One of the ladies at Stampin Addicts very graciously sent some card fronts (and envelopes!) that she no longer can use, so that I could turn them into full cards to send to Operation Write Home. OWH is a fabulous organization that collects hand-crafted cards from crafters, packs them up, and sends them to deployed service members so that they can stay in touch with their loved ones at home. It means SO MUCH to these heroes to be able to send their kid a birthday card, or their mom a Mother's Day card, or their spouse an anniversary card. There are no card shops in Iraq or Afghanistan, or wherever they are deployed, so we try to help 'em out, by helping spread the love.
In addition to the card fronts I received, I had a huge stack of cards and card fronts with retired stamps or cardstock that I donated as well. So, in that box, all stamped with the OWH logo on back, and tucked in their envelopes, are 166 assorted cards, from Christmas, to birthday, to love you/thinking of you, to thank-yous. And on top of the pile are four more "Anyhero" cards. These are from me, personally, to any service person, thanking them for their service to our country. I truly am grateful for their sacrifice and my family's freedom!
P.S. I haven't forgotten the basket tutorial. I had to clear my three craft tables of this project first!
Hello, and welcome once again to the Stampin' Addicts MEGA blog hop! We're so glad you joined us!!! This time we are featuring products from Stampin' Up!'s new Idea Book & Catalog. If you have followed the hop from the beginning, you probably arrived from Joyce's blog Stampin' Central, where she's showcasing the Just Believe stamp set. If you just happened to pop in here first, don't worry.... keep clicking the links at the bottom of each blog on the tour and you'll come full circle! The hop lasts until Sunday at midnight, so grab a cuppa, get comfy, and enjoy!
Today I'm featuring the Countryside stamp set. I adore that old truck, because it reminds me of my husband. No, not because he's old (though he is, heehee), but because we both love classic cars. In fact, he's working on restoring a '54 Chevrolet Sedan Delivery! And, as we all know, 1954 was a very good year. ;-)
Anyway, I thought the first card should have an aged, vintage look to match the vintage vehicle, so there's lots of tearing and distressing, with some spatters thrown in for good measure.
Sentiment Stamp: Teeny Tiny Wishes
Cardstock: Early Espresso, Old Olive, Very Vanilla, Watercolor Paper
DSP: Patterns Pack - In Color (Hostess Level 1)
Ink: Soft Suede and Poppy Parade Classic
Accessories: Antique Brads, Metallic Brads, Linen Thread,Color Spritzer Tool, Aqua Painter, Square Lattice Embossing Folder
This next card uses two other stamps from the five piece set. Again, I thought the vintage look was appropriate, but with a more feminine feel.
Sentiment Stamp: Silhouette Sentiments (Hostess Level 1)
Cardstock: Baja Breeze, Very Vanilla, Early Espresso
DSP: Elegant Soiree
Ink: Early Espresso Classic
Accessories: Elegant Lines Embossing Folder, Chantilly Crochet Trim, Vintage Trinkets, Scallop Edge Border Punch, Jewelry Tag Punch
For the last card, I just HAD to watercolor that truck! After stamping it with black StazOn ink on Watercolor Paper, I used an Aqua Painter with Classic ink pads to paint it. Isn't that blue gorgeous? The clouds in the background were sponged on over a mask cut from sticky notes.
Background Stamp: Woodgrain
Cardstock: Early Espresso, Very Vanilla, Basic Black, Pacific Point, Watercolor Paper
Ink: Jet Black StazOn, Pacific Point, Marina Mist, Poppy Parade, Soft Suede, Basic Gray, and Always Artichoke Classic
Accessories: Early Espresso 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Aqua Painter
For my final project, I made a little produce basket, since that stamp set makes me think of a farm stand. I don't have any apples growing in my garden, but since I do have an abundance of cherry tomatoes, I figured they could be pretend apples. :-) They're so yummy, I could eat them like candy all day long!!!
Background Stamp: Sanded
Cardstock: 12x12 Very Vanilla
Ink: Soft Suede, Poppy Parade
Accessories: Antique Brads, Poppy Parade 1/2" Stitched-Poly Ribbon, Scallop Edge Border Punch, Blender Pens
That concludes my little stop on the hop - I hope you were inspired! Next stop is Mickey's blog, Paper Conversation, where she's going to wow you with the Aviary stamp set! When you are all finished hopping, be sure to check out Stampin' Addicts, where the nicest creative people gather to share ideas and support. Stampin' Up! demonstrators and customers are welcome!!!
Couple of quick notes here, as I come up for air from my stamping frenzy. First, I want to remind everyone about the Stampin' Addicts New Catalog Mega Hop tomorrow, showcasing goodies from the newly released SU Idea Book & Catalog! I'll be featuring the Countryside stamp set; doesn't it just give you a homey feeling? No, not homey as in home-boy.....sheesh. I love old cars and trucks, and this truck just really appeals to me. It ap-peels to me, too, get it?
Be sure to check back any time between tomorrow morning and Sunday night to see what everyone has done with their featured stamp set and/or accessories. You can start here and just follow the links to the next stop that will be posted on every page. It it scheduled to go live at 9:00 a.m. Pacific time and end at midnight Sunday. You will be inspired!!!
Second, I wanted to post a quick card that was made for my sister to give her friend, who just lost her brother after a long illness.
Stamps: Upsy Daisy (111710), Teeny Tiny Wishes (115370)
Cardstock: Bravo Burgundy (105123), Always Artichoke (105119), Very Vanilla (101650), Basic Black (121045)
Ink: Bravo Burgundy Classic (105215), Basic Black (101179)
Accessories: Styled Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware (112454). Basic Black 5/8" Satin Ribbon 117285)
Okay, back to the stamp cave for more creativity! Hmmmm, maybe I need to run to Starbucks first.
See you tomorrow!!!
