Handmade By Paula

Last of the VCMP Challenges

2012-02-12T11:22:00.000-05:00

The Operation Write Home Cruise Week Virtual Card Making Party is winding down and will close tonight around Midnight PST. There have been a lot of beautiful cards made this week and I hope that everyone had as much fun as I did. Here are the last of my cards.

Challenge #11
Rainforest Color Challenge
Island Blossom stamp set by Stampin Up
Cuttlebug Swirls Embossing Folder

Challenge #12
Boats & Ships
Sailboat image (mine) available Free HERE

Challenge #13
Embossing Challenge
SU Coast to Coast stamp set • Cuttlebug Embossing folders

ODBD Challenge for February

2012-02-11T19:14:00.000-05:00

Amid all the Virtual Card Making Party challenges I wanted to be sure to get a card made for the monthly Our Daily Bread Designs (ODBD) challenge. This month the challenge is fairly simple... use ribbon on your card.

I often use ribbon on my cards so this was easy to do and best of all if we get 50 entries by the deadline ODBD sponsors shipment of 2 boxes of cards to out heroes not to mention a chance at a drawing for ODBD Gift Certificates.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

VCMP Challenge 8, 9 & 10

2012-02-11T11:41:00.002-05:00

Challenge #8

Jungle Animals: Cards for Kids

Toucan of My Love stamp set Stamping Up • Sizzix Embossing Folder

Challenge #9

Cut it Out! Punches and Die Cuts

Border Punch - Martha Stewart • Butterflies & Top Note Punch by SU

Challenge # 10

Vintage

PostCard Stamp - River City Rubberworks

Antique Poster Images - Dover Publications

Postage & Cancellation stamps by SU

A Few More Challenge Cards

2012-02-09T20:41:00.000-05:00

Challenge #4

Beachy Thinking of You

Image by Elizabeth O. Dulemba • Paper by K&Co.

Challenge #5

It's a Party! Birthday Cards

Image by Melonheadz • Sentiment by Stampin Up

Challenge #6

Sand & Sea Color Challenge: Blues & Tans

Shell Stamp by The Angel Co

Challenge #7

Clean & Simple

Balmy Breezes stamp set Stampin Up • Cuttlebug Embossing Folder

OWH Cruise Week Virtual Cardmaking Party

2012-02-08T16:16:00.000-05:00

While the OWH cruisers are out at sea the rest of us are partying at home. Here's where it starts and there will be new challenges all week long. I hope you can join in the fun!

Challenge #1

Hot Tropics Color Challenge: Hot Pink, Green & Yellow

Tickled Pink (Flamingo) set by SU

Challenge #2

Masculine Nautical

Compass image (mine) available free HERE • Sentiment Hero Arts

Challenge #3

Funky Fold

This was easier than I thought it would be, try it... instructions HERE!

Branch Stamp - Unity • Bird Punch - Stampin Up • Paper is K&Co.

Sketch #107 and Creative Overload

2012-02-07T23:39:00.000-05:00

I unpacked my supplies this weekend and never completely packed them back up knowing the that the OWH Virtual CArd Making Party would be taking place and it would send my card making mojo into overdrive. Here is my take on this week's OWH Sketch #107.

I like the clean layout of this sketch and will definitely be using it again and again.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

CAS Skip at the OWH Stars & Stamps Blog

2012-02-04T14:22:00.001-05:00

There's a great CAS SKIP (a skip is a short hop) taking place over at the OWH Stars & Stamps Blog today. While many people find CAS designs attractive, many find them not so easy to do.

One thing I can say for certain from my career as a graphic designer is that learning and understanding the basic tenants behind CAS and practicing it will make you a better designer even when you create more elaborate or complex designs.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

MWT: Glitter Free Bling

2012-01-29T12:46:00.000-05:00

I need to adjust my card making a bit to work on holiday specific cards and make sure they are done in advance of their deadlines. The Father's Day deadline is still a couple of months away so I think I'll safely have this one in on time.

Stamp ~EK Success • Denim Paper ~Paper Wishes • Embossing Folder ~ Tim Holtz • Star Sequins & Ribbon from my stash

Happy Crafting Everyone!

Sketch #105 and the MWT

2012-01-23T19:59:00.017-05:00

I've got a long "to do" list so I'm going to keep this post short. This is for the Midweek Challenge of Black & White with a Pop of Color.

Thank You Stamp: EK Success - Edge Punch: Martha Stewart

Text Paper: An Old Dictionary bought at a used bookstore

This one is based on this week's Sketch Challenge #105. After seeing Allison's second kicked-up card I decided that I wanted to take it up a notch too. I had just finished coloring a few of these digi stamps (you can get Sandy's OWH State Stamps here) so it worked out perfectly.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

Organizing Craft Supplies

2012-01-19T22:02:00.003-05:00

I don't have a dedicated crafting space so in some way organization is even more important because I need to keep all of my supplies tucked away in limited amount of space but yet they need to be easily accessible so I can unpack and pack up before and and after a crafting session. Because the room I use doubles as a bedroom it's also important to me that it feels uncluttered when crafting isn't going on so I have most everything stored in closed cabinets and boxes. Fortunately organization is something that comes very natural to me.

This set of white cubes holds the majority of my supplies organized into clear plastic bins. Each cube measures about 17". Though the space is pretty small I've managed to fit a whole lot of stuff in there. Two of the large plastic bins hold the bulk (about 170 sets, mostly older StampinUp) of my rubber stamp collection that I unmounted from their wood to cling cushion and placed on index sheets.

Two other large bin hold 50+ punches, most of which are the EK Success Slim Line Design. Once I found OWH and started spending a lot more time crafting it was only natural to want to have more to craft with and I made some obvious choices like un-mounting my stamps and selling my older bulky style punces and replacing them with their slim line counterparts.

The smaller plastic bins contain Ribbon, Ink Pads, Acrylic Blocks, Adhesives, Embossing Powders & Heat Gun. For small odds-n-ends stuff I use some clear StampingUp clamshell cases that actually fit nicely into a bigger bin. I also find the clamshell cases are great for holding half finished cards in progress.

The basket and bin at the top contain some fine art supplies (I painted watercolors for quite a few years), some items like re-inkers that I don't need to get to very often and some a few items that I need to think about passing on to someone who will and can use them. My Tonic cutter rests between the two baskets.

This set of decorative boxes contain my Sizzix Big Shot, Embossing Folders, Dies, Clear Stamps, Pre-folded Card Bases, Pre-Cut Solid and Printed Papers. I am fortunate to have access to a large, professional style cutter at my place of work (a print shop) and I have found that cutting paper down to 4 x 5.25 and storing them in these basic photos boxes works well for me. For the printed sheets I buy 12"x12" papers and can cut 6 from each sheet and so since I often make 6 of a card design that works out well too.

My Spellbinders dies are stored in their original sleeve with a piece of magnet (sold in office supply stores in sticky back 8.5x11 size sheets) cut and stuck to the inside to hold the dies in place.

The last piece of my organization puzzle is one of the multi-pocketed totes from Michael's that holds my most used supplies like my ATG Gun, Decorative Scissors, Cutting Mat, Rulers, Brads/Eyelets, Distressing Tools and more. It's amazing how much this tote can comfortably hold.

I do use boxes and small containers to organize supplies within this tote. A kids oversize pencil box holds adhesives for quick access. Three compartmentalized, plastic locking boxes hold eyelets, brads and other tiny embellishments. A small cardboard box contains my distressing kit I created from 3 small $1 ink pads, Colorbox Chalk Re-Inkers (in 3 shades of brown, a light, medium and dark shade) and Tsukineko Foam Daubbers each marked for it's corresponding color. Using these smaller cases within the tote makes it much easier for me to be able to grab for just the right item quickly.

I won't lie I would absolutely LOVE to have a dedicate craft room. It would be great not to have to set up a table and to be able to spread out all my goodies and not have to constantly pack and unpack but after finding my "crafting cause" in 2008 when I found OWH (then Cards for Heroes) I knew right then and there that I wasn't about to let a lack of space keep me from my appointed mission.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

Three Cards for Three Challenges

2012-01-16T18:27:00.000-05:00

Here's my card entry for the monthly "Our Daily Bread Design" (ODBD) Challenge. The challenge was to use 3 patterns on the same card. If we reach 50 entries ODBD will generously pay shipping costs for 2 large boxes. The deadline is February 4th.

This is for the MWT "Floral Fantasy" Challenge and it uses a sentiment from the new OWH Hero Arts stamps set called Year Round Sentiments. As is the case with all these cards, the papers, ribbons and embellishments are all from a long collected stash that I a determined to use up completely.

