the remaining 5% cited other reasons for having a vow renewal.

Now that you have decided to renew your vows, let's talk about some ideas for the ceremony.  The most important thing to remember about renewing your vows is the vow renewal celebration should be as individual as the love you share.

For example:

For the gardeners, how about a celebration in your own backyard garden or a local arboretum or public garden.  For the couple who loves to dance, why not rent a dance hall and renew your vows there. Beach lovers might enjoy a vow renewal at their favorite beach.  If you met in the park, you may enjoy a picnic vow renewal theme. Don't underestimate how romantic a simple vow renewal ceremony on a winter night with a few close friends and family in front of your own fireplace can be.

Just remember when planning to make sure whatever defines you as a couple is part of your ceremony.

What about those vows?

For me, I cannot image a vow renewal ceremony where I did not write the vows myself. The task may seem a little overwhelming to those who don't feel they are very good with words, but your spouse will appreciate hearing words their love inspired so much that it is definitely worth the effort it takes to write them. There is really no right or wrong when it comes to writing vow renewal vows, just write what is in your heart. You may want to include things that you love most about your spouse, any special promises you want to make, how much your life means with your spouse or anything else that seems right to you. When it comes to your vows, let your heart take you where it will.

So now you know where you are going to have the ceremony and what your vows will be, you will also need to get some great invitations for the event.  Here are some invites I think you will like:

Vow Renewal Invitation -- Chalkboard by henishouseofpaper
Shop for an invite on zazzle

Wedding Vow Renewal Invitation by the Beach by henishouseofpaper
Create announcements with Zazzle.com

 

Wedding Vow Renewal Invitation -- Roses by henishouseofpaper
Check out more Renewing vows Invitations at Zazzle

 

Vow Renewal Invitation -- Orchids and Monogram by henishouseofpaper
View more invitations on line at zazzle.com

Okay, you have your location, the vows and the invites, planning the rest of your ceremony should be a snap and here is why:  All the formalities of a regular wedding do not have to be incorporated into a vow renewal ceremony.  It can be as formal or as informal as you desire.  This celebration is all about love that has endured!  Make it fun for you and your guests.  

One of the joys of a vow renewal is anyone can officiate your ceremony because you are already married.  Wouldn't it be fun to have your children officiate!        

Whether or not you have a wedding party is all up to you too! You can have all the same bridesmaids and groomsmen (now wouldn't that make a great photo shoot) or you may opt just for the kids or maybe just you and your spouse.  Whatever feels good to you. 

Who you invite is up to you too, but it is best to keep this special celebration just for close friends and family.

Now what should you wear.  Of course, your wedding gown is always an option (if it fits) or you can always choose a new outfit. The groom can wear his old tux or something new too.

You should definitely have a reception as part of the celebration and this can be as formal or as informal as you want it to be.  

The main thing to remember with a vow renewal celebration is the day is all about you and your love.  Make it at a memorable day for you and your guests by making it uniquely yours.   

T shirt with Kindness Saying

Today seemed like any other day when all of a sudden these words popped into my head, "Kindness Multiplies...Anger Divides". How many times have I seen this in action. For example, you are driving along the road and someone honks his horn angrily and then you end up having a bad day and for some reason you don't seem to get along well with others either. On the other hand, a smile from a stranger turns into another smile to another stranger and all of a sudden you have touched multiple lives indirectly with just one smile. The world is funny like this we can give to it or we can take from it, the choice is ours.

Well, I didn't want to keep the kindness to myself, so I made a kindness saying t shirt. On the front, it says, "Kindness Multiplies...Anger Divides" and on the back the t shirt saying is "Be the Kindness" and a smiley face appears above the kindness.

So today I challenge each of you to Be the Kindness.

T Shirt with Kindness Saying or Slogan by KathyHenis
Browse other Original T-Shirts

Today's Best 2/24/2012

On 2/24/2012 I received a today's best award for my orchid thank you postage. I am very grateful for this TBA.

Wedding Thank You Postage -- Orchids by henishouseofpaper
customize my stamp online at zazzle.com

Free Christmas Greeting Card

Ever wish you could get a quality free Christmas Greeting Card? Well, today is your lucky day. I am really excited Zazzle, my fulfillment partner, is allowing me to give away a free sample Christmas Greeting Card. From now until November 24, 2011, you can get ONE of the following cards.

Remember this offer is for a limited time, so stop by today and get your free Christmas Greeting Card.


Peace, Hope Love Unique Christmas Card by KathyHenis
Browse Unique christmas Cards


Christmas Photo Greeting Card -- Photo in Tree by KathyHenis
See other Christmas Cards

Enter coupon code AFREEGREET4U at checkout.

100% of card net sale price (excluding shipping and taxes) is deducted when qualifying http://www.zazzle.com/137070527927673252 & http://www.zazzle.com/137230486656530811 greeting card is purchased from www.zazzle.com/KathyHenis and the coupon code AFREEGREET4U is applied at checkout. Offer does not apply to create your own cards. Offer does not apply to card orders of two or more. Buyer is responsible for shipping and handling and sales tax charges. Failure to comply with promotional offer conditions may result in order cancellation. Offer is valid through November 24, 2011 at 11:59pm PT. Offer does not apply to past purchases and may not be combined with any other Zazzle promotional or volume discount offers. If a volume discount applies to your order, you will receive either the discount set forth in this offer or the standard volume discount, whichever is greater. Offer valid on Zazzle.com only.

Open House Graduation Invitation - Today's Best Award

Although I am a little late in posting this, as the award was received on 3/30/2011, I am very happy to have received a Today's Best Award for my Open House Graduation Invitation. I really love this design because I did something different for me and it was fun to create this open house invitation for the graduates. I enjoyed using the felt paper too, as it creates a new look for designs.

Open House Graduation Invitation - Felt Invite by henishouseofpaper
More Graduation open house Invitations

Orchid Time - Orchid Wedding Invitations

It's been awhile since I've posted anything on this blog. I have been busy this summer, but last week I realized I had some gorgeous orchids in bloom and was missing a great opportunity... So, I took out the camera and started taking photographs. Right now I have white orchids in bloom, as well as gorgeous purple orchids and yellow orchids too. The wonderful thing about orchids is that the blooms seem to last forever which appeals to the procrastinator in me. However, there does come a time when they do fade away along with their beauty.

The truth is nothing says wedding like a beautiful orchid, so after I created my photographs, I started working on some great orchid wedding invitations. I got a little carried away and created not only orchid wedding invitations, but also orchid rsvp invitations, orchid wedding postage, orchid wedding thank yous, orchid save the dates, etc... I think you get the idea, I created orchid invitation heaven for the white and purple orchids. Still working on the yellow orchid invitations!


Orchid Wedding Invitation -- White Orchids by henishouseofpaper

5 X 7 Orchid Wedding Invitation -- Purple Orchids by henishouseofpaper
Buy announcements at zazzle

Even more exciting is Zazzle now has introduced custom envelopes so for the first time I was able to make matching envelopes for my orchid wedding invitations.

Custom Orchid Envelope for 5 x 7 Invitation by henishouseofpaper
View other Custom Envelopes

I just realized this blog is really about passion. It all started with a passion for orchids -- I have many of them. Then my passion for designing wedding invitations met with my orchid passion; and now my passion for writing meets with all the other passions. It's truly incredible when all your passions come together to make something really wonderful. I just hope my orchid wedding invitations will be well received because that is what makes it all worthwhile when someone else appreciates your hard work too.