Happy Chinese New Year

Made a couple cards to play along with Papertrey Ink birthday sketch challenge. I followed 2 of the sketch.

The 1st card using sketch #4 which caught my interest right away.

And here's my card using Pretty Peonies set.

Then I made another card using sketch #5.

Instead of circles I decided to use the hexagon stamp which I have had on hand for months and only now using it. So, I am pretty happy that I finally got to use it.

Yep, spent my morning making cards even though today is Chinese New Year. A day that used to be a big deal for me when I was a kid. We'd all get new clothes and I always pick one with red on it. Then we'd start the morning by going to the temple, and then we went out to visit family & friends. The tradition is the younger person visits the older person or family.

Now that I am in the States unfortunately I don't  really celebrate it anymore except in spirit. It's not like I have people visiting us since none of my friends here celebrate the day and among my cousins family here, I am one of the younger ones, so I supposed to go to them. 

At least this year there' a bit of excitement. I get to Skype with my whole family including my niece Shakira who is about 7 weeks old now. This is her 1st Chinese New Year and she dressed up to the 9. I just have to share her cute pic here.

She is such a smiley baby and sometime I could feel my heart ache for not being able to see her in person, yet. But, I made my mom & brothers promise to tell her about me. And am hoping that by the end of this year I'll get to meet her. With that note, to all my family & friends who are celebrating the Chinese New Year I wish you all a very happy New Year. May the year of the snake brings you joy, health & prosperity. Cheers...