Lastly, this one is my interpretation of this week's OWH Sketch Challenge #104. Though I typically try to stay as close to the original sketch as possible, this time I moved and altered stuff but I think it's still obviously based on the sketch.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

Back in the Saddle & A Free Thank You Sentiment

2012-01-08T19:52:00.001-05:00

Getting started again after the holidays has not been easy this year but I finally did manage to make 6 thank you cards this weekend. Each card used the same clip art image and sentiment but the designs were all a bit different from one another. Here are two of them.

The sentiment is one I created myself quite some time ago. I like creating sentiments like this one that work easily with standard punches. Here it is if you'd like it...

As always feel free to use my freebies in any of your crafting projects. Post a link back here if you'd like to share it but please do not sell it, repost it or claim it as your own. Just click on it and then use the 'save as' command to save it to your computer.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

2011 The Year in Review

2011-12-31T15:21:00.010-05:00

What a fun idea to go back and review the past year! This is something I can't say I've ever done before. Time flies and it's easy to get caught up in what's next instead of looking back. Here's a look back at 10 cards from 2011 and links to the original posts.

Old GMC Truck Free Digi

Sending You My Free Love Digi

Farm Animal Challenge

Miss You Butterflies

I Love You

Gardenia - Stampin Up Retired

4th of July Virtual Card Making Party

Butterflies

Waving Banner Tutorial

Christmas CASE

Now it's time to look forward and make some plans for 2012. Happy New Year and Happy Crafting Everyone!

Hero Arts - New OWH Sets

2011-12-21T16:43:00.000-05:00

Here is another card made with the new Hero Arts Year Round Sentiments stamp set (see all 3 sets in the previous post). This set is perfect for someone who is just starting out in card making or someone who just needs a good set of sentiments that covers all the bases. These stamps are a nice quality too. They stamp great, right from the package no fussing necessary.

Sentiment ~Hero Arts • Paper~StampinUp

I often find myself making cards like this one that don't include images but rely on nice papers, a sentiment and maybe an embellishment or two. Admittedly the result is a pretty simple card but "basics" like this can be used for anyone so they are always in demand for OWH.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

OWH & Hero Arts Skip

2011-12-16T15:49:00.000-05:00

I am so excited to be able to take part in today's skip to showcase the NEW Hero Arts stamps sets that have been designed for OWH. Our skip has 10 short stops. You should be arriving from Handmade by Julie and can go back to the start at OWH Stars & Stamps.

These cards were created with the set called Year Round Sentiments (CL582), which contains a great mix of sentiments and some hearts and stars too. A perfect set for anyone who makes cards.

These are the 3 sets and they are starting to make it onto shelves of your LSS and are available online too. OWH receives a portion of the profits from every set that is sold. Be sure to search them out or add them to your last minute wish list!

OWH is giving away one of each of these Hero Arts stamp sets, and the 3 winners will be picked from all comments on all the blogs in the skip - the more blogs you comment on, the more entries you have! Winners will be drawn Sunday night.

Now head on over to Hello from Kate for some more inspiration using these beautiful new stamp sets.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

Time Flies

2011-12-13T19:52:00.000-05:00

I don't know about you but I am convinced that once December 1st rolls around time speeds up! I haven't been able to carve out any time for crafting this month but I do have a couple of cards shares today from my last OWH shipment.

I'm looking forward to getting back to steady card making just as soon as I can but I think I'll stick to basic themes and sentiments so I don't need to worry about making any specific deadline. I hope that you are enjoying this holiday season whether you are crafting or not.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

Thanksgiving Here & Gone Already?

2011-11-27T21:20:00.000-05:00

I'm guessing (and hoping) it's not just me but once the first of November rolls around each year everything seems to just start a downhill slide and no matter how I try, things like crafting end up taking a back seat to the sudden, seemingly non-ending list of things that need doing. While I have a few minutes I thought I'd share a couple of cards, but don't get confused... the holiday deadline for OWH is long gone as are these cards. They went into an early November package shipment.

I did manage to get a couple of love themed cards made this weekend that I'll be back to share in the next few days. Remember if you're working on Valentine's Day & Love cards for the Archway Cookie Challenge that deadline is December 10th. The general Valentine's deadline is December 31st.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

Christmas Cards

2011-11-10T20:52:00.000-05:00

We have moved on to making Valentine's, & Love cards for the next OWH deadline but these are a couple of the cards that were included with my shipments this season.

The design of this first card was CASED from Featured Cardmaker Ronni. I love this layout and know I will use it again and again. The stamps are StampinUp.

The other two use rub-on sentiments, which are something I don't use often but I had these in my stash and thought I'd see if I couldn't use them up this year.

Because the OWH Christmas deadline typically arrives before the stores have much in the way of seasonal supplies I started a new tradition last year and went shopping for Christmas craft stuff once the big sales hit and tucked it all away in a box. It was great fun to open it in the middle of July and be surprised by the great deals I had found and I'm looking forward to doing it again this year!

Happy Crafting Everyone!

Ready for a Challenge

2011-11-06T10:21:00.000-05:00

It's been a while since I posted but I have been working on cards and even managed to take pictures of several Christmas & Winter ones before shipping them off in late October. I hpe to share some over the next week or two. In the meanwhile I was excited to participate in two of the current OWH Challenges. The first being the Midweek Throwdown where Jan posted a photo to act an inspiration. One look and I knew immediately thought of this tattoo style stamp (by Inkadinkdoo, I think). I pulled out my chalks and scroll stamps too.

The other challenge is a new monthly challenge that is being sponsored by Our Daily Bread Designs and not only will they offer gift certificates, they are also going to sponsor card shipments based on the number on entries. This month's theme is Love or Valentine's Day.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

Keeping It Simple

2011-10-07T20:56:00.001-04:00

Both of these Christmas cards were made from papers that had large images on them. Often you will get a few like these in any 12x12 paper pad. They are clearly meant for use as a full page but since I don't scrapbook I usually try to trim those pages in ways that will allow me to use the area that contains the images as a card front.

In both of these cases I added a background layer (or two), a sentiment and a piece of ribbon. There is no stamping other than the sentiments and both cards were simple to do... I let the paper do all of the work for me!

Happy Crafting Everyone!

And the Winner is....

2011-10-05T17:11:00.002-04:00

Congratulations to Rhonda S. who is the winner of my OWH World Cardmaking Day Blog candy... a We R Sew Easy kit!

Many thanks to everyone who visited me and left such kind comments.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

World Cardmaking Day OWH Blog Hop

2011-10-01T00:01:00.008-04:00

Welcome! I hope that whether you're a participant or a visitor you find today's hop fun and inspiring. If you are not a crafter but want to be a part of the great mission of OWH please consider making a donation. Just $12.95 will ship a box of handmade cards to one of our contacts and you can make your donation securely online via Paypal at the OWH site. (You do not need an account and can use your debit or credit card).

A traditional gold, silver & burgundy color theme using paper in my stash that has metallic foil and embossed accents The sentiment stamp is made by Crafts, Etc!

In celebration of WCD and today's hop I am offering blog candy. This nearly new We R "Sew Easy" set will be awarded by random drawing on Oct. 5th. Simply include your email address in your comment to be included. (Remember to spell out your address — maryjohnson at aol dot com — to avoid spammers!)

Thanks for visiting and Happy Crafting Everyone!

September Has Stolen my Sanity

2011-09-24T14:40:00.002-04:00

There have been challenges over at the OWH Stars & Stamps blog every day for the month of September and I don't know about you but just keeping track of them has made my head spin! I do want to say thank you to the generous sponsors of the challenges. I have visited their stores, sites and blogs and I hope you will do the same. In such a dismal economy it's truly heartwarming to see the outpouring of caring for our heroes and I wish I could shop at every single stop.

I managed to create these two card for this week's 'Sweet Treats' MWT Challenge and the CASE our Feature Card Maker Challenge from yesterday.

An added note for those who wanted to know. The purple flower and leaves in this card is a set of Sizzix Sizzlits Dies and the largest peach pieces ia a basic scalloped circle punch.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

Cardmaker CASE

2011-09-17T13:39:00.002-04:00

Among the many fun challenges happening this month over at the OWH Stars & Stamps blog is one to CASE a card from this week's featured card maker Bev from San Francisco. I like this layout a lot and can see it being a great one for those stamp images that are just a bit too small to be a focal point on their own.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

A Bugs Life MWT

2011-09-14T21:33:00.000-04:00

When I first saw the MWT Challenge I thought I'd have to hunt through my stamps to find a bug but first I decided I'd go make a stop to visit the Doodle Pantry site (this week's generous sponsor) and to my delight there on the freebies page was this adorable ant and sentiment combo! I decided I'd finally attempt a try at paper piecing and while I like the results it's definitely very fine work and for anyone with less than great eyesight like myself probably not something I'd try to do in quantities of more than one or two.

Thanks to Jan, the MWT Challenge Hostess for such a fun challenge and to Doodle Pantry for supporting Operation Write Home and our military!

Happy Crafting Everyone!

