Another Patriotic Work of Heart

Hi, everyone!

Cards in Envy has a stars and stripes challenge going on. Let's see.... a chance to ink up Stampin' Up!'s new work of art stamp set and make a card for Operation Write Home. Count me in!

paper: Stampin' Up! crumb cake; Bazzill admiral; Core'dinations white
SU work of art and SU (retired) stamps & swirls, star heat embossed in SU white
Unity sentiment, heat embossed in Distress Ink walnut stain
ink: SU cherry cobbler and night of navy; DI walnut stain
Hero Arts gem; adhesives: Scotch ATG and Glossy Accents

 

Parting Thoughts

Taking a vacation day on Monday. Looking forward to a second 3-day weekend!

A quick reminder about the Oh La La challenge going on at Words 2 Scrap By until July 21. In addition to a badge and Guest I-Teamer, there are some Parisian-inspired Tim Holtz goodies up for grabs. Hope you will join us.

Have a great weekend! Thanks for stopping and happy scrappin'!

Christmas in July

Yes, three posts in one day! That OWH VCMP really got my mojo going.  :)

For this challenge, SOS is teaming up with Jingle Belles for a challenge to make a Christmas card using something that is at least one year old. Trust me, one look in the menopause room and you'll see I have lots of old stuff to choose from!

One-or-More Year-Old Stuff:
Paper Shaper circle punch for bear face
SU word window punch for bear arms
???? corner rounder for tiny tree-topper star
Emagination tree punch
Recollections snowflake punch

I made some of these little polar bear cards for a couple of craft shows last year. And, yes, they are painfully time consuming. But when I thought of the smile on the face of a little one receiving one of these from a deployed mommy/daddy... Well, I just knew that some of these bear cubs needed to go to OWH this holiday season. And, the Christmas card deadline for OWH is October 10th. Yikes! So, it's definitely time to start cranking out some little bear cubs. :)

Parting Thoughts

There is an Oh La La challenge going on at Words 2 Scrap By until July 21. The prize package includes a W2SB winner badge, a Guest I-Teamer opportunity, and a few Tim Holtz goodies. Bobbi and my fellow I-teamers would love for you to join us.

Thanks for stopping and happy scrappin'!

Ahoy, Matey!

Hi, everyone!

Post two of three in one day! Amazing, huh?!

The card below is for one of two current Shopping Our Stash challenges. This challenge calls for a card featuring a wood element, a wooden ship image, or both. So, what the heck... Let's do both.

Authentique original dp; SU cherry cobbler; stash brown and light blue
SU retired image in Distress Ink vintage photo on white birch
Our Daily Bread Design background stamp heat embossed in DI walnut stain
Paper Smooches ribbon, top ribbon rubbed in SU cherry cobbler
Paper Studio tiny brads; Recollections foam adhesive

I was really thrilled with the way the image stamped on the birch. Since I typically make cards for OWH, this was a new technique for me!

This is going to be a birthday card for hubby. He loves patriotic colors. And, while neither of us really are boaters, we both love beach vacations. Close enough for me -- especially since I was really stumped for a card for him this year. :)

Parting Thoughts

There is an Oh La La challenge going on at Words 2 Scrap By. Entries are being accepted until July 21... and there are a few Tim Holtz goodies up for grabs along with our standard winner's badge and Guest I-Teamer opportunity. 

Thanks for stopping and happy scrappin'!

Patriotic Works of Heart

Hi, everyone!

Here today with two versions of an Any Hero card for this week's OWH Midweek Throwdown challenge. The top version is my second attempt. While I was happy with the first attempt, I am really happy with the second one.  :)

Attempt #2    :)

Attempt #1
Both: papers: SU crumb cake, Bazzill admiral, Recollections white
SU Work of Art stamps in SU Night of Navy and Cherry Cobbler
Stamper's Best sentiment heat embossed in Distress Ink walnut stain
SU heart heat embossed in SU white powder
Hero Arts gem on Attempt #2

 

Parting Thoughts

A quick reminder about the Oh La La challenge going on at Words 2 Scrap By. There are a few Tim Holtz goodies up for grabs. And, we're accepting entries until July 21. Hope you'll join us!

Thanks for stopping and happy scrappin'!

VCMP Winner!!!

Hi, everyone.

First, thanks to everyone who visited this past weekend. Special thanks to those who made his and hers cards for our troops!  And, one more big thank you to Kim at Paper Smooches for sponsoring our blog candy.  :)

Well, the expression "last but not least" couldn't be any truer. Turns out that the winning entry was the pin featuring Ruth's adorable cards. Ruth's cards were the last ones linked before the deadline.  :)

Congratulations, Ruth! Please contact me at cards[dot]by[dot]sybrina[at]gmail[dot]com to make arrangements for sending you some Paper Smooches goodies!



