Play It Again, Sam...

Casablanca is the featured movie for this week's Cinema Saturday Creative Challenge. Brooke and Sankari added a color challenge as well--black, white, and one other color.

I wanted to make something for my husband, not only because Valentine's Day is nearing, but yesterday was the 13th anniversary of our first kiss...this time of year is very nostalgic for us.

Since the movie is centered around the nightlife of Rick's Cafe--and, in particular, the music of Sam, the piano player--I decided to make a mixed tape. I started with this shot of Sam and Rick. I cropped it a bit and added some softness around the edges, so those two would be the focus of the picture. I colored the title with a Real Red marker, then added the red hearts down the side of the piano. I couldn't add thick embellishments, because I do want it to actually fit in the CD case.

I titled my CD "Play It Again, Sam: A Soundtrack to Romance." I included special songs that remind me of our years together.

The first song, "It Had to Be You," appears early on in Casablanca (obviously not the Harry Connick version, but it's what I own, so I went with it). The lyrics really fit our relationship:

"Some others I've seen might never be mean

Might never be cross or try to be boss

But they wouldn't do

For nobody else gave me the thrill

With all your faults I love you still

It had to be you."

Other songs hold even more special meaning. "Can't Help Falling in Love" is "our song" and was the first dance at our wedding. "Wonderwall" was a hit when we first became friends, and Oasis has always been one of the bands we share a love for. I won't share the details of every song, but you get the idea.

This will be my husband's Valentine gift. Hope he likes it!

Stamps: Tag Time (SU)

Paper: Real Red, Whisper White

Ink: Real Red

Accessories: heart punch