Word Art Wednesday Challenge #236 and #237

Good morning and welcome to a new bi-weekly challenge at Word Art Wednesday! 

 Today we have a beautiful scripture from the New Testament, specifically 2 Corinthians.  And this one is perfect for your patriotic cards!  I love this time of year.  Memorial Day, Flag Day and the Fourth of July are some of my favorites.  I love seeing the red, white and blue bunting and Old Glory waving in the breeze.  This scripture is just perfect for those sentiments...  I chose some lovely patriotic paper and went to work...

I used a white card stock base (4.25 x 5.5) for my foundation, cutting a red layer of 4.25 and 5.5 inches, a slightly smaller white matting and finally a top layer of blue CS.  I chose a couple of coordinating designer papers from the Americana collection by Pebbles and cut out a center piece using Our Daily Bread Designs' Double Stitched Rectangles Die.  I cut two in two separate patterns and then split the difference.  I printed my scripture panel on white card stock and used another die from Our Daily Bread Designs, (Double Stitched Circles) to cut it out.  I added a flag DP strip before adding the sentiment panel with dimensional foam.  For my floral spray, I chose a white mulberry rose, 2 red roses and a couple of pale blue blossoms.  I used a couple of Martha Stewart punches from my stash to create two colors of green leaves and kraft twigs.  I placed them all together in the corner to mimic a spray...

So fun, don't  you think?  

Thanks as always for stopping by and don't forget to visit Word Art Wednesday for your own copy of the digital scripture and the link to play along!

Blessings...

CTMH ~ Land of the Free ~

For all of my friends in the United States, Happy 4th of July!  I hope this post finds you enjoying a day full of friends and fun!  I have a simple card to share today featuring an older Close To My Heart release.  I'm not sure if this was a special monthly set or just is no longer in the catalog.  I normally don't like to feature things that you can't purchase.  However, I REALLY wanted to use this stamp for a project this year!  So here it is!  It features Close To My Heart's Home of the Brave set.

I started with a 5.5 x 4.25 inch blue card stock base and added a red mat.  I stamped the Statue of Liberty image and added 3 inked images (red, blue and yellow) of my firecrackers.  I finished the card by stamping the sentiment in black ink in the corner.  

I took some time today to catch up on my daily Bible reading...  I have been studying for a HR re-certification course...  and sadly my Bible studies fell behind.  Today, I found myself in the book of Philippians...

"For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself."

    Phillippians 3:20-21 NASB (New American Standard Bible)

I have always been a proud American.  The 4th of July always brings a surge of patriotism for me.    This scripture brought a powerful truth home to me.  I am just passing through.  This place...  isn't my home...  I might be a citizen of the US of A...  but that is temporary...  I hold a citizenship that trumps all others....  Do you???  

Blessings...

Lori  

SU ~ Star Spangled Chevrons ~

Good morning and welcome!  Today, I have a different project celebrating the upcoming 4^th of July holiday.  If you are a trend watcher, you know that chevrons have been BIG.  You see them everywhere from home decor to ladies' fashion.  And I everyone from the cutest little girls with brightly colored hair bows to middle aged voluptuous ladies And yes, I count myself among the latter!  :-)  Anytime I find a trend that catches my eye, I try to incorporate it into my paper projects.  A friend of mine has an embroidery business and she shared a fun project she was working on via Social media.  It involved chevrons (created with red Ric Rac) and her interpretation of Ol' Glory.  I was amazed/bedazzled/inspired and nearly passed out...  Did I mention I was totally bedazzled????  SO what does any crafter do when inspiration strikes??  You run to your craft room and go with it!!!                                                          

I started out my stamping my blue field twice, first on the actual focal panel and then again on a piece of scrap paper.  I cut the second one out to use as a mask.  I placed the mask over my original blue field and used the chevron stamp to create my stripes, stamping over the masked area for continuity.  And yes, I used a stamp positioner for this part, because spaced these just right is very tricky...  and I am so not talented...

and the set that started it all... Work of Art

I love this set!  When I first looked at it in the catalog, I was struggling for ideas...  but now I am so hooked and can't wait to do more...  rainbows... masculine cards...  the possibilities are endless!

additional supplies 

Stampin' Up - Night of Navy  Card stock and Ink

Real Red - Card Stock and Ink 

White Card stock - Georgia Pacific

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I hope you have a wonderful day!

