Paying Forward with OWH

As this week's featured card maker Lisa so eloquently says on  The Purple Place, it is indeed an honor to be a part of Operation Write Home and it is a work of heart to make cards for our heroes and their loved ones. It is wonderful to be a part of the OWH family.

My sincerest thanks to OWH and Julie for choosing to showcase one of my designs and a few sample cards. I have to say the pressure was really on -- and I hope this week's sketch inspires a lot of wonderful creations!


Operation Write Home has provided me with a way to pay forward for all of the blessings bestowed upon my family and me over the years.

• As with many OWHers, the military has played a significant role in my family's life. As some of you know, my father-in-law was a B-17 pilot, flying several missions over Germany during World War II. He is the most amazing man -- one of America's Greatest Generation.
• And, my Uncle Charlie and Uncle Ken served in the Navy and Army, respectively -- with my Uncle Ken serving in Vietnam. (Needless to say, the Army-Navy football game is a major event in those two households!) 
• Finally, as a former high school teacher, I taught a number of young people who enlisted in a branch of the military following graduation. It's humbling to think that one of their loved ones could be receiving one of my cards. Paying forward, indeed!

A few quick words about the sample cards.

• The Gratitude card is from my favorite paper -- the Bo Bunny Snowfall collection -- and was featured in a previous post.
• The paper for the Asian-inspired card is KaiserCraft's Lush Collection. When Julie contacted me this week about using my sketch, I knew we needed a springier sample and this card was born.
• Of course, the patriotic card is my Any Hero interpretation for the week. (I'm happy to say that I have 5 Any Hero cards going out in my shipment this week!) I've had the star paper forever -- and think it's from Creative Memories. The Kraft paper is by BasicGrey. And, it might be worth mentioning that the kraft star is 3 layers -- with the bottom layer adhered directly to the card and the top and middle layers adhered using a pop dot.

Thanks for stopping by Scrapping with Purpose! :)   And, kudos to Operation Write Home for being such an awesome group that does amazing things one card at a time! 

Happy scrappin'!

This Sunday's OWH Sketch

Hi, all,

A short post before work. I wanted to let everyone know what an exciting week it's been for me on the OWH front.

1. My blog has been added to the OWH Blogger Circle! (Now, if someone can help me figure out how to add badges to my blog, I'd be very grateful.)
2. A little bird named Julie told me that a sketch and a few sample cards of mine will be featured on this Sunday's sketch challenge. More information to come.  :)

Happy scrappin'!

Crop Supply List

I've signed up for a day-long crop on Saturday -- my first since making cards for OWH.

As I looked around my craft room, I thought there is no way to take all of these things. And, I don't have a whole lot of extra time to figure this out.

Then I had one of those light bulb moments. Thinking this probably won't be my last day-long crop, I decided to make a crop supply list -- ala a grocery or packing list.

And, when I was creating the list, I had the second light bulb moment. I realized the very first thing on the list needs to be sketches of the cards I'll be working on at the crop. Then, I can use the sketches to go through the list and check off what I need for the day.



If you think this list would come in handy, feel free to use it.

But, you may have noticed my list is missing a Cricut machine. (Sadly, my craft room doesn't have one of those.) So, if you're lucky enough to have one -- or some other great tool you'd like to include on the list, I'd be happy to send the word doc as an attachment for you to customize to better fit your needs.

And, if you've already come up with a similar list/tool -- and have suggestions on how this one can be improved, please share!  :)

Thanks for stopping by and happy scrappin'!

OWH Sketch #105

Hi, everyone,

A short post today so I can get back to making cards during the football games.

The top card follows the sketch to the T. The middle and bottom cards take a little bit more liberty with this week's sketch. (The bottom card is this week's Any Hero card -- 4 for 4!!!)

All three cards were made using the same gorgeous paper as last week's card. (The Any Hero card has the same lovely ribbon, although the ribbon didn't scan quite as well in this image.) And, all three cards have gold embossed images from Hero Arts Stamps and Swirls collection and embossed/inked cardstock from AC. Finally, a white ribbon and gold stickles add a little extra shimmer to the top and middle cards, respectively.

Think that's it today -- off to make cards I go.

Happy scrappin'!

Fallng in Love with Ranger Products

I'll be the first to admit I'm soooo late to this party. Lots of my fellow OWH'ers and card-making friends have long sung the praises of Tim Holtz and his Ranger products. But, better late than never!