Quick Card Share

2011-09-13T18:59:00.000-04:00

Just sharing a couple of cards I made for my 'in progress' OWH box. The turkey from a scallop punch is something I learned quite a few years ago at a SU party. I kept the sample I made but never went back to attempt it again since until just now. The original used a much smaller scallop and Going with the larger size now definitely made it easier to do.

This one is my take on CAS and one that I think is gender neutral which makes it great for OWH. I try to always include cards in this category of 'gender neutral' in every box and I think I'll make a bunch based on this design with various colors and papers.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

Let Us Never Forget

2011-09-11T08:46:00.004-04:00

Today marks the 10th Anniversary of the 9-11 attacks on the United States. That bright, crisp September morning thousands of people went to their jobs never to return home to their loved ones again. They were fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, husbands, wives and friends. You may not have known any of them personally but they represent all Americans. September 11th has been declared a National Day of Service. While I believe we should endeavour to serve our country in whatever way we can, we owe it to the victims of September 11th, out of respect, to dedicate this day to reflection and mourning their loss. We can volunteer to paint the local boys and girls club on another day.

I visited the Connecticut 9-11 Memorial yesterday and though I know that the events of 9-11 are probably not as vivid for those who are removed from them by physical distance I cannot even begin to describe how palpable the loss is, even 10 years later to those close to the locations of the three attacks.

Connecticut's 9-11 Living Memorial.

Sherwood Island State Park was chosen for the memorial because on a clear day, the New York City skyline is visible from the point.

On 9/11, people who gathered there saw smoke rise over the World Trade Center. Surrounded by trees, shrubs, and grass the granite monument is inscribed:
"The citizens of Connecticut dedicate this living memorial to the thousands of innocent lives lost on September 11, 2001, and to the families that loved them."

These 152 names are inscribed on the small stones that flank either side of the grassy square:

Richard M. Keane · Peter R. Kellerman · Stacey Leigh Sanders · Joshua Piver · Lawrence Getzfred · Jonathan J. Uman · Scott Thomas Coleman · Keith Eugene Coleman · Richard S. Gabrielle · Thomas M. Brennan · Ronald Gilligan · Jeffrey D. Bittner · John Fiorito · William J. Meehan, Jr. · Eskedar Melaku · Glenn Davis Kirwin · Joel Miller · Adam J. Lewis · Michael M. Miller · Steven Lawrence Glick · Eamon McEneaney · Craig William Staub · James Thomas Waters, Jr. · Frederick Varacchi · James Andrew O'Grady · Edward "Teddy" F. Maloney · Charles A. Zion · Michael J. Lyons · Amy King · Michael C. Farrou · Heather L. Smith · Raymond Joseph Metz, III · Jason E. Sabbag · Candace Lee Williams · Maurice Patrick Kelly · Peter Alan Gay · Stephen Lamantia · Thomas E. Galvin • Francis Henry (Frank) Brennan · Thomas Anthony Palazzo · James A. Greenleaf, Jr. · Mike A. Pelletier · Michael C. Rothberg · David H. Winton · Allen V. Upton · Peter C. Fry · Kevin P. Connors · Christopher William White Murphy · Madeline Sweeney · Cheryl Ann Monyak · Francis McGuinn · Ada Maason · Robert A. Lawrence, Jr. · Martin Phillips Wohlforth · Joseph A. Lenihan · Jesus Sanchez · Amy E. Toyen · Jeffrey David Wiener · Cesar A. Murillo · Gary E. Lasko · Margaret Quinn Orloske · Derek J. Statkevicus · Randy Scott · Lindsay S. Morehouse · Dianne Bullis Snyder · Sean P. Rooney · George E. Spencer, III · Christopher Orgielewicz · Garry W. Lozier · Gregory T. Spagnoletti · Jude Moussa · James Matthew Patrick · Sean Schielke · Tyler Ugolyn · Ulf Ramm Ericson · Juan Ceballos • Edwin J. Graf, III · Timothy John Hargrave · Christopher W. Wodenshek · Dolores Costa · Geoffrey W. Cloud · Edward T. Fergus, Jr. · Michael Egan · Bradley Fetchet · Andrew Stergiopoulos · James D. Halvorson · John Bruce Eagleson · Edward Calderon · Margaret Connor · Peter Gelinas · Paul M. Fiori · Robert Higley, II · Robert W. Noonan · Michael Grady Jacobs · Patrick Danahy · Christopher Samuel Gardner · Robert Gerlich · John Works · Laurence Abel · John P. Williamson · Michael John Simon · Kiran Kumar Reddy Gopu · John Henwood · Judith Florence Hofmiller · Bradley H. Vadas · Bryan C. Bennett · Timothy M. O'Brien · Kevin Michael McCarthy · Thomas Edward Hynes · John F. Iskyan · H. Joseph Heller · Stephen P. Cherry · Edward Raymond Vanacore · Eric B. Evans • Paul Curioli · Scott J. O'Brien · William Christopher Hunt · Alexander Braginski · Paul R. Hughes · Donald F. Greene · Pedry Grehan · Edward P. York · James J. Hobin · Ruth McCourt · Juliana McCourt · Osseni Mama Garba · William Hill Kelly, Jr. · Brian Thomas Cummins · Eric (Rick) R. Thorpe · Sandra Campbell · John B. Schwartz · Bennett Lawson Fisher · Mark Steven Jardim · Joseph John Coppo · Richard Peter Gabriel, Sr. · Allen Patrick Boyle · Christopher J. Blackwell, FDNY · Roger Mark Rasweiler · Evan Hunter Gillette · Peter Burton Hanson · Sue Kim Hanson · Christine Lee Hanson · Jean Destrehan Roger · Sean S. Hanley · Wilder A. Gomez · Robert Thomas Jordan · Wendy R. Faulkner · Michael G. McGinty · Michele Heidenberger · Daniel Robert Nolan · James A. Gadiel · Thomas F. Theurkauf, Jr.

The National September 11 Memorial

www.911memorial.org

The National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial

www.pentagonmemorial.org

Flight 93 Memorial

www.nps.gov/flni/index.htm

Let us never forget,

OWH Virtual Card Making Party

2011-09-10T20:21:00.055-04:00

I hope that everyone is enjoying the second OWH Virtual Card Making Party (VCMP). To check out all the Challenges (there will be 16 in total this weekend) head on over to the OWH Stars & Stamps Blog where the fun begins.

Challenge #1: Garanimals

hosted by Linda at It Was Here a Minute Ago

Image Courtesy of Melonheadz Illustrating

Challenge #2: Au Natural

hosted by Lisa at Stamping with a Mission

Challenge #3: Unique Christmas
hosted by Barb at Paper Therapy Ponderings
Image courtesy of Elizabeth O. Dulemba

Challenge #4: Pick One
hosted by Julie at Handmade by Julie
Based on OWH S&S Blog Sketch #1

Challenge #7: Nontraditional Valentine,
hosted by Dixie at What's Next?

Happy Crafting Everyone!

MWT Autumn Cards

2011-09-07T17:49:00.001-04:00

I still have the Illinois State Digi and the Lattice Tutorial on my to-do list but since I started making Autumn cards weeks ago I got lucky and had just what I needed to get in on this week's Midweek Throwdown over at the OWH Stars & Stamps Blog.

I hope you've been taking some time to peek in and maybe even choose a challenge or two to take part in. There will be tons of challenges through the month long Birthday Bash and a great Virtual Card Making Party this coming weekend too!

Happy Crafting Everyone!

Not Older...Better

2011-09-05T12:31:00.001-04:00

I finally got around to last week's OWH sketch yesterday. I created the sentiment at just the right size the sketch called for and did several variations. The first two follow the sketch pretty closely and then I veered off on the others.

Here is the sentiment, in several colors. As always feel free to use these images in any of your crafting projects. Post a link back here if you'd like to share it but please do not sell it, repost it or claim it as your own. Just click on it and then use the 'save as' command to save it to you computer. If you'd like these as separate files in a ZIP compressed folder just email me.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

OWH Birthday Bash

2011-09-04T13:49:00.005-04:00

Just a quick post to say that I hope everyone enjoys all the fun challenges coming this month as part of the OWH Birthday Bash. I'm grateful to all the wonderful sponsors who support OWH.

Here's the card I made for the WeR challenge. I seldom used brads and eyelets because while I loved the look of them they were a hassle. If you have not tried this tool I suggest you try one out the next chance you get, whether at a crop or a friend's, to see if you end up liking it as much as I do. It's become indispensable to me in my card making.

This is my CASE of Ardeth's beautiful clean and simple card design. I have a bunch of papers like this with bold, big patterns that I keep avoiding and I think this layout will finally let me use them up.

Lastly, here is a Miss You card for the Inspired Stamps challenge. Miss You and Thinking of You card designs are a mainstay in my OWH boxes.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

Playing Catch Up

2011-08-23T18:45:00.001-04:00

I got to do some card making this past weekend and decided I'd play catch up on some of the recent challenges. Here is my take Sketch Challenge #83.