WAW87 & MOJO300 ~ Psalm 33:12 ~

Welcome and Happy Wednesday!  The week has flown by and today it's time for another fabulous challenge at Word Art Wednesday .  Check out the WAW site for all the details including this week's digital scripture image, how to link your creation AND info on our fabulous prizes! 

A big thank you to both Lisa's Altered Art and Eureka for providing prizes this week!

This week we are using Psalm 33:12...

The design was based on this week's Mojo Monday sketch using some patriotic papers and a new die in my stash.  The sentiment panel is kraft with a mulberry rose and die cut foliage for depth. 

 

Thanks for stopping by!  Until next time...

 

Blessings...

 

Card Recipe

 

Stamps - Digital by Word Art Wednesday

Papers - Bo Bunny - Anthem Collection, The Paper Studio, Bazzill

Dies - Cheery Lynn Designs - Fanciful Flourish, Spellbinders Stately Circles & Classic Squares Large

Misc. - Martha Stewart Crafts, Recollections Blossom

 

Challenges

 

MOJO300

MOJO297 ~ I Love Freedom ~

Good morning!  Thanks for bearing with me as I get back in the routine of crafting!  As you read this, my hubby will be heading home from rehab after having a bilateral knee replacement.  OUCH!!!  I'm excited to get him home after almost two weeks of being away!  The first week was spent at his bedside.  He had a rough time with surgery and was pretty sick for a few days.  Thankfully, a great many prayers were answered and he is doing well.  Now, I just have to keep the big ole Saints from trying to  make a human pinball out of him...  :-) 

 

Today, I have a sketch inspired card using Our Daily Bread Designs' set, Some Gave All.

 

I used a bit of burlap behind the eagle for added texture.  The colors are really bright on this card.  I wanted to add more embellishments but was afraid of getting it too busy.  :-(

 

  I stamped and colored the eagle image on Copic compatible paper and then fussy cut it.  I added a bit of stickles to each individual star for interest.  The sentiment, embossed with a sand color EP, is on coordinating DP.  I used a paper edger punch to create the scallops behind the panel. 

 

Thanks for stopping by and your sweet comments!

 

Card Recipe

 

Stamps - Our Daily Bread Designs -  Some Gave All.

 

 

Papers - Bazzill, Bo Bunny Anthem Collection

Ink - Versamark, Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics

Misc. - Embossing Powder - American Crafts Brown Sugar, MS Crafts Paper Edger, Burlap, Ranger Diamond Stickles

 

Challenges

 

MOJO297

 

 



SC392 & WAW35 ~ Patriotic Picnic

Welcome back! So glad you took a few moments out of your busy day to stop by! This post features a card I created for a Splitcoast sketch challenge. Here's the sketch...

And my interpretation...

The doily is actually a Cheery Lynn Die cut that I cut in half and attached to the focal panel. Sometimes, things just don't fit right and you have to make adjustments. I wish blue jeans worked that way! lol... The image by Our Daily Bread Designs may be found in the Thank You Sentiments set. I colored it with Copics and added some Meadow Flower Soft for texture. Thanks for looking and until next time...

Blessings...

Lori

Card Recipe

Stamps - Our Daily Bread Designs - Thank You Sentiments
Ink - Memento - Tuxedo Black & Summer Sky (sponged on sky background); Copics
Paper - Bazzill; Gina K Designs Pure Luxury; K & Company Americana
Dies - Cheery Lynn Designs - French Pastry; Spellbinders - Petite Scalloped Circles Large & Standard Circles Large
Misc. - Ribbon - Offray; Flower Soft - Meadow

Challenges

Splitcoast Stampers - SC392 - Sketch

Word Art Wednesday - Blessings From God - WAW35

JUGS143, WAW35 & IBSIC15 ~ You Are Not Forgotten

I am so thankful to have a few days of vacation! Remember how I waxed eloquent about dust bunnies earlier in the week? Yep, they are still with me! I believe the dust bunnies are safe! But my blog isn't! I popped in to share another card I created with our nation's birthday in mind. So many people over the years have contributed to our freedom going back to the Revolutionary War. It is important to remember those who sacrificed here at home and on foreign battlefields. Many gave their lives to preserve, protect and defend the freedoms we enjoy. Today's card is for a very special Gold Star Mother. Please, today before you enjoy good food, fun and fellowship, please say a prayer... a prayer for those in harm's way! God bless you and GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!

