Sunday, August 5, 2012

Making a Difference

Hi everyone,

With Olympic spirit running through my veins, I have two patriotic cards to share.

I also have a favor to ask of my fellow OWHers. So, I'll start with that.

"Making a Difference" for Operation Write Home

I don't know how many of you are familiar with a regular feature on NBC Nightly News called Making a Difference. It's actually my favorite part of the newscast.

In brief, they are about 3-minute segments at the end of the broadcast that feature individuals and non-profits making a difference in the world. They are amazing stories that often bring tears to my eyes.

On more than one occasion, I've thought it would be great to have a feature about Operation Write Home. When I came across an online application, I e-mailed Sandy. Naturally, she said, "Go for it!"

Then, I did a bit more research. There was an article about these features that pointed out that non-profits are only mentioned once or twice in a feature. The article stated that the focus is typically on an individual.Thinking back to features I have seen, this is absolutely true.

So, this is the part of the nomination that will surprise Sandy. I chose to make her the focus of my nomination submission. (Sorry, Sandy -- hope you don't mind too much. I figured it was better to ask forgiveness after the fact...)

Now comes the part where I'm asking a favor of fellow OWHers. There is an option to submit replies to the online submission. I don't know the criteria for selection. Nor do I know if a large number of replies would improve the chance of being selected. But, if you'd like to join in this cause, there are two things you can to  help:
  • Go to this site and share a first-person account of how Sandy has inspired your work for OWH and/or how she has made a difference for our heroes and their families. My submission is on page 5, under the name Sybrina K.
  • Help spread the news to others who might like to leave replies. My blog doesn't reach a whole lot of people. But, all of our blogs combined -- now, that would be a lot of folks!
Thanks, in advance, to those of you who are joining this effort to sing Sandy's praises with the goal of bringing national exposure to Operation Write Home.

Now for the card portion of today's post. :)

"Making a Difference" for 2 Heroes: OWH Sketch #132

Julie is so right about the Olympics being the impetus to make some patriotic cards. Both of the following cards were inspired by today's sketch. In addition, both use a fabulous ribbon that I found at St. Marys Hobby Center in Northwest Ohio.

The first card is in response to this week's Midweek Throwdown challenge to make an Any Hero Card. The second is a generic, patriotic card for a hero to send back home. 

Paper: Core'dinations, Bazzill cardstock, AC Christmas collection cardstock; yummy ribbon; gems

Paper: Core'dinations, Bazzill cardstock; yummy ribbon; gems
On each card, I sanded above and below the ribbon to better pop the ribbon. I'm thinking of posting one of these at CAS-ual Fridays. It's probably not quite what they had in mind. But, you see stars and flags in the sky -- right?

Parting Thoughts

As always, thanks for stopping. And, special thanks to those joining the Making A Difference effort. Happy scrappin!

Go Team USA! 

14 comments:

ThePurplePlace said...

Wonderful cards! Like you, I also went with a red, white and blue them and think it was a great idea.

I also LOVED the sketch and found it was one that was easy to use!!

Linda said...

Sybrina...I think you need to enlist the help of the other two shippers...and share the testimonials of the heros and their families. While Sandy is a great leader to us she has a big impact on the contacts that she works with...there is the true story. Great cards and a great idea. Let me know what you think.

TK said...

What a wonderful idea..and I love your cards too. Yay OWH.

Stay True To God said...

Beautiful cards... I like how you sanded the paper to highlight the ribbon!! Its so awesome that you want to feature Sandy on "Making a difference"... I hope that happens!!! :) God bless & big hugs... Tracy

Nancy Keller said...

I love these, and think that you have an awesome plan!

Sarah said...

Sybrina! These are stunning. I love that ribbon-- perfect! And the sanding really adds and makes it pop--great idea!

Anonymous said...

Great designs, Sybrina! And what a fantastic cause you created them for! Thanks so much for playing with us this week at CAS-ual Fridays :)

Jan Hunnicutt said...

Love your cards and the use of this weeks sketch too, great job!

Thanks for playing in our Operation Write Home Any Hero Midweek Throwdown challenge this week!

Dixie Cochran said...

Beautiful patriotic cards! Thanks for the scoop on "Making a Difference."

Virginia L. said...

Love your take with this OWH card! The colors and layering are perfect! So glad that you join the fun with us at CAS-ual Fridays!

Marlene Diefendorf said...

Your cards are wonderful. I love that ribbon and the sanding is the perfect touch. I applaud you for nomination Sandy on "Making a diffenence".

Julie said...

Great cards, Sybrina! Love the yummy ribbon! Thanks for joining us in this week's OWH Stars & Stamps Sketch Challenge!

Karolyn at Paper Therapy said...

How sweet are you?! I'm sure Sandy will be thrilled with the feature of OWH, and her own sweet tribute if it happens. You're a good friend. And your cards are darling!! Thanks so much for playing with us at CAS-ual Fridays - we're so glad you did!

Lisa A. said...

What wonderful cards for OWH, Sybrina!! Your plan to spotlight the work of OWH is great...people need to hear all that is done behind the scenes to keep our countrymen connectd to their loved ones via handmade cards...thank YOU for all you do, too!! Thanks so for being a part of the challenge this week at CAS-ual Fridays:)!!