My try at last week's Midweek Throwdown with 'Inchies'. This older StampinUp stamp made this challenge easy. I wasn't as pleased with the other attempts I made but plan to try these again in the future.

And the Wavy Banner Tutorial, which is fun and easy way to use those long, clear sentiments. If you struggle with getting those long sentiments stamped straight you should give this tutorial a try. The background on this card is an actual map cut down.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

Clean and Simple

2011-08-21T12:41:00.001-04:00

I've always been a fan of CAS design in everything from cards to home decor. I found myself very inspired by Saturday's skip over at the OWH Stars & Stamps. To me CAS means that the design has only as much as necessary to communicate the message. Of course a CAS design should also ideally follow the other basic Principles of Design. The 3 Principles I always try to concentrate on are Center of Interest (Focal Point), Balance & Contrast. Here are two I made yesterday that I think would fall into the category of CAS.

I created the Thinking of You sentiment in the first card and I'm sharing it here.

As always feel free to use it in any of your crafting projects. Post a link back here if you'd like to share it but please do not sell it, repost it or claim it as your own. Just click on it and then use the 'save as' command to save it to you computer.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

Blessings & A Fall Digi

2011-08-12T18:21:00.002-04:00

I've always loved this saying and thought I would set the type and add some fall elements that would make it perfect for Fall OWH cards. It's really a great year round sentiment so I may do a Spring version when the time comes. In my card I cut slightly into the green border but then ran a green marker in a similar color along the edge to camouflage the bits of ivory that were peeking out. I find myself drawn to a sentiment like this with some pretty papers as a quick way to create a nice card without having to get out my stamps and ink.

As always feel free to use these images in any of your crafting projects. Post a link back here if you'd like to share it but please do not sell it, repost it or claim it as your own. Just click on it and then use the 'save as' command to save it to you computer.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

Thinking of You

2011-08-10T17:23:00.000-04:00

Thinking of You cards probably account for at least 25% of every box of cards I send to OWH. I enjoy changing colors, images and embellishments as we move through the seasons and I love the versatility a "Thinking of You" sentiment gives to our heroes no matter what the occasion.

Paper & Sentiment from Stampin Up

Mrs. Grossman's Leaf Sticker ~ Stampin Up Sentiment ~ Cuttlebug Embossing Folder ~ Papers from my stash

Happy Crafting Everyone!

Missing You Puppy

2011-08-08T18:48:00.000-04:00

This sweet but sad little puppy is none other than OWH Mascot Ciara. The image is available along with lots of other free digis at the OWH website here. I thought it would be just perfect for this week's MWT Challenge Theme of K-9.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

Understanding Paper Weights

2011-08-06T12:43:00.005-04:00

It's no surprise that picking the right papers for card making is not always an easy task. Understanding the terminology behind paper weights can be difficult and confusing. To start with it's important to realize that the 'numbers' are only part of the story. Papers are typically categorized as being being TEXT or COVER. Text weights typically range from 20lb. (which is your typical, widely available, all-purpose copier paper) and gradually increases up to 100lb. (a nice thick paper that you might see for a premium letterhead). Depending on the manufacturer and specific paper the descriptive terms Bond, Writing, Text, Book, Offset & Ledger are all associated with papers that fall into the TEXT category. The COVER Weight category includes several 'sub categories' including Bristol and Index and because the term card stock is often commonly interchanged with 'cover' it's important to understand the sub categories exist. Bear in mind that while papers are often packaged and labeled differently for retail sellers (like Walmart or Michael's) than they will be in a commercial environment like a print shop the actual papers all fit into these standard paper industry categories.

There are two basic systems used to measure paper. The U.S. system which denotes weight in pounds (#) and the Metric System which is noted as Grams/Meter Square (g/sm2 - also sometimes listed simply as g/sm). This chart above shows that relying on the U.S.system can be confusing but when you study the Metric measurements things start to become clear and you suddenly understand why that 80lb. cardstock you got from StampinUp feels thicker than the 110lb. you bought at Walmart.

Unfortunately, the manufacturer's and resellers don't always make it easy to figure out just what it is you're buying. The packs I recently bought at Michael's actually do note the g/sm but the Georgia Pacfic I got at Walmart simply says Cardstock (if it listed the g/sm you would find it to be 200 g/sm, and this cardstock is the 110lb. Index in the chart above).

One last note. This paper below that I bought at A.C. Moore, says it's 65lb. and so does the one above that I got at Michael's but notice the differences in the g/sm? What's up with that? These are both labeled as 65lb because that is the closest standard cover/cardstock catergory, but if you have ever wondered why some 65lb. paper feels slightly thicker than another the key to unlocking that mystery is the g/sm.

Understanding paper has been one of the many interesting things I've gotten to learn in my 25+ years as a graphic designer in the printing industry and I hope that this has maybe helped clarify an otherwise frustrating and confusing subject at least to some extent. Now all we need is to hope manufacturers start labeling packages more clearly for the crafting industry so we can all be sure of just what's inside that plastic wrapper!

Happy Crafting Everyone!

A Quick CASE

2011-07-31T13:06:00.000-04:00

This card was CASED from Ann our featured cardmaker on July 22nd. I can definitely see myself using this design again and again. It's great for those who aren't into coloring or stamping as it can pretty much be done just with papers. The colors in these papers are actually more neutral and subtle than they appear in this photo.

The flower clip art in this card, along with a bunch of other fun images, can be found at PhillipMartin.com and are free for non-profit use.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

Sailboat for OWH Midweek Thowdown

2011-07-28T18:54:00.000-04:00

I'm not sure if it's just me but lately it feels like online activity consumes way too much time (maybe working on a computer all day makes it feel worse) so I'm going to make more of an effort to actually make cards as opposed to talk, read or think about making them. I'm not a big user of social media but I do find myself often caught up in reading and commenting on blogs and I'm going to try to discipline myself a bit more.

Here's a sailboat card that I made for my next shipment. Since it fits the MWT 'Water' theme I thought I'd share it.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

Just for You

2011-07-24T15:55:00.005-04:00

Two cards from my last shipment that I thought I'd share today. Both use simple sentiments and everyday images from my clip-art collections to give them a long shelf-life and the best chance for being useful. I've started in on Fall, Winter & Christmas themes but I almost always try to include some year-round, any time designs like these as well.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

Birthday Boys

2011-07-20T17:20:00.001-04:00

While I can generally do pretty well with masculine cards for little boys and adults, making cards that are "just right" for teenage boys is more of a challenge for me. Determined to work on some for my next box of OWH cards and inspired by the card made by our Featured Cardmaker Lee Mae back in April, I hunted down some skateboarder clip art (who knew that the clip art I've collected over the years as a graphic designer would find a wonderful new use!).

I like how these turned out and know that I'll turn to these images again in the future. Now I need to think of some other "teen boy" images to hunt for.

Butterflies

2011-07-16T11:37:00.000-04:00

I wouldn't consider myself a huge fan of butterflies but lately I've been finding myself doing more and more butterfly themed cards... from Clean and Simple (CAS) to more embellished... here are a few that were in the last box I shipped to OWH.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

Miss You

2011-07-14T19:18:00.000-04:00

These are a few of the Miss You cards that were included in my recent shipment to Dixie.

It took me several weeks to get to it but I did eventually try the 'Starburst Tutorial'.

I found it fairly quick & easy to do and I like the results so I am sure this will become a regular in my crafting arsenal, especially when I have odds-n-ends in papers that I am trying to use up.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

Christmas MWT & A Free Digi Too!

2011-07-11T17:51:00.000-04:00

It's beginning to look like Christmas? Well I have unpacked the great finds I collected back in January and have started to work on a few Christmas cards to tuck into my next box.

I created this image myself and am happy to share it with you in both a colored version as well as black & white for anyone who prefers to color it themselves.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

The Party's Over (Almost!)

2011-07-04T16:11:00.000-04:00

I couldn't resist sneaking in just a few more challenges before guests arrive. I hope you've enjoyed the party as much as I have.

Pinwheel Style
at Hello From Kate!

Bears and Hearts
at Scrappin' Bears

Bear Image & Sentiment from HamboStamps.com

Color Me Crazy
at My Craft Central

Pig Image from Elizabeth O. Dulemba

A Play on Words!
at Stamping With a Mission

All About Animals!
at Mouseprint Creations

Happy Crafting Everyone!

Did Someone Say Party?

2011-07-03T19:01:00.001-04:00

Though I checked in on the party yesterday I didn't get to crafting until today so I played catch-up. Better late than never right? The challenges I managed to get done were part crafting and part scavenger hunt for me (I just knew I had a stamp set with a moon!) Though I spent the better part of the day crafting, with less than a dozen cards to show for it (which is much fewer than I would normally have, since I typically do 6 of a design) it was a ton of fun and what I would call "Creative Calisthenics". I wish I could have done every one!