Today's project is a 4 x 6 card. I cut 1/2 inch red card stock strips and overlapped them to resemble siding. After placing my door die (white card stock)in the center I used a brick embossing folder (also on white card stock) to create my brick. I inked the embossed panel with Memento ink and cut a  1 inch strip (glued on the bottom) and a 1/2 inch piece (layered on top to create the step.) My flower pot is a circle punch cut on each end. I added a heavy layer of Flower Soft along with some paper punched fronds and sprigs. The flowers are also paper punches. The star was punched from gold paper and lightly scored on the back to give it dimension. I added a swath of ribbon under it and attached it to the door. The doorknob is a simple gold dew drop. I also added a tiny gold card stock kick plate for interest. This sentiment (Our Daily Bread Designs' Not Forgotten set) is perfect for cards going to our military or their loved ones!  They are a must have for your collection if you are like me and LOVE anything patriotic!  Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful and safe 4th of July!!!

Card Recipe

Stamps - Our Daily Bread Designs - Not Forgotten
Paper - Bazzill, Colorbok, America Craft
Ink - Versafine Onyx Black; Memento - Rhubard Stalk (brick)
Embossing Folder - Sizzix - Tim Holtz Alterations - Bricked
Dies - Memory Box - Grand Madison Door
Punches - Frond, Hydrangea & Sprigs - Martha Stewart Crafts; Sunburst (inside of flowers) - Punch Bunch; Creative Memories - Star and Circle
Misc. - Flower Soft - Meadow; Ribbon & Dew Drop from my stash


Challenges

Just Us Girls - JUGS143 - Stars and Sparkles - Gold Card Stock and Star Punch
Word Art Wednesday - Blessings From God - WAW35
Inspired by Stamping Inspiration Challenge - IBSIC15 - Red, White & Blue

Exploring Cricut - Red, White & Blue

Welcome to another fun challenge at Exploring Cricut. This week we want to see projects with

Red, White & Blue

After all, our friends in the United States celebrate Independence Day this week! So pull out your favorite cartridge and go to work!

And my project for the week...

Cricut Cuts

Stand and Salute - Statue of Liberty 5 inches & Banner at 1.5 inches

I created my base with a 12 x 6 inch piece of kraft paper, scored and rounded on the corners. My DP (K & Co) was matted with a bit of green card stock. (I was trying to mimic the copper patina our Lady Liberty has...) I inked all sides of Lady Liberty with distress ink for depth. The sentiment (Our Daily Bread Designs' In God We Trust set) was stamped with dark blue ink on the top banner layer before adding with dimensional foam.)

Thanks for looking and be sure to check back Thursday for Our Daily Bread Designs' Alumni Hop and Fridy for another Exploring Cricut post! Thanks so much for spending a few moments with me!

Blessings...

Card Recipe

Cartridge - Stand and Salute
Stamps - Our Daily Bread Designs - In God We Trust
Paper - Bazzill; Paper Studio; K & Company - Americana
Ink - Close to My Heart - Outdoor Denim; Ranger Distress Ink - Frayed Burlap
Misc. - Corner Rounder

ODBD's Alumni Team Hop ~ Good Stewards!

Welcome to Our Daily Bread Design's Alumni Team's bi-monthly For the Love Blog Hop. This week the Alumni team along with some of the ODBD designers are featuring a hop For the Love of ODBD Good Steward sets! Check out each link and leave a comment. If you get lost along the way, check the ODBD blog for full list of links. One of the posts is a hop hot spot and a name will be drawn from that list of comments to win a $15 ODBD store gift certificate. So, all you have to do is hop along and see all the creations and leave a little love! You have until Wednesday, July 4th at 6 pm. Enjoy all the awesome inspiration using For the Love of ODBD Good Steward sets!