At least for me, the party's still going on. There's one more challenge that I'm bound and determined to finish. And, it's great to see how my OWH card stack has grown these last few days! Thanks to Sandy, OWH, and all of our hostesses for such a fun event.

Think that's it for today. Thanks for stopping and happy scrappin'!

4th of July OWH VCMP: His and Hers {OWH Sketch} Cards



Please click here to return to the OWH post.

Hi, everyone!

Welcome to the first stop on this weekend's OWH VCMP! I am so excited to be hosting a challenge. Thanks to Sandy and the OWH team for organizing this party.  :)

Challenge #1: His and Her SKETCH Cards

Inspiration: OWH Sketch #161

Step 1: Choose an OWH Sketch.
Step 2: Use the sketch to make two cards: a his card and a her card.
Step 3: Link up your cards below.

Okay, if you are ready to go:

• Scroll down to the end of the post to read about the blog candy.
• Click here if you'd like to read details about the cards shown at the right.
• Go forth and create!

If you would like a little more information about OWH, OWH card guidelines, and/or OWH Sketches, please read on.

Operation Write Home Information

OWH: Operation Write Home is a wonderful nonprofit organization consisting of a "merry band of cardmakers" who make cards to support our deployed troops. We make blank cards that troops can use to write to loved ones back home, as well as Any Hero cards that are handwritten notes of appreciation for our heroes. There are many ways provided by OWH Founder Sandy and the OWH blog team to inspire us cardmakers, including weekly sketches and virtual cardmaking parties.

Card Guidelines: Since we are sending cards to troops deployed overseas, there are some card guidelines. The big four are: 1) A2 (5.5" by 4.25") cards, 2) glitter-free cards, 3) cards for specifically-requested themes, and 4) liners for cards with dark-colored bases. To learn more about OWH card needs, please visit OWH card guidelines and OWH mailroom operation.

Sketch #161

OWH Sketches: OWH posts a new sketch every Sunday. To date, over 200 sketches have been posted -- and every single sketch has measurements! These sketches can be used as exact blueprints -- or they can be the starting off point for an OWH card. (I used to stress out when my card deviated from the sketch and sample card. Trust me, there is no need to worry about that!) I used OWH Sketch #161 for my two sample cards. I tried to be pretty true to the sketch for my Her card. But, as you can see, I took a few more liberties with my His card -- using three ovals instead of one, using a city scape instead of a rectangular strip at the bottom, and adding a starburst next to the oval.

Blog Candy

So, what's a party without a little candy? You might have noticed I used Paper Smooches stamps on the her card and PS stamps and dies on the His card. Well, there's nothing much sweeter than stamps and dies from PS, a longtime OWH supporter.

Thanks to the generosity of the uber-talented Kim of Paper Smooches, there is a $20 PS gift certificate up for grabs. The gift certificate will be randomly awarded to one lucky person who links a photo showing both OWH-sketch-inspired cards -- one his and one hers -- by 8 A.M. EST on Tuesday,
July 8.

Parting Thoughts

Have fun! Can't wait to see your sketch-inspired his and hers cards. And can't wait to see what the other hostesses have planned for us. See you at Michelle's at 10:00 EST.  :)

Thanks for stopping and happy scrappin'!

An InLinkz Link-up

4th of July OWH VCMP

 

Hi, everyone!

 

What a nice holiday weekend! The weather's been gorgeous. So, hubby and I went to the pool both Friday and Saturday. Dads came out for a cookout on the 4th. Then, my dad and I went to the local fireworks last night... and couldn't have had a nicer time. And, oh yeah, there's a card party going on! Time for me to catch up. :) 

 

Before I post a couple of cards, a few housekeeping tasks:

• Thanks to Sandy, the OWH team, and all of our hostesses for a really fun party!
• Paper Smooches blog candy is up for grab at the His and Hers challenge (Challenge #1). You have until Tuesday at 8 AM EST to enter.
• Finally, on a totally different note, the Words 2 Scrap By July challenge is open until July 21.

Now, for some cards!!!

 

Faux Techniques

 

 I'm here with the a card for the very last OWH VCMP challenge!