Camouflage

at Brenda's Stamping Corner

Servicemen Clip Art from PhillipMartin.com

There's Something Fishy Going On

at Two Paw Prints

Tie a Yellow Ribbon

at Tinkerin in Ink

What Does Freedom Mean To You

at Our Little Inspirations

Vintage Distressed

at Holley's Hobbies

Howl at the Moon

at Petunia's Paper Passion

Subway Art Summer Memories

at Essence of Paper

Foody Fourth

Sarah's Stamping and Stuff!

Same Stamp, Two Cards

at It's A Colorful World

I hope that even if you didn't get a chance to play and party with OWH this weekend that you'll consider trying some of the fun and creative challenges presented today the next time you do craft.

Happy Independence Day!

MWT Challenge - Fall

2011-06-30T20:12:00.000-04:00

Yes the calendar on the wall says it's Independence Day weekend... but the OWH calendar says it's time to start digging out fall stamps and papers. Here is a Fall themed card that I included in my shipment yesterday. Choosing a general sentiment means it can be used for just about any occasion.

From the front view this card appears to fold at the top but as you can see in the side view it really opens on it's side. I like the look of vertical layouts but practically it's just easier when it comes time to tuck the cards into envelopes if they open on their side, so this is my happy compromise.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

Summer Fun

2011-06-28T16:34:00.000-04:00

A quick card share from my just about completely full box of cards. These will likely be the last of the summery cards as we start to move towards Fall themes. Both of these images are older StampinUp.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

I Love You

2011-06-23T16:42:00.001-04:00

I often have difficulty making love cards that aren't super feminine. Which probably isn't all that unusual but when I first bought this stamp I knew it would become my 'go to stamp' for creating love cards that were a bit more on the masculine side or gender neutral at the very least.

Stamp - Inkadinkado • Embossing Folder - Tim Holtz "Collage"

Happy Crafting Everyone!

Almost Done

2011-06-21T18:53:00.000-04:00

I have been working on filling a nice big box of cards to send off to Dixie and these are a couple of masculine designs that will be included.

I do have some masculine images in my stamp collection like the old train shown here but I most often find the easiest way to create masculine cards is to rely on nice papers and a simple sentiment. This "Just For You" sentiment by Stampin Up is among my current favorites.

I enjoy loading up a card with frills and embellishments as much as anyone but creating clean and simple cards can be just as rewarding so long as you take your time and give it as much consideration as you would any card.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

Back To School

2011-06-16T18:10:00.001-04:00

I'm not sure if this is technically a "Back To School" card but I think it's in the general theme and since it could be used at anytime I won't have to worry about getting it mailed in time for any specific deadline.

The yellow paper is from a legal pad but then glued to cardstock to give it some body. The background paper is from an older DCWV stack and the stamps are a combination of an old Stampin Up set and Hero Arts (I think) for the Hello sentiment.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

Sketch Challenge #73

2011-06-13T16:15:00.000-04:00

Here's my interpretation of this week's OWH Sketch. I particularly like "angled" cut this sketch calls for and I didn't fret too much about exact measurements. It has definitely inspired me to using more angled pieces in my cards.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

Thanksgivng Already?

2011-06-11T13:39:00.003-04:00

Making cards for OWH is a lot like working in retail because you need to prepare well in advance you are perpetually thinking about Easter in December, Christmas in July and Thanksgiving in June.

I'm not yet into "Fall Mode" but I wanted to participate in the MWT so I went to one of my stand-by, favorite images. This Turkey Chef from Elizabeth O. Dulemba, If you are not already familiar with her work be sure to check out her site and join her weekly email list, she is a super talented illustrator. I find my desire to "color" comes and goes in waves but this image is just so much fun it's worth the effort.

On another note this is the first photo I've taken in my new "light tent cube". I had created my own "light box" pictured here from a cardboard box.

It's easy to do and you can find detailed directions on many sites online. Basically, I just cut open 3 sides of the box and then covered the openings by taping a sheet of white tissue over them to diffuse the lighting and then I taped white cardboard to the inside to provide a bright background. The cardboard box style works well and is an virtually free option.

The new light tent cube has one major benefit to me in that my crafting & storage space is extremely limited and much like those 'pop up' laundry totes it open and closes in moments and stores in a very small space. I found mine on Ebay for about $25 (it came with a red, blue, black & white back drop that attaches quickly with the built-in velcro tabs) but an internet search will yield many results.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

Purple & Green MWT Color Challenge

2011-06-07T17:03:00.001-04:00

This week's MWT Challenge is a Color Challenge to use green & purple. Though I made these over the weekend I am just now getting them posted and making the MWT just under the wire as a new one will be posted tomorrow.

There are several blogs that host color challenges on a regular basis (one of the best I've seen is The Play Date Café) and even though I don't enter many I always enjoy checking them out for inspiration.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

Sketch Challenge #72 Recipe

2011-06-05T08:00:00.000-04:00

I was delighted to provide a sample card for this week's OWH Sketch Challenge #72. For those of you interested in some of the details here they are:

Papers: DCWV ~ Sentiment: Stampendous Acrylic

Punches: Stampin Up - Word Window and Modern Label

Flower Punch : Martha Stewart Chrysanthemum

If you need some creative inspiration you can find a new sketch posted every Sunday at the OWH Stars & Stamps blog or you can find the complete collection here.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

Working on The Second Million

2011-06-02T11:59:00.002-04:00

Here are a couple more cards for my next shipment to Dixie. I know that card donations drop-off a bit in Summer and it's my goal to try to not let mine fall by the wayside.

I've actually started to make up kits for my own use. Kits mean I can take a really small amount of stuff with me and yet make cards just about anywhere... the patio, a friends house or even a picnic table in the park.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

Thank You Hero - Free Digi

2011-05-30T14:44:00.001-04:00

I'm spending some time this Memorial Day making and writing any hero notes. As my way of saying thanks to all who participated in this year's Memorial Day Weekend OWH Blog Hop for all the wonderful inspiration and creativity here is a digi.

God Bless America and each of her fallen heroes and all who serve and have served.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

OWH Blog Hop

2011-05-28T08:00:00.086-04:00

Hello OWH hoppers! If you have lost your way you can return to the start at OWH Stars & Stamps

I hope that you're enjoying the hop as much as I am, but that you will also be taking some time this weekend to honor the true meaning of Memorial Day.

Butterfly/Nature stamps & Journal Tag from the $1 Bin at JoAnn's

Paper DCWV Summer Stack • EK Success Notebook Edger Stamp

StampinUp - 'Definition of Love' Background & Miss You Sentiment

FIND OWH DEADLINES HERE IN THE MAILROOM.

I'm offering up the blog candy pictured here to a random winner I will draw on the morning of Wednesday, June 1st. If you'd like to be included just leave your email address with your comment (remember to spell it out —yourname at gmail dot com — to avoid getting on the spam lists).

Thanks for stopping by and if you aren't already a member of the OWH family I hope today's hop encourages you to become a part of this wonderful group in whatever way you can.

Your next stop on the hop is

Elizabeth at Visions of Paper

Happy Crafting Everyone!

Let Us Not Forget

2011-05-26T23:01:00.000-04:00

I know that the OWH Memorial Day Weekend Blog Hop is really exciting and a ton of fun for so many of us but let us not forget that Memorial Day is a sacred day and take time to honor and remember all who have made the greatest sacrifice on our behalf. It is truly disrespectful to simply treat Memorial Day as just another vacation day or an opportunity to shop 'til you drop. Far too often, Americans take for granted the freedoms we enjoy. Those freedoms were paid for, with the lives of others, few of us ever knew. They came from large cities, small towns and all walks of life with one thing in common—LOVE OF and LOYALTY TO our great country.

Wherever you find yourself this weekend I challenge you to remember the meaning of Memorial Day. Explain it to the kids, encourage family and friends to discuss it. Attend a parade, visit a national cemetery, watch a military documentary. Since 1776, more than 1.5 million Americans have lost their lives while in uniform. Freedom is not free, and sacrifice is meaningless without remembrance. By honoring our nation’s war dead, we preserve their memory, their service and their sacrifice in the memories of future generations. It's the least we can do to honor all they have done for us.

One in A Million

2011-05-24T21:07:00.003-04:00

I don't know about you but I'm still grappling with the thought of One Million Cards! WOW! I've started on my next box of cards and here is one of them.

If you want this sentiment to use on your own cards you can find it in an earlier post here.

Hope you're planning to 'hop' with OWH this weekend. They are always so much fun and full of inspiration and plenty of surprises along the way too!

Happy Crafting Everyone!