If you arrived here from Angie's FABULOUS blog you are in the right spot! If not, head over to ODBD's Blog for a full link list.

Today I have THREE sets to show you!

God Bless America





I Pledge Allegiance





and In God We Trust





You have one final stop to make on today's hop. I will send you back to ODBD's blog. Blessings and thanks so much for stopping by!

Card Recipes

God Bless America

Stamps - ODBD - God Bless America
Paper - Bazzill; The Paper Loft; Neenah
Ink - Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics, Versafine Onyx Black
Dies - Spellbinders Ovals Large & Classic Scalloped Ovals Large
Misc. - Jute; Silver Pearls

I Pledge Allegiance

Stamps - ODBD - I Pledge Allegiance
Paper - Bazzill; Bo Bunny
Ink - Memento Tuxedo Black
Dies - Spellbinders - Labels Eighteen; Cricut - George Cartridge
Misc. - Doily Wilton; Charm; Hemp Twine

In God We Trust


Stamps - ODBD - In God We Trust
Paper - Bazzill; American Crafts; Neenah
Ink - Memento Tuxedo Black, Memento Summer Sky, Copics
Dies - Spellbinders Standard Circles Large & Petite Scalloped Circles Large
Misc. - Punch - Creative Memories; Silver Pearls; Lace; ScorPal

Exploring Cricut ~ Cricut Choice

Welcome to another fun challenge at Exploring Cricut.

This week Diane has asked the team to try something new! Grab a cartridge that you have not used or used very little and create a card, layout, or papercraft. Explore the unknown! Have fun with this one!

I decided to used Independence Day and make some home decor...

Cuts

4 - Triangle Pennants (red, white and blue layers) cut at 3 inches
4 - Bunting Cuts (red, white and blue layers) cut at 2 inches

To assemble this project, you will need

5 - 4 inch coordinating pieces of ribbon
1 - piece of jute - 24 inches

Directions

1. Cut all Cricut cuts and assemble
2. Hot glue pennants (alternating designs) on jute.
3. Fold ribbon and adhere between cuts. I used glue dots for this part.
4. Trim ribbon as desired.
5. Trim jute to desired length and enjoy!

So easy and fun! This project will remain on my corner cabinet until after Labor Day! I love anything Americana (as you can see by the items in my cabinet...) Thanks for stopping in and until next time... Blessings...

Lori

ODBDSLC69 Paper Piercing

Its hard to believe its time again for Our Daily Bread Designs' Shining the Light Challenge! Time flies when you are having fun! This week's challenge:

Paper Piercing

To make the challenge even more fun, Kelley will be giving out a prize, a $15 gift certificate to be used toward stamps at the Our Daily Bread Designs store!! Entries for the prize must be submitted by Thursday, July 28. One random winner will be chosen and announced next Saturday. If you are not using ODBD stamps, please do not enter more than once. Additional entries without using ODBD stamps will not be commented on or will they qualify for prizes. You can find complete details/rules at ODBD's blog. Make sure when posting your creations to use the tag, ODBDSLC69. We want to see what fabulous things you are making! Make sure you join us next Saturday to see the prize winning creation plus to see what the new challenge will be! I promise it will be fun!

And my design for this week's challenge...




I stamped the image of the soldier and scripture on first. I then created a mask to place over that half of the card and stamped the flag background on. I stamped the scripture on a second piece of kraft card stock, matting it and using pops dots to give it dimension. I used a paper piercing tool to outline all of my images and portions of the flag (white stripes.) I finished off my image with a simple satin yellow bow attached with a dress makers pin and affixed patriotic metal embellishment. Here's a close up...



Card Recipe

Card Stock - Bazzill
Stamps - Our Daily Bread Designs - Not Forgotten, Old Flag Background
Ink - Memento Tuxedo Black
Ribbon, Embellishment, Dress Maker's Pin
Paper Piercing Tool

Thanks again and I can't wait to see what you will create! Please visit my sister sticks to see the eye candy they have for you!