Fancy Pants etcetera, ??? jet black, Distress Ink antique linen
Simon Says hello you sentiment in StazOn jet black
Sizzix/SU and Paper Smooches button dies
stash ribbon; Recollections foam adhesives
antique linen buttons sponged in DI vintage photo with Ranger blending tool

 

This challenge encouraged us to make a card featuring a faux technique. While I really should have taken on the leather or wood techniques, I took an easier way out making some faux buttons. Regardless, I think it's a nice masculine birthday card for one of our troops to send home to a special son/dad/husband.  :)

 

Inching to Christmas

 

OWH Sketch #58
Authentique glistening; American Crafts cardstock
Really Reasonable Ribbon lace; Hero Arts gems
Recollections star punch, stars covered in Glossy Accents
edges distressed with Ranger tool
adhesives: Glossy Accents, Recollections foam adhesives

 

Sherry served up a great Christmas challenge that featured 3 OWH sketches involving "inchies." Have to admit I struggled with this one. The card shown is attempt #2.  :)

 

Critter Love

 

Glitz sunshine in my soul; ??? jet black cardstock
TPC Studio sentiment in Distress Ink Victorian Velvet
Stampin' Up! owl punch; SU/Sizzix birds and branches decorative strip
inking in Distress Ink Victorian Velvet with Ranger blending tool 

 

Went a little rogue on this one, too. It's definitely a love card, but I used a "Miss You" sentiment instead.  :)

 

Teen Time

 

Recollections dp, Distress Ink core, Bazzill cardstock
Recollections foil paper
Paper Smooches image; computer-generated sentiment (mistral)
Creative Memories circle cutting system
Marvy and Paper Shaper circle punches; EK hole punch

 

For this card, I've followed the spirit and not the letter of the challenge. The sample cards showed some great techniques for teen cards. But, I already had these cool PS stamps and funky patterns. So, I went with this instead. Hope that's okay.  :)

 

Thick and Thin Challenge

 

Bo Bunny Liberty Bazzill admiral, Core'dinations white
Recollections jute/burlap; Darice embossing folder
Unity sentiment in Distress Ink vintage photo
Stampin' Up! banner punch; garage sale brads
small stars: ??? corner punch
adhesives: Glossy Accents, Recollections foam square

 

Loved this challenge! And, was thrilled to already have one of the cards done!  :)

 

Sunday Sketch Any Hero Card

 

Bo Bunny Liberty Bazzill admiral, Core'dinations white
Recollections jute/burlap
Stampers Best sentiment in Distress Ink vintage photo
Stampin' Up! banner punch; garage sale brads
adhesives: Zots 3-D glue dots, glue dots, Recollections foam square

 

This sketch just screamed navy background and jute/burlap strip can pass up navy and jute! 

 

Red, White, & Blue Christmas

 

Distress Ink core, Core-dinations white
Hero Arts image in Distress Ink evergreen bough
Stampin' Up! Christmas Collectibles punch and stamp set
image: heat embossed with Distress Ink fired brick
Hero Arts/Mark Richards gems
??? sentiment in Distress Ink chipped sapphire

I was originally skeptical of this challenge, but adored the sample cards. So, glad I gave this a go!

 

 

Mode of Transportation Challenge

 

Fancy Pants beach bum dp; Distress Ink core
Paper Smooches alphadots stamps in Distress Ink vintage photo
car: traced from Cosmo Cricket blackboard, fussy cut, coated in Glossy Accents
Recollections foam adhesives

 

Road trips to the beach are one of my most favorite things!

 

Tip: Coat the traced car with Glossy Accents, then fussy cut. I learned this the hard way!  :)

 

 

Bright Background Challenge

 

Memory Box stencil inked on watercolor paper with blended Distress Inks
Distress Ink core paper; Stampendous silver embossing powder
Paper Studio star punch; Zot 3-D glue dots

This is another quarantined card. Think I need to go over the silver embossing with Glossy Accents to be on the safe side. 

 

Christmas and Winter Cards Challenge

 

Winter: We R Memory Keepers winter frost dp
cardstock: Distress Ink, Cardstock Warehouse Paper Company, American Crafts
Christmas: dp: Echo Park this & that, Authentique glistening,
Bazzill cardstock; Ellen Hutson ribbon
Both: Paper Smooches die set; Really Reasonable Ribbon ribbons
EK border punch for small snowflakes; Marvy circle punches
??? stamp in Distress Ink walnut stain from Nancy for tree image
adhesives: Recollections foam, Glossy Accents, glue dots

Loved this challenge and am crazy-in-love with this PS die set! But, boy did these little guys take some serious time! Still need to do something punny-sentiment-wise on the inside.

 

Tip: Punched out a small circle and placed behind the heads to not have to piece together eyes and mouth circles.

Our Daily Bread Design (winged creature) Challenge

Distress Ink core; Bazzill black and white; stash shiny gray/white for eyes
Stampin Up owl punch, with tons of fussy cutting
SU bird punch for branch; SU small heart punch
Hero Arts/Mark Richards gems; computer-generated original sentiment
adhesive: Glossy Accents

Confession Time: These little guys were made before this weekend. I made the card for this month's Words 2 Scrap By challenge. But, I was hanging on to the card because I really do love it. However, the time has come... The back is stamped and the card is headed to OWH. Just hope it's not too risqué.  :)

 

For the Boy (vintage) Challenge

 

Authentique original; SU retired (garage-sale find) image in Distress Ink walnut stain
Paper Smooches twine; garage sale brads

Wish I had centered the ribbons with the image a little better. Oh well.... As Tim Holtz would say, "Get over yourself!"