Happily Ever Crafter OWH Challenge

2011-05-22T13:39:00.004-04:00

Though there are hundreds of wonderful challenges all over the internet, I typically find I have my hands full just trying to keep up with the ones at OWH Stars & Stamps blog and don't enter many others. This month though, when I came across this one being held by Ted at Happily Ever Crafter in honor of OWH I couldn't resist. I opted for a Clean & Simple design and this card will go into my next box of cards for OWH.

Ted's got a great blog, is offering a prize drawing for the challenge and is helping to spread the word about OWH. It doesn't get much better than that. The challenge closes on May 27th, so hurry on over if you want to join in the fun!

Happy Crafting Everyone!

Summer Fun

2011-05-21T22:46:00.002-04:00

With my Father's Day cards long gone I officially entered Summer mode today. Traveling through the year and getting to use different stamps, images, themes and colors as the seasons pass is something I really enjoy about making cards for OWH.

As you can probably guess, these watermelons were created with two circle punches. Put them together, slice in half and draw the seeds (think random raindrop shape). I used a white gel pen to draw a line against the red circle to make it pop.

This Surfer Dude is free (for non-profit use) clip art from PhillipMartin.com and the paper is K&Co.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

Playing Catch Up

2011-05-15T21:40:00.000-04:00

I got to spend most of my day crafting and though my main goal was to finishing my current box so that I could get it on it's way to Dixie I decided that I would also try to play catch up on the great tutorial and MWT going on this week at OWH.

Here's my take on the "Shirt & Tie" card. I did several variations, some that I trimmed the actual corners of the card off and other where I left them on. I really think these would make great year-round guy cards and I'm going to make a mental note to include some from time to time.

The "Things with Wings" MWT was just too much fun to pass up. I haven't really put this Stampin Up punch to much use yet but I thought it was a perfect fit.

While I had all my supplies unpacked, I decided I'd also make a go at this week's sketch. The scalloped borders & shapes are all stickers that came coordinating papers from Stampin Up.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

One Million Cards & A Digi to Celebrate

2011-05-13T14:44:00.002-04:00

I'm excited to be a part of this wonderful, creative, dedicated group and this amazing milestone and I'm looking forward to the next million. What about you?

In celebration here is a digi sentiment for you in both a black & white and colored version.

Thank You Military Spouses & Families

2011-05-06T17:04:00.003-04:00

I finally got an opportunity to color one of the wonderful state digis Sandy has created for OWH (find them here) and thought that it would make a nice card for a military spouse left behind on the homefront.

It's a beautiful image with lots of detail and though it took me awhile to color it the final image is well worth the effort. I decided I'd 'pop' it up off the card with some 3M foam tape.

My sincere thanks to all the military spouses and families and the sacrifices they make each and every day on behalf of our nation. You are truly special people and we are blessed as a nation to have you among us.

Unmounting Stamps

2011-05-04T19:25:00.004-04:00

This week's Tuesday Tutorial demonstrates how to unmount traditional wood-mounted rubber stamps. A few years back I was face with having to fit all my crafting supplies into a smaller spot or sell them. I decided to unmount them. I used EZ Mount which adds a foam layer but you can also use a foam base layer when you stamp if you opt to use the Ailene's Tack-It-Over method as shown in the tutorial. For storage I use the thick storage boards that are 3 hole punched for storage in binders. I prefer to have my stamps organized by themes but I did keep a careful record of what the sets are named and what each one contains.

For anyone wondering how much space you would save these pictures show my entire red rubber stamp collection. Each plastic box (from the Container Store) measures 10" x 15" x 5.5" high and together they're holding 170 StampinUp stamps sets as well as numerous other individual stamps.

I did my unmounting over the course of a couple months, and it did take a lot of time and effort but in the end was well worth it as I was able to keep my collection intact.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

OWH Annual Memorial Day Bloghop

2011-05-03T21:28:00.003-04:00

Believe it or not Memorial Day is almost here again and that means it's time for the OWH Memorial Day Blog Hop.

New simplified guidelines for posts and a sign-up form can be found here. Sign-ups close on May 25th at 11:59 p.m. If you have never participated in an OWH blog hop I urge you to consider it. They are loads of fun and a great source of inspiration.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

Sketch Challenge #67 - A Card for Dad

2011-05-02T17:29:00.000-04:00

Happily I got a chance to do some creating this past weekend and I did this one based on this week's OWH sketch challenge. This is a nice sketch for creating a clean and simple card. I always seem to have a hard time incorporating tags in my designs but love them when I see someone else do it. I'm happy with how this turned out and plan to try using tags in a few more cards.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

Dad Cards & A Free Digi

2011-04-30T23:33:00.000-04:00

I started to create cards to fill my next box today and while it will include a variety of general themes, where guy cards are concerned I decided that I'd switch to using 'Dad' sentiments, even though I expect to ship my next box before the Father's Day deadline, so that they'll be flexible. I created this digi with Father's Day in mind but it could definitely make a great birthday card for Dad too.

Here is the digi for you. As always feel free to use this image in any of your crafting projects. Post a link back here if you'd like to share it but please do not sell it, repost it or claim it as your own. Just click on it and then use the 'save as' command to save it to you computer.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

Any Hero Cards

2011-04-28T19:39:00.004-04:00

I try to write a few 'Any Hero' notes to include in every box of cards I ship to OWH. I admit that writing a note to someone I don't know and have never met isn't always the easiest thing for me to do but after I have, I am always glad I did and it helps to crystalize for me just how much these heroes sacrifice for all of us.

A few times a year I dedicate a crafting session or two to making Any Hero cards so that I always have some ready to go when I need them. I got both of these digis free and pre-colored from the very talented and generous Nikki at Melonheadz Illustrating. If you haven't yet discovered her blog I promise that you're in for a treat.

Keep in mind that unlike the cards we send to heroes for them to write home on, Any Hero cards do not have to be hand-crafted. If you'd like ot write some cards but don't know where to start you can visit the OWH site for help, guidelines and even free coloring pages for the kids!

Happy Crafting Everyone!

A Cram Course in A Few Blogger Basics

2011-04-26T23:44:00.009-04:00

OWH sponsors "Blog Hops" on a regular basis and I know I was confused and intimidated when I made my first attempt to join in the fun so I've decided I'd write up a post that might help some of you who might want to participate but feel you're not tech savvy and not sure you can do it. I am far from being a "professional" in the realm of blogging but hope that I can help ease your way with these few simple lessons.

Note: You should be able to click on these images to make them larger and easier to read.

Checking Your Time Zone

1) Choose the "Settings" Tab

2) Choose the "Formatting" Tab
3) Scroll down and check your time zone. I'm on the East Coast and have set my zone accordingly. Most of the OWH hops/events I've taken part in are scheduled on EST Time so you may find it easiest to use this setting as well. If you decide to use your own time zone just be sure you do the math and are careful when you schedule posts. (More on that later in these lessons).

Scheduling Posts to Be Published (Go Live) at a Specific Date and Time

Scheduling your post to appear at a specific time is a great thing to know how to do and it's quite simple. Knowing this little trick means your post can appear to have just been "posted" while in fact you set it up weeks ago and you're actually lounging on a beach in the Bahamas! (Margarita anyone?)

1) Create your post as your normally would.

2) Then click on "Post Options" in the lower left hand corner.

3) You will now see some additional POST OPTIONS available to you as shown below. Here is where you will type in the DATE and TIME you want your post to "go live". Click the "Scheduled At" button (instead of automatic which will post the entry immediately). Enter the date and time accordingly. It's important that you know WHAT TIME ZONE setting you are using. Remember back in the beginning of this cram course we set my time zone at EST, so the post example you see here would go live at 8 AM on the East Coast but my friends in San Diego would see this post at 5AM because of the time difference.

4) After you've input your date and time settings click on PUBLISH POST. While this may not "seem" right, it is. Once you do this you will then be able to see exactly what you have set up in the post lists screen that comes up and looks like this next image. As you can see my post in this example will be published at 8:00 AM East Coast time on April 29, 2011. I can still go back and edit, delete or even change the scheduled date and time if I want or need to.

Turning Off Word Verification

Turning off word verification means that when someone visits your blog and wants to leave a comment they can do so without the extra step of 'word verification'. It makes leaving a comment especially easy when you are taking part in a blog hop or online event. While I leave mine set to OFF all the time, you can turn it on and off easily so it makes sense to turn it off at least temporarily if you are taking part in an event and want to make commenting fast and easy for your visitors. I should mention that turning verification off can also open you up to receiving 'spam comments' but blogger does have some built in filters to keep most spam from being published and you can also review and eliminate any comments you choose.

1) Choose the "Settings" Tab

2) Choose the "Comments" Tab

3) Scroll down until you see "Show word verification for comments?"

4) Click on the "No" Button.

5) Scroll to the very bottom and click the "Save Settings" button to retain the change.

You can go back at anytime, the same way, click YES and SAVE SETTINGS and word verification will once again be required of anyone trying to leave you a comment.