Chris
Fran
Pat
Sabrina

ODBDSLC67 Red White & Blue

Top of the morning to ya! It is my favorite time of the week... ODBD Shining the Light Challenge time...

Here are all the details...

We are asking participants to use red, white and blue on their creation. It is the most patriotic time of year after all... To make the challenge even more fun, Kelley will be giving out a prize, a $15 gift certificate to be used toward stamps at the Our Daily Bread Designs store!! Entries for the prize must be submitted by Thursday, July 14. One random winner will be chosen and announced next Saturday. If you are not using ODBD stamps, please do not enter more than once. Additional entries without using ODBD stamps will not be commented on or will they qualify for prizes.

While it is not required to use Our Daily Bread Designs images and sentiments on your creations, we would love to see them if you have them! As a way of recognizing those who do use Our Daily Bread Designs stamps, we will again be choosing 1 to 2 creations to spotlight for our Shining the Light Award. In order to qualify for this award, however, you must use Our Daily Bread stamps and have your submission added to Mr. Linky by July 14at 8 p.m. EST.If you upload your creations to SplitcoastStampers or any other online gallery, please use the keyword ODBDSLC67. When creating your posts on blogs please include a link to the challenge.

And here is my card for this week's challenge...



Recipe

Paper - Bazzill, Neenah Solar Classic
Ink - Copic, Versamark
Stamps - ODBD - Old Flag Background, God Bless America, Our Daily Bread
Embossing Powder - Ranger Queen's Gold
Dies - Spellbinders Ribbon Banners, Labels Eleven
Ribbon, Brads, White Gel Pen

Would you be so kind as to visit my sister sticks and show them some love! They have created some red, white and blue beauties for ya! Blessings...

Chris
Fran
Pat

Happy 4th of July!

Happy Monday to ya! I smell a nice LONG weekend coming, what about you??? I am so excited! But I am even more excited about the card I have to share today! This card was truly a labor of love! And boy did I ever labor over that ribbon... lol... It was a bear! But I have to say I LOVE the results! And even better, most of the items I used today were found at my local Big Lots! And no, I do not own stock in the company... though I should! The stamp I used was a $2 score along with the chipboard stars (for $1.00). You can't get any better than that! In my experience, you have to keep checking their crafts supplies because it does change frequently. However, you can get some great things there! And one of our dear alumni (Miss Mabel the St. Bernard) will be featured in this weekend's ad). So if you get the Big Lots circular, check it out! She will be modeling a foam pet bed! I received my email today with her lovely mug in it! So I have two reasons to hang out there... lol...

Well on to today's card...



Card Recipe

Card Stock - Bazzill, Colorbok
Designer Paper - Kaisercraft - Lovestruck
Stamp - Hampton Art
Ink - Memento Paris Dusk & Lady Bug
Punch - Martha Stewart for EK Success
Die Cut - Spellbinders - Floral Doily Motifs
Pearls - Recollections (Michael's)
Ribbon - Celebrate It (Michael's)1 1/2 inch & 5/8 inch
Chipboard - Chip Chatter Shapes by Pressed Petals

Some News PLUS a Card!

Whew! Vacation Bible School came to a close Friday night. It is hard to believe the week is already over! I am sad to see it go. This year I had the privilege of working with the 5th and 6th grade girls. We had a blast! I remember Vacation Bible School fondly and I know these ladies will too. Pray for continued blessings on them and their families as they take what they learned out into the world!

In addition, I have some exciting news to share. A few months back, I had the distinct pleasure of working as a guest challenge team member for Our Daily Bread Designs. Many of you know, I am a huge fan of their stamps. Beginning July 9th, I will be joining the Shining the Light Challenge Team. I am so thrilled that Kelley (the owner) and Chris (challenge team coordinator) asked me to come back! The ladies are absolutely wonderful! I just can't say enough about how gracious they have been to me. So please make a point to come out and play! I would love to see you there!

And on to today's card...