 

This card is in quarantine right now because the inked ribbon needs to dry out just a bit.  :)

 

TGIF Challenge

 

Winnie & Walter big bold u in StazOn jet black on watercolor paper
Recollections black cardstock
SU work of art stamp set in Distress Ink bundled sage, "watercolored" with Ranger water brush
Paper Studio brads

Couldn't wait to ink up this SU stamp set! Love this bold sentiment that was also inked up for the first time. "Mounted" this on black, like an abstract painting.  Oh, and loved the name of this challenge!  :)

 

Tip: Sentiment was inked in StazOn because I wanted to "watercolor" the images stamped in Distress Ink bundled sage.

 

Red, White, & Blue Happy Birthday Challenge

 

 

Distress Ink core; Core-dinations white
SU cupcake builder stamps and punch, stamped images heat embossed
TPC Studio sentiment in Distress Ink walnut stain
SU brads; Sizzix/SU embossing folder
Creative Memories oval cutting system
adhesives: Glossy Accents, Zots 3-D glue dots

 

Paper-Piecing for Kids Challenge

 

MME dp; Distress Ink core paper
SU cupcake builder punch; Really Reasonable Ribbon ribbons
Fiskars border punch
adhesives: Recollections foam, Glossy Accents

 

Okay, this isn't my most intricate paper-pieced card, but I'm counting it!

 

Texture Challenge

 

Penny Black stamp, heat embossed in Distress Ink walnut stain
Authentique hero bundle de; Distress Ink core; watercolor paper
Cuttlebug swiss dot and SU herringbone embossing folders
SU tiny banner punch; Paper Smooches twine
sponging in Distress Ink pumice stone with Ranger blending tool

Textures used: heat embossing for stamped image, dry embossing for vertical strip and tiny banner, and twine

 

Tips: Used Glossy Accents to secure twine bow; Added twine at the very end by piercing a hole in top fold of card.

 

Miss You (with 1 circle, 2 banners) Challenge

 

Authentique original; Distress Ink core
Hero Arts image in Distress Ink walnut stain on Crate Paper dp
SU banner dies: SU owl punch (for circles)
Sizzix embossing folder; Zots 3-D glue dots
sponging in Distress Ink chipped sapphire with Ranger blending tool

 

His and Hers OWH Sketch Cards

 

Hi, everyone!

 

There's a huge card-making party going on at Operation Write Home... and I am so excited to be chosen to host the first challenge!  :)

This challenge is to use an OWH sketch to make two cards -- a his card and a her card, as shown at the right. OWH Sketch #161 was the inspiration for these two cards.

Hope you will join in the fun!

 

Today's Sample Cards

As I mentioned, Sketch #161 was the inspiration for my two cards.  Both cards feature products from Paper Smooches -- one of my favorite companies. The watercolor card is a new venture for me -- using a couple of techniques we learned in our Simon Says CREATE event. (Thanks, Simon Says teachers!) Super Boy is a return to a favorite technique -- paper piecing for kid cards. 

Watercolored Flowers supplies: Bazzill white and Distress Ink core paper; Distress Ink: evergreen bough, spun sugar, scattered straw, milled lavender; Paper Smooches botannicals 2 and crystal clear stamps; Hero Arts/BasicGrey leaf & flourish stencil; Sizzix embossing folder; Fiskars border punch; Creative Memories oval cutting system; Tim Holtz water brush; Stampin' Up! and Paper Studio brads; Recollections foam adhesives

Super Boy supplies: Distress Ink core, Recollections black; Paper Smooches super stamps and dies , heat embossed in Distress Ink black soot and paper-pieced; Darice embossing folder; Recollections white star brads, colored with Sharpie black permanent marker; computer-generated POW! starburst; ??? corner punch (for small stars);
Recollections foam adhesives

 

 

Parting Thoughts

I used Paper Smooches stamps on the Hers card and Paper Smooches stamps and coordinating dies on my His card. And, Kim at Paper Smooches is giving away some blog candy for this challenge! Please check out the instructions on my official VCMP post for a chance to win a $20 PS gift certificate!   Blog Candy just doesn't get any sweeter than goodies from PS!  :)

There's lots more fun going on this 3-day weekend at Operation Write Home. If you're up to a challenge or two... or eighteen, check it out! And, after the party is over, Bobbi and I would love for you to join us at Words 2 Scrap By for a  word-inspired challenge.

Enjoy this celebration of our nation's birthday. Thanks for stopping and happy scrappin'!