Creating a Simple Link in Your Post

1) Write your post as normal and highlight the text you wish to turn into a link.

2) Click the LINK tool on the tool bar.

3) A new window will open in front of your post window that looks like the image below. Notice the TEXT TO DISPLAY box is automatically filled with the words you highlighted. You need to fill in the box that is asking for the URL (which stands for Uniform Resource Locator, in case you enjoy trivia) which is the web page (or blog etc.) address you want that link to take your reader to.

4) In my example here below I am creating a link to the OWH Stars & Stamps Blog. I cut and pasted the address into my box to make it easier and avoid any typos but you can, of course (carefully) type it too. Just be sure you remember to use the 'test this link' option you see in blue right below where you've entered the URL so you are certain the link goes where you expect it to. Clicking the 'test this link' option should open up the 'destination' page in a new browser window.

5) Make sure you click the OK button in the lower left corner of the 'Edit Link' window to save your entries/edits. Here below you can now see what the link looks like in my blog post. Though it appears in blue and underlined in my sample you can use the toolbar to edit color, font etc. Just be sure if you do make edits that you recheck your link. I typically make 'checking my links' one of the last things I do before I publish (or schedule) my blog post.

Add a Supplied Badge to Your Blog Post

1) Create your post in compose mode as usual.

2) When you are ready to add your badge (or any pre-coded link) switch to HTML mode. Notice how you see the text I typed but also some HTML 'coding' that represents setting for fonts, sizes, colors etc.

3) Next cut and paste the provided text into the post while in HTML mode. You can see that the text I cut from the supplied badge link/artwork now appears at the very top of my post in HTML mode.

4) When you click the tab to return to 'Compose' mode you will now see that the badge artwork appears. Clicking on this encoded badge art will now cause the viewer to be directed to the designated page (the top of the OWH Blog Hop in this example).

Whether you are new to blogging or just want to learn a little something you didn't know I hope you found these short lessons a helpful guide and that you'll be encouraged to join in some of the fun online events hosted by Operation Write Home.

Happy Crafting and Blogging Everyone!

P.S. — If you'd like to start a blog and need some basic guidance I'd suggest you visit this page at Dummies.com which has six fairly simple lessons on the essentials of getting started with blogger.

Butterfly - Sketch Challenge #66

2011-04-25T23:11:00.001-04:00

Weeknights typically don't find me creating cards. I have to pack and unpack supplies each time so most of my creating takes place on the weekend. I managed to sneak in a few cards, including this one by using some supplies that I received in some of my stamp club kits (my fabulous Stampin Up demo is none other than Holley over at Holley's Hobbies) so everything in this card is Stampin Up with the exception of the Hello sentiment (HeroArts) and the base card stock.

I'm pretty happy with how it turned out and I'm thinking that maybe if I just limit the supplies I use (and figure out a spot that I can use my light box so my pics come out better than this one did) I just might be able to sneak some weeknight crafting in now and then.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

Monochromatic Designs

2011-04-20T00:00:00.012-04:00

While most people can name their favorite color(s) without giving it more than a few seconds thought, for me that can be a hard question to answer. I love color. All of it.

I spent some time this weekend creating cards with a Monochromatic color scheme. The dictionary definition of Monchromatic is: containing or using only one color. A more in depth study of color would reveal that it would include all tints (created by adding white), shades (created by adding black) and tones (created by adding grey) of the pure hue. A great basic lesson in color can be found at Tiger Color.

Here are the cards I created:

Papers: Recollections, Michael's Crafts

Sentiment: StampinUp – Image: My clip art collection.

Papers: Recollections, Michael's Crafts - Sentiment/Image: StampinUp

Edge Punch: EK Success

Papers: Recollections, Michael's Crafts & DCWV

Image/Punch: StampinUp

Papers: Recollections, Michael's Crafts - Sentiment: Hero Arts

Image: My Clip Art Collection

Papers: Recollections, Michael's Crafts & DCVW -

Image: Dover Publications Clip Art

If you find creating a Monochromatic design an intimidating or confusing challenge here is my suggestion: Choose your main color first (you'll most likely base your color choice on your image if you're using one on your card), then go through your supplies and gather as much as possible in your selected color. Papers, Ink, Ribbon, Embellishments. Remember that you'll want elements in a full range of tints, shades and tones of your chosen color. You may also wish to include one neutral color like ivory, tan or white to help you create some nice contrast and draw attention to your focal point. Now you can pretty much choose from everything in front of you with ease and the result will be a beautiful, monochromatic design.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

OWH Sticker Skip

2011-04-16T03:00:00.012-04:00

I don't often use stickers in my card making as I often find myself struggling. When I do I follow a these basic guidelines that I find helpful.

• Large stickers can often be used alone
• Grouped small stickers to create one focal point
• Teeny tiny stickers are often best left for the kids :)
• Buy coordinated papers & stickers
• Layers help to add dimension & detail

I bought my stickers and papers at Michael's at the same time so that I wouldn't struggle to find coordinates in my stash.

These cake stickers are puffy and shiny which I thought made them kind of fun and an easy way to add some dimension to the cards.

These flower stickers are also textured and raised. In the Thinking of You card I popped the large red flower and the sentiment so that the card would have an even thickness (which is important if you want your cards to make it through the postal system in one piece) using the thinner foam tape by 3M, which I have always preferred because it allows me to cut pieces in whatever size I need.

Thanks for skipping by today! If you didn't start at the beginning you'll want to go back to the OWH Stars & Stamps blog. Otherwise, your next (and last) stop on today's skip is #10 Samantha at Expressions of a Craftaholic. Samantha is a Stampin Up demo and wife to one of our very own heroes. She has lots of wonderful stuff to see on her blog.

Today's Skip Stops:

1) OWH Stars and Stamps
2) Barb at Paper Therapy Ponderings
3) Erica at Creative But Messy
4) Jan at Jan's Gone Stamping
5) Sherry at Bits of Cheer
6) Julie at Handmade by Julie
7) Velda at OldStamper Musings
8) John at John VM's Cards
9) Steph and Robin at SR Cards
10) Paula at Handmade by Paula
11) Samantha at Expressions of a Craftaholic

Happy Crafting Everyone!

Happy Birthday Dixie!

2011-04-14T18:53:00.000-04:00

I'm making a quick post in honor of my dedicated, wonderful and kind shipper Dixie! Here's hoping her day is relaxing and the coming year brings her health, happiness and lots of good times! Instead of sending her a card, I think I'll send her a couple of hundred, including these, in a box heading her way just as soon as possible.

Happy Birthday Dixie and...
Happy Crafting Everyone!

Demand Chocolate Digi & Sketch #64

2011-04-11T21:39:00.010-04:00

When I asked for 'favorite short quotes' a couple posts back I got a few and this one came from Christy. A fun twist on the old "lemons...lemonade" version for sure. I thought it would make nice focal point for this week's Sketch Challenge.

Here are the digis for you. As always feel free to use this image in any of your crafting projects. Post a link back here if you'd like to share it but please do not sell it, repost it or claim it as your own. Just click on it and then use the 'save as' command to save it to you computer.

And one in color in case you'd rather just print it and go right to creating your piece.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

A Free Digi and More Dad Cards

2011-04-09T09:39:00.004-04:00

I've always enjoyed doing cards that have a 'travel' theme and thought a compass would be good for masculine cards, whether for Father's Day or general cards. Here is one of the digis I've been working turned into 'Dad' cards.

I had fun coloring these and couldn't decide on any one color combination so of the six I colored no two are alike. I've done a few of these cards with 'Miss You' sentiments too. The background paper is one I have had for a few years now but I am quite certain you can find something similar at JoAnn's or Michael's in the travel themed scrapbook supplies .

Here are the digis for you. As always feel free to use this image in any of your crafting projects. Post a link back here if you'd like to share it but please do not sell it, repost it or claim it as your own. Just click on it and then use the 'save as' command to save it to you computer.

And one variation in color in case you'd rather just print it and go right to creating your piece.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

Father's Day Challenge

2011-04-06T21:11:00.005-04:00

These are a couple of the Father's Day cards I have in my current OWH box. Most of the cards I'll make will have a simple 'DAD' sentiment so they could be used for a birthday or even just to send dad a hello. I always try to make cards that cover a lot of bases so they are sure to be useful .

Papers: DCWV ~ Sentiment: Stampin Up

Papers & Die Cut Sentiment: DCWV

I'm finding myself unmotivated by most of the masculine images I have so I'm working on a few digis that I will post within the next few days. If you're working on a Father's Day card for your dad or some for OWH (the OWH deadline of May 21st will be here before you know it!) and could use something new to spark your creativity come on back in a few days.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

Sunday Sketch & A Quote Digi

2011-04-03T23:32:00.006-04:00

As a graphic designer I've always loved typography and I've always liked quotes. Recently, after seeing a bunch of very nice cards made with quotes I started playing around with quotes & fonts that I could use on some cards. I was happy to find that one I had just completed worked perfectly with this week's OWH sketch.