Recipe

Card Stock - Bazzill
Designer Paper - K & Company - Americana Specialty Paper Pad
Stamps - ODBD - God Bless America stamped on the background; I Pledge Allegiance used as the sentiment
Embossing Powder - Stampendous - Pearlustre - Sapphire
Ink - Versamark (Pledge); Stampin' Up - Going Gray (Flag Background)
Die Cuts - Cricut - Just a Note (Pinwheels)
Embossing Folder - Provocraft Swiss Dots (Pinwheels)
Brads (Pinwheels)
Foam Tape
Jute
USA Brad - from my stash

And a close up...

Thanks so much for reading! I will see you next time!

MMSC108; BnW Challenge Blog - We Salute You

Thank you to Priscilla and crew over at Priscilla Styles, home of Midnight Madness Sketch Challenges. I am so honored to have been selected as their Gold Star Winner for Challenge #107. I can't believe my card was selected. There were some BEAUTIFUL entries. It is only by HIS grace I do what I do. Thank you ladies for providing inspiration and feedback! This card required me to get out my Copics and boy are they rusty... I need to practice again... Blessings to you and I pray you make it a wonderful day!

Today's Challenges

MMSC108
BnW Challenge Blog


Lori
Saintsrule!

Card Recipe

Card Stock - Bazzill, Colorbok
Designer Paper - My Mind's Eye - American Made Collection
Stamps - Image - Elisabeth Bell for Whiff of Joy - Sitting Summer Willow; Sentiment - Papertrey Ink - Vintage Picnic Sentiments
Ink - Image - Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics; Sentiment - Close to My Heart Outdoor Denim; Background - Memento Summer Sky
Die Cuts - Spellbinders - Beaded Ovals, Classic Scalloped Ovals Small, Classic Ovals Small, Ribbon Banners
Pearls - Recollections
Boutonniere Pin - Unknown
Ribbon - Celebrate It - Basic
Brad - Recollections
Punches - Martha Stewart for EK Success
Pearls - Recollections
Stickles - Diamond (on hat and dress trim)

In God We Trust

Today's card was an attempt at Mojo Monday... except you can tell my mojo wasn't quite on target. lol... I couldn't manage to mimic the sketch to my satisfaction so I decided to leave it as it. I won't be submitting this one but I like it nonetheless. Sometimes we just need to be happy with what we have, right? Hope you are enjoying your Sabbath and we will talk again soon! Blessings.

Lori

Recipe

Card Stock - Bazzill, Colorbok
Designer Paper - My Mind's Eye - American Made collection
Stamps - ODBD - In God We Trust
Ink - Memento - Tuxedo Black; Copics; Versamark
Embossing Powder - Ranger Rich Red
Die Cut - Doodlecharms Cricut Cartridge; Spellbinders - Standard Circles Large, Petite Scalloped Circles Large
Ribbon - Stampin' Up

Pledge of Allegiance

I love red, white and blue! It is one of my favorite combos. And when I found this fun line of paper by My Mind's Eye... well I almost danced in the store aisle! ;^) Memorial Day always puts me in that frame of mind. As hubby and I travel this week we will pull out our trusty road atlas to monitor how to get from point A to point B. (And the GPS too...) Kinda like the sketch challenge over at ODBD. I love taking card stock (point A) following the map (the sketch) and seeing the finished product (point B). The only limits are those I place on myself! ***** And by the way, I am having so much fun traveling, I missed the deadline...(insert sad face here...) But I decided to publish it anyway!

With that theme in mind today, I pulled some old tried and true images from Our Daily Bread Designs. I have fond memories of standing in homeroom as a child reciting the Pledge. Gosh, I'm dating myself... we even had devotions and the ten commandments on our classroom wall!!! Today the ACLU would have a field day with that... Kinda ironic... it seems when our nation is in trouble, we recognize the Creator but otherwise our country has no room for Him...

Something to think about... Blessings to you and yours. We will chat again soon!

Lori
Saintsrule!



Yes, I have gone punch crazy... those 40% off coupons at Michaels aren't helping... lol... I just love making my own foliage and flowers... addictive!!!!



Products

Paper - Bazzill, Colorbok, My Mind's Eye - American Made - Petticoat Plaid
Stamps - Our Daily Bread Designs - Pledge of Allegiance; On Eagles' Wings
Ink - Stampin' Up - Going Gray, Close to My Heart - Outdoor Denim
Dies - Spellbinders - Lattice Pendant; Labels One
Punches - Martha Stewart for EK Success
Pearls - Recollections
Fiber - Baker's Twine

If it Weren't For the Brave...