The card below is my first with his products. And, I'm beginning to see what all the buzz has been about. :)

Hero Arts DesignerThanks stamped in Tattered Rose Distress Ink on watercolor paper,
embossing with Sizzix folder on Ranger Distress Core-dinations Paper,
layering paper also from Ranger Distress Core-dinations collection,
thread is DMC cross stitching floss (color 353)

While I'm by no means an expert at stamping, I will say that the stamped image looks better than it shows here. It has a nice watercolor look and, yet, the sentiment and butterfly are easily discernible.

I'd love to get feedback from those of you who are longtime Tim Holtz fans. What are the must haves? (Something tells me that I'm going to be spending a little money at my LSS!)

As always, thanks for stopping by and happy scrappin'!

OWH Mid-Week Color Challenge

This Wednesday's challenge was to create a card that was white, black, and a third color of your choice. Two paper packs immediately came to mind -- and I ended up going with this very girly cream (yes, cream), black, and pink combination. (I had made a birthday card from this color combo a few months ago and really liked the way it turned out.)

           

DCWV glittery All Dressed Up paper,
embellished with a ribbon, a few stickles, and a little inking


My initial plan for this card was quite different than this result. When I decided to place the cake opposite of the ribbon, the rest of the card evolved from there.

I must say, I'm a little conflicted about this one as it's a little busier than most of my cards -- but I kind of like it. I'm hoping there's a mom or dad who will love sending this to a little princess back home.

Thanks for stopping by. Happy scrappin'!

3 Sketches and 3 Any Hero Cards

OWH Sketch 104 marks the third sketch of 2012. And, today's post marks my third OWH Any Hero card! Alright, it's only been 3 weeks. But, I must admit, I'm pretty excited to be batting 100%!!! 

This week's sample cards were made by Kathryn of Kathryn's Cards. Kathryn's goal for the year is far more ambitious than mine. She plans to make 1 card from each of OWH's sketches this year -- past and present -- and is already up to 18 sketches! (I'm telling myself that if Kathryn can do that, I should be able to keep my commitment.)

Now to today's card:

Pages of Honor (gold star/through the night) paper from SignifyPink,
gold-embossed star image from Stampin' Up Stars & Swirls;
papers inked in Stampin' Up Night of Navy;
ribbon is Michael's Ribbon Bowtique

As soon as I saw this paper, I knew it would make a great Any Hero card -- and also be perfect for a scrapbooking spread commemorating my father-in-law's Honor Flight to the World War II Memorial. When I saw the sketch, I immediately thought of 3 stars on this fabulous paper. The only decision was which ribbon to choose...

Starting to think about replacing the stars with butterflies (or flowers) and the patriotic paper with some spring-colored papers for upcoming OWH spring deadlines. Hmmm...

Thanks for stopping by. Happy scrappin'!

Day 1 of an Online Card Class

Okay, I confess this online Clean and Easy card-making class has been in session for 3 days now. But, I just registered today.

The following card was made using the Day 1 masking technique.

Martha Stewart Butterfly stamp,
Hero Arts Large Fabric stamp,
Stampin' Up sentiment,
gold embossing powder
lines and butterfly edging with metallic gel

I'll keep you posted as the class progresses. Happy scrappin'!

An Any Hero card each week???

While working on a card for OWH Sketch 103, a thought came to mind. What if I made an Any Hero card for each week's sketch challenge? Each card would be different -- and I would get to try out lots of designs.

I don't know if I will be able to make all 52 sketches. But, I will make an Any Hero card for each sketch I attempt. [And, I have a stack of pre-written messages just waiting for designed card fronts! :)]

All that said, I like my quasi-Any-Hero-card resolution better than this week's card. My goal was to make a more feminine version of my "Your Service Means the World to Me" trunk card.

So, I went with paper with pastel-hued images of landmarks, (including the Taj Mahal and Leaning Tower of Pisa), a raspberry-colored cardstock, and a more feminine computer font (Mistral). After adding the gray/blue cardstock, I actually think the card ended up being gender-neutral. And, while I like it, I don't think it has quite the panache of the trunk card. It certainly doesn't come close to this week's sample card.

Landmark paper from DCWV Travel Stack;
Computer-generated sentiments;
Miscellaneous cardstocks and embellishments,
including 2 pieces of neutral-colored ribbon for sheen

Wish me luck on my Any Hero quasi-resolution. And, happy scrappin' to all!

OWH's "Something Crafty for Christmas" Challenge

Okay, I must admit that other than buying gifts for my nephews -- who came "home" for Christmas -- and our dads, we bought very little this holiday season. Hubby and I decided several years ago to quit exchanging gifts -- instead spending that money in ways that might help others. Close friends and I decided that our gifts to one another would be carving out a little time together during a season that can get all too busy.