Here is the digi for you. As always feel free to use this image in any of your crafting projects. Post a link back here if you'd like to share it but please do not sell it, repost it or claim it as your own. Just click on it and then use the 'save as' command to save it to you computer.

If you are going to use it at a small size I'd suggest using the colored version because I found it hard to color neatly.

Do you have a favorite short quote that would make a great digi? Let me know and I may just surprise you with it here on a future post.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

Spring Flowers

2011-04-01T16:50:00.004-04:00

If it just happens to be cold and maybe even snowy where you are today, I have some Spring flowers to remind you that yes it is indeed Springtime!

Paper: DCWV Stacks ~ Tag: K & Company ~ Sentiment: Papertrey Ink

Colored with Prismacolor Design Studio Markers

I know that many folks do not like to color (sometimes that includes me :) so today I'm also offering a colorized version of this digi as well.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

OWH Sketches, Frantoonies & A Birthday

2011-03-27T09:34:00.000-04:00

I created these two cards using Fran's wonderful images and the Bonus sketches at OWH Stars & Stamps Blog. These images are great fun to color and need little to nothing else to turn them into great cards.

A big shout out with Happy Birthday wishes for Sandy and thanks to Fran for sharing her talent with the OWH Family of card makers.

Happy Crafting to Everyone!

Cards 4 Kids & A Free Digi

2011-03-25T17:33:00.001-04:00

Kids cards are among my favorites to create so I couldn't possibly sit out this week's MWT at Operation Write Home. I can't even begin to imagine how hard the separation must be between our hero Dad's and Mom's and their kids back home. I have been blessed to have heard from heroes saying just how much it means to their children to receive cards. Happy hero, happy kid, happy card maker... one little card is a gift that keeps on giving!

Boy cards are a bit harder for me. I seem to have a lot more girly images in my collection of stamps and digis so I decided I'd draw a sailboat. As always feel free to use this image in any of your crafting projects. Post a link back here if you'd like to share it with your friends, and please do not sell it, repost it or claim it as your own. Just click on it and then use the 'save as' command to save it to you computer.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

MWT Throwdown & A Free Digi

2011-03-16T00:00:00.002-04:00

Some of you may recognize this digi that I made for an OWH Blog Hop late last year. If you didn't see it and get it then you can scroll down and get it at the end of this post.

I've made two cards to share with you today. On this first one I printed the digi in 2 different sizes. The larger one for the main piece and then a smaller version (printed twice) so that I could cut the smaller envelopes out and pop them off the base of the card. One of the nicest things about using digital images is the ability to size them to specifically fit your need.

In this second card my goal was to make a card that was masculine, or at the very least gender neutral.

Here is the digital image. Just click on it and then use the 'save as' command to save it to you computer. As always feel free to use this image in any of your crafting projects but please post a link back here if you'd like to share it with your friends, and please do not sell it, repost it or claim it as your own.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

Sketch #60

2011-03-14T21:23:00.001-04:00

I am not a quilter or much on sewing at all, though every so often I find myself drawn to attempt it, so far I've always managed to talk sense into myself before I get as far as buying materials. I do however love quilts and have seen a lot of card designs based on quilt patterns. It has been one of the items on my list of "things to try" (I've added the paper Twisty Flowers from last week's tutorial to the list) and when I saw this week's sketch it seemed like it was a sign!

It was actually a bit harder than I thought it would be. I thought it would be a matter of a few punches and some adhesive but I found myself having to trim and adjust along the way. This geometric pattern makes a nice gender neutral card and I will definitely be doing some more of these with patterned papers, other colors and maybe some other quilt patterns too.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

Dots & A 1956 Ford Fairlane

2011-03-13T17:17:00.001-04:00

I typically make general cards so I can ship whenever I want. Having made a few Easter cards this year and with the OWH deadline fast approaching I couldn't postpone any longer so I've packed up close to 500 cards and will ship them out to Dixie tomorrow. Among the ones in this shipment are a stack of these which fit the MWT "Dotty Challenge" perfectly.

I also finally got to making some cards with Yolanda's fantastic 1956 Ford Fairlane digi. I had a ton of fun coloring these. I made the little embellishment by punching a small circle and then inserting an eyelet right into the center. It was a bit tricky at first but once I figured out the order (punch the hole for the eyelet before you punch the actual cirle, then insert the eyelet last) it went fast and it made a nice coordinate with the paper (which I got at Michael's last month).

Happy Crafting Everyone!

OWH Bunny Hop Blog Candy Winner is Sheryl

2011-03-08T18:30:00.003-05:00

The winner of my blog candy is Sheryl and she blogs at Sheryl's Crafting Corner. Thanks to everyone who entered and all the kind folks who took the time to leave comments.

I hope that card makers and crafter's who have perhaps just discovered OWH because of the Bunny Hop will consider joining in this worthy cause.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

Sketch #59 Love You Daisies

2011-03-07T16:34:00.001-05:00

My thanks to everyone who participated in the OWH Bunny Hop this past weekend. I enjoyed seeing all the great cards and I hope like me you came away inspired.

Here is my take on this week's OWH Stars & Stamps sketch challenge.

The embossing folder is 'Petals A Plenty' by Stampin Up and the sentiment is one I created and is here below for you to use and enjoy. As always feel free to use this image in any of your crafting but please post a link back here if you'd like to share it with your friends, and please do not sell it, repost it or claim it as your own.

To download it, click once on the image itself and then choose the 'Save As' command to save it to your computer.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

OWH Bunny Hop

2011-03-05T09:31:00.000-05:00

Welcome to my stop on the hop! You should be arriving here from Barb's Paper Therapy Ponderings. I know you have a long journey and there is so much wonderful stuff to be seen so I will keep my post brief.

If you are lost you can go back to the start of the hop at OWH Stars & Stamps blog.

Remember that the deadline for mailing Easter cards is March 18th and Mother's Day is March 31st. This is the latest date your package should be postmarked and on it's way to your shipper.

If you are just discovering OWH be sure to check out the main site. You will find all the information you need so you can join in the fun and some wonderful FREE Digital Stamps. Just size as you like, print them out on your printer, grab your markers or pencils and you're well on your way to making cards!

I opted for a pretty, pastel color scheme and since the paper itself has spring words on it I decided to skip adding any further sentiment. Papers in my card are DCVW, the stamp is Inkadinkado and the punch is EK Success. My blog candy includes the stamp, punch, papers and ribbon you need CASE this card or to create your own version. If you'd like to be included in the prize drawing simply click this link and send me an EMAIL. (A blank email is fine and gives me an easy way to contact the winner). I will draw a random winner on Tuesday, March 8th.

Your next stop on the hop is
Handmade By Julie

(so far this year she's managing to make a card for every comment she gets on her blog -- what an awesome idea --- so leave her some love and let's keep her busy!)

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the rest of the hop,

What's a Frantoonie?

2011-03-04T08:39:00.001-05:00

Why it's a wonderful, one-of-a-kind cartoon by Fran, of course!

I was lucky enough to get a sneak peak at Fran's terrific artwork and all I can say is WOW, talk about talent! Fran's style reminds me of one of my all-time favorite cartoonists, Mort Walker, creator of Beetle Bailey. These were so much fun to color!

In each case I started by considering the colors I would use in the images and I searched my papers for a patterns that would work with each without stealing any attention away from them. These images are just wonderful and I know these cards will bring smile to the faces of our heroes and their families too. Many thanks to Fran for sharing her talent with all of us at OWH.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

Another Sunday Sketch

2011-02-27T21:23:00.000-05:00

OWH Stars & Stamps has a great sketch this week. This sketch is particularly great for all of those crafters who own the popular "inchies" stamps. I don't happen to own any (do you know the feeling that no matter how much you manage to buy you still don't have it all? :) so I made due with some flower embellishments I had from the Michael's $1 Bin and some old DCWV papers in my stash.

Don't forget that OWH Bunny Hop sign up ends this Wednesday! I am getting my own post ready and looking forward to seeing what everyone else has in store.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

Sketch #57... Almost Time to Hop!

2011-02-20T22:47:00.003-05:00

Happily I got to spend some time crafting this weekend and one of the cards I made is based on this week's Sunday Sketch #57. It's been a snowy, cold winter here in the Northeast and I am ready for Spring. This is one time I am glad that OWH deadlines are way ahead of the calendar because I can dig into my stash of goodies and bury myself in pretty pastels, bright colors and spring patterned papers.

If you haven't signed up for the March 5th Bunny Hop you can do that right now HERE. OWH hops are not to be missed. They are always packed full of inspiration, ideas, tutorials and blog candy and though its fun to be a spectator it's even better to participate!

Happy Crafting Everyone!