Happy Memorial Day Weekend! We have completed our trips to the local cemeteries. My Mother still refers to Memorial Day as Decoration Day. She talks fondly of the days when her parents would take her to the cemetery to clean and decorate loved ones graves. It was an all day event. They even packed their lunches! It seems like many view Memorial Day weekend as a chance to catch up on chores around the house and break out the newest rib recipe! Believe me, I love ribs....

But the truth is, many generations of Americans sacrificed years and some their lives in service to our country. And that is why I love Memorial Day. You will find me out at 7AM tomorrow morning lowering Old Glory to half mast. And I will return at noon to raise her back to full mast. It's more than hotdogs and hamburgers. It's about those who put their lives in harms way to preserve the American way of life. There is no doubt God has blessed our nation mightily. And with those blessings come HUGE responsibilities. I am so thankful to be an American. And in the spirit of this stamp...if it weren't for the brave, there'd be no land of the free! There isn't anywhere else I would want to be. God bless you and God bless America!

Today's image is one of my favorite images from Eat Cake Graphics. Enjoy!



Card Recipe

5 1/2 x 7 1/2

Card Stock - Bazzill, Colorbok
Designer Paper - the classifieds from my local paper... (great way to be green)
Image - Eat Cake Graphics
Ink - Memento Tuxedo Black; Summer Sky (sponged on sky); Copics
Uni-ball Signo White Gen Pen (stars on flags and accents on faces)
Stickles - Diamond (stars)
Jute

Blessed is the Nation

I hope you are having a wonderful Sunday! We have been battling high wind and rain the last few days. Nothing like our neighbors to the south, however! My prayers are with those affected in the deep south by the rash of spring tornados and high winds.

Today I have a "hybrid" card for you. In this example I used stamps from two companies. As many of you know from some of my previous posts, I love anything red, white and blue. My home is awash with both colors. I come by it honestly. Both sides of my family have a record of patriotic service. I have at least one direct ancestor in each war in American history with one exception... the Spanish - American War... My father's family settled Kentucky many years ago on a Revolutionary War land grant that was given to one of his direct ancestors in return for his wartime service. My father served in the Marines during the Korean Conflict (Semper Fi).... Dad passed on 15 years ago this May. And it seems like this time of year brings back fond memories of him. He loved his country as much as his only daughter does. And I feel certain he would appreciate the sentiment expressed by this card. Blessings to you this Lord's day!

Lori



Recipe

Paper - Bazzill, DCWV Nantucket Paper Stack
Stamps - Cornish Heritage Farms - Thomas Kinkaide - Hometown Pride; Our Daily Bread Designs - In God We Trust
Ink - Memento - Tuxedo Black (image), Paris Dusk (sentiment)
Colored Pencils (field of blue and red stripes on flag)

And here's a photo of dear ole Dad... circa 1952...

Anything goes!

I love a challenge where anything goes, don't you? This week at Our Daily Bread Designs participants can use any theme and/or ODBD stamp of their choosing. I love anything patriotic and with Veteran's Day coming up in November, I thought I would get a jump on my card making!

Thank you to all of those who have served our country in times of war or peace! Freedom is a precious gift! Blessings to you and yours!

Lori

Card Recipe

Card Stock - Bazzill
Card Stock - Image - Neenah Solar Crest
Designer Paper - We R Memory Keepers - Old Glory - Pennant, Freedom
Stamps - Image & Sentiment - Our Daily Bread Designs - God Bless America
Ink - Image - Memento - Tuxedo Black
Ink - Image - sponged over coloring - Memento Desert Sand
Ink - Markers - Copic
Ink - Sentiment - Close to My Heart - Moonstruck
Ribbon - Offray - Satin - 5/8 Royal



Copics

Field of Blue - B32, B34, B37
Red Stripes - R29, R59, W3 (tone reds down)
Shadows in white - C1, C2
Memento Desert Sand sponged over entire image after coloring