Happy 4th birthday, ihp!

i {heart} papers is thrilled to be celebrating our 4^th birthday this month! We know there’s no way we could have made it this far without each and every one of our loyal customers sharing their ihp love with their friends or following us on Facebook, Twitter, our blog or through our newsletter. So, our celebration is really a celebration of YOU and our gift to you is a 25% off coupon for the whole store, valid 10/16-1-/20 (valid on in stock items not, not valid on gift certificates or prior orders). Use code: 4bdayDT. NOTE: Shop early! Once seasonal items are sold out, they will most likely not be restocked. Also, the store will be closed from Oct 19-25th and there will be no shipping during this time. Orders will resume shipping on 10/26.

We will also have giveaways on the blog and on Twitter during these days (they’ll be linked from Facebook too but since giveaways aren’t technically allowed on Facebook we have to do it on the blog!) so be sure to check in daily to see how to enter.

But wait! There’s more! Long time customers know that Kate is a huge dog rescue advocate, volunteering for a local dog rescue, transporting dogs in need and doing rescue work on Facebook. October happens to also be Adopt A Shelter Dog month, as well as the birthday of one of Kate’s dogs and the Gotcha/Adoption day of the other. So, in honor of all of that, IHP will be donating 10% of all sales during the birthday sale to Home For Good Dog Rescue, Eleventh Hour Rescue and Pilots ‘n Paws.  And if you make your own donation to any of these organizations, we will send you a gift certificate to IHP for 50% of your donation amount (these will be sent at the end of the month). Just email us a copy of your donation receipt and we’ll email you a gift certificate!

Since we're partying ihp style, our challenge is all about birthdays!  We're starting with an inspiration photo!  Look how gorgeous!

This photo is from a beautiful website called Hostess With the Mostest, which you really should visit!  LOTS of gorgeous photos, but this particular one was irresistible because it is so reminiscent of our ihp logo colors!

My project for today was also inspired by the cupcake throne designed by the infamous Jan Tink.  I altered her template slightly to fit the stamp set that I'm using...the back of mine is an inch shorter so that it more evenly borders the frame from Cupcakes and Candles. That made me happy, because it meant that I could use 8.5 x 11 inch card stock for both pieces instead of needing part of a 12 x 12 sheet.  I also changed the construction of the bottom just a bit. Rather than creating separate sides, I cut another piece of card stock measuring 5 3/4 x 4, scored 1/4 and 1 1/4 inch from each end.  This piece intersects with the other, forming the sides and as a bonus, creating a strong, double-layered bottom.

Just a little detail to note:  this throne is for a standard cupcake, not a big fancy gourmet version!

Notes:
GRS Cupcakes and Candles
Carta Bella Beautiful Moments designer paper
Memento ink
Copic markers
Spellbinders classic circles dies
dots embossing folder
Colorbox white pigment ink
Creative Impressions ribbon, ivory jute thread
Kaiser Craft hot pink pearls
button
toothpick
Scor-buddy
i {stick} papers redline tape
dimensional adhesive
standard sized cupcake :)

I can't wait to see what my design team mates have come up with for today's party challenge!  Here are their links so you can leave 'em some birthday love!

• Carole, October ihp Guest Designer
• Carolyn
• Gretchen
• Judy
• Lori
• Taylor
• Tracy
• Kate