My crafting gifts from Santa came from the dads: a Michael's gift card and some mad money. [Since I am putting my Michael's card towards adhesives, I'm thinking anything I've made over the holidays should count for this challenge. :)]

But, I'll share something that I'm working on for next Christmas made with a new punch -- a purchase made with my dad's mad money gift. This is still a work in progress, but it's starting to take shape...

Martha Stewart Branch Punch, Bo Bunny Father Christmas Collection,
Scrappy Cat sentiment in Stampin' Up Bravo Burgandy 

The intial inspiration for this card was the absolutely adorable wreath card on Carol L's wonderful blog. (If you haven't visited Carols' blog, you sooooo have to see her amazing creations!) The second inspiration was Hero Art's Pine Bough stamp. I used this stamp on my very first holiday cards and thought the punch could make the stamp's concept even more dimensional.


Can't wait to see what you all make from Santa's crafty presents.

Happy scrappin' to all!

Our Daily Bread January Challenge for OWH

Once again this month, Our Daily Bread designs will be making a shipping donation based on the number of cards in the inLinkz (only one entry per person!) - ODBD will sponsor one large box of cards for every 25 cards linked to the challenge post, with a maximum of 2 boxes per month.

So, what's the challenge you ask? Make a card using THREE patterned papers. My entry is shown below. [And, I actually think this one has six patterns -- but we'll keep that as our little secret and not tell ODBD!  :) ]

Bo Bunny Snowfall Collection, Hero Arts' A3079 Gratitude Stamp
(This is a card for a colleague at work. But, before putting away all my Christmas papers, I am making some cards for next Christmas using this paper, this design and a sentiment from Isaiah 9:5.)  

If you haven't checked out Sandy's tutorial on combining patterned papers, it is definitely worth a look. (I'm not finding the link right now. But, I'll keep looking and try to add it later.)

Sandy talked about combining three types of patterns: large, small, and tone-on-tone. She also discussed the need for your eye to have a place to rest.


Below are three cards I had for sell at the McGraw-Hill craft show -- each with the same design, each made from Bo Bunny's Father Christmas collection.

My strategy was to maximize the number of cards made from my paper packs in order to maximize profits. So, which two cards did I sell out of and which one did I have lots left?

Yep, the top and bottom went in no time flat. The middle card did not sell at all. I just should have trusted my gut -- I loved the top and bottom cards, but was not so crazy about the middle one. Now I know the design principle behind my gut feelings.

I think the following cards also work because they adhere to this large, small, tone-on-tone design principle.

Bo Bunny's Snowfall

Kaiser's Up, Up and Away Collection

Kaiser's Secret Bird Society Collection

My Mind's Eye Stella and Rose Collection

DCWV's All Dressed Up Collection

The great thing about the ODBD challenges is that we have an entire month to participate. Looking forward to seeing your multi-patterned paper challenge card.

Happy scrappin'!

Somber Remembrances and Joyful Homecomings

Somber Remembrances

On January 1, our local paper honored the one hundred ninety-nine Ohio soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines who died during the Iraq war. The tribute to these heroes can be read at  Ohio's Fallen. My prayer for the families and loved ones of these brave young people is that 2012 brings peace and comfort.

Joyful Homecomings

A friend shared these videos from the Welcome Home Blog with me a few days ago. Those who enjoy seeing military homecomings will love this footage. (Dog people might love it even more.) My prayer for these returning troops is that the joy experienced in these homecomings  lasts throughout the year.

OWH Sketch 102 -- and a Thank You in Honor of Dixie's Service

Happy New Year!

And to ring in the new year, Operation Write Home gave us a brand new sketch, which inspired the card below.

The trunk was cut out of a sheet in the DCWV Travel Stack. The top and bottom of the trunk were cut out separately and placed on the paper with pop up dots. (Wish I would've thought to replace the bronze colored circles with metallic brads before I adhered the top and bottom pieces.) The text is computer-generated (Arial Black) -- and the sentiment was inspired by a fondly remembered trip to Spain and a longing to visit Paris.

In addition, OWH asked us to make a thank you card for one of our deployed troops in honor of Dixie's years of service to OWH. So, my card is horizontal because I had a pre-written Any Hero note in a horizontal layout just waiting to be finished.

In case you're like me and often wonder what to say in Any Hero mail, my card's message is:

Dear Hero,

Just a quick note to thank you for all that you do. Your courage and bravery mean so much to those of us at home. Your family and friends must be very proud.

Please know you are in the thoughts and prayers of many Americans.

Godpeed,

Sybrina K

Hope to find time in the next couple of days to make a feminine trunk card version for one of our female heroes. But, tomorrow it's back to work I go. :)

All the best in 2012!