Blog Hop Card
The Stars and Stamps Blog has been a terrific source of inspiration and challenges, and if you don't visit regularly, you're missing some terrific information! This card follows the formula for sketch challenge #8. I layered the scalloped circle and the flower petals. This gives those elements a little "pop" without making the card bulky. The card is also sturdy and unlikely to get damaged in its travels to the middle east and back again. It's all about the adhesives!! I used an ATG gun to affix the background and Aleene's Super Thick Tacky Glue on the flower parts. (These are the adhesives I use in the "card hospital" for my OWH shipper responsibilities. Good stuff!)
Cosmo Cricket's Mini Deck - Garden Variety Collection
Bazzill Card Stock
Stamped sentiment is from Hero Arts
Inspiration for Making Cards
I started making cards for Operation Write Home last summer. My nephew, Soldier Sam, was my motivation for doing so. Sam is currently deployed for his second tour in Iraq, or as he posted on his facebook page, "Back in my favorite vacation destination." Ha. Sam is an infantry soldier based in Fort Riley, Kansas.
Sam at the Charlotte airport, coming home for R&R in 2007.
Sam sharing unusual souvenirs from Sadr City.
Tips for OWH Card Makers
My favorite tip for card makers is from the Home Front Blog on the OWH website, and it can be found HERE! There's lots of terrific information for assembling a package of cards. Watch it, and you'll learn something new! You'll also be helping your shipper!
Blog Candy
I'll be awarding some crafty blog candy to someone who leaves a comment at the end of this post! A name will be drawn randomly on Monday after 6:00 PM EDT. I'll post the winner on my blog Monday night, March 22. I'll also announce the winner on OWH's facebook fan page. Good luck!
Directions to the Next Blog
The next blog on the hop is Allison's
Stretch N' Bubbles. She's got some great digital stamps on her blog! And a FREE one to celebrate our blog hop! Thanks, Allison! You Rock! Enjoy!
Hi Dixie! I woke up in the middle of the night and decided to put up my blog post.
ReplyDeleteThank you for all the hard work you do for us as a shipper. Even when you love it, I know it's work.
And thank you for sharing your nephew with us. Thank your family for your service. I believe it's the whole family that serves.
Hugs and Happy Blog Hop!
Your card is great with the pretty flower accent! TFS the story of how you got involved with OWH. You obviously are quite proud of your nephew and I am too! He's one of our finest and I know he appreciates what you do for him and all the other soldiers serving our country all over the world! Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteGood morning Dixie! Great card-- I am inspired to create today! Thanks for all you do!
ReplyDeleteDiane
Thanks for your help last night.. I never figured out how to get great pictures like yours in the "middle" though ;) I love the card esp. the patterned paper and the tips for making them. You guys can't imagine how hard Dixie (and the other shippers) work! I know, I see her doin' it.. she is a gem!
ReplyDeleteGmorning to my favorite southern belle shipper! :) Thanks for the pics of Soldier Sam - it won't be all that much longer til the banner goes back up! :)
ReplyDeleteAnd I love love love your card! Those papers are tasty together - and I love the side view you shot showing the layers. Beautiful!
Hugs to you, my friend...thank you for all you do for our heroes!!
Howdy Dixie! What a beautiful card - you are so talented!!! Thanks too for being a fantastic shipper! It is a ton of work but definitely a labor of love!
ReplyDeletebig huge thank you to your Nephew sam.
ReplyDeleteGreat card, love the colors. it's super cool
Dixie, thanks for volunteering to be a shipper. Great pictures of your nephew.
ReplyDeleteThanks Dixie for all your work as a shipper for OWH!!!
ReplyDeleteLove the layering for the flower! I will have to try that...
Dixie,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your story about how you got started with OWH. Thank you for becoming part of the shipping team.
I love your cards colors and patterns. Excellent design.
darlene a
Love your card!!
ReplyDeleteSuper fun card Dixie! Love the pretty papers and the flower accents. Thanks for sharing your story too and big thanks to Soldier Sam for his dedication to our country!
ReplyDeleteHi Dixie...I loved your card...im a newbie to cardmaking and owh blogging and all. I believe you are the shipper I will be using if you are in NC. What I'd like to say is thank you for posting the type of glue you use to "doctor" the cards. Being a newbie I have had the hardest time and spent a good amt of $$ looking for the right adhesives but I think I did finally manage to find them. One suggestion for the shippers section of OWH might be to clarify on how Afgahanistan heat wreaks havoc on some adhesives - for the newbies! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteGreat card. I love your flower. I pray that your nephew stays safe.
ReplyDeleteThanks for all of the time you put into getting all of the cards ready to ship.
ReplyDeleteI love the dual background papers cut at a diagonal!!
I struggle with patterned paper and you have done it effortlessly! Thank you for the inspiration.
ReplyDeleterobinski6 at yahoo dot come
Hi Dixie, I love, love, love the paper combination you used. The card is so "happy" and bright! Also a very nice post...I realize I need to go back and read the Tips portion as I glanced through it and realize I had forgotten some of the great information. Thank you also for all you do for OWH! Blessings, Louise
ReplyDeleteLove the color combination and the felt embellishments. Thanks for the tips, I'm excited to become a part of this amazing endeavor! God Bless you and your family.
ReplyDeleteShell
great use of the sketch, Dixie! And I'll add my shout out for ATG to yours. Tell Sam thanks for his continued service too.
ReplyDeletethat is a great card! i would have never thought to put those two patterns together but it really does work well...
ReplyDeleteGod Bless You and Sam and the rest of your family.
Love the card but love the post more... Thanks :)
ReplyDeleteLove the dimensional style to this card and the colors are so inviting. Great post too Dixie... getting to read about our heroes is one of the best parts of these hops!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Dixie! Not only for all your hard work being a shipper but for being a friend and fellow enabler! Hope the Spring Blog Hop has not traumatized you too much! lol
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures, I love the card you made. The designer papers are really pretty.
ReplyDeleteLove your card..cute paper. Thanks for all you do for OWH.
ReplyDeletePollywol321 at comcast dot net
Hi Dixie! Your card is so cheerful and inspiring. I love the papers that you used and thanks for sharing how you made flowers. I am so impressed by your post that is very well directed. Thanks for your hard work as a shipper for OWH. More cards are on your way soon.
ReplyDeleteHi Dixie, your the new shipper for OWH, I'll be sending you my stuff from now on since I'm in TN. Last year I send over 200 cards this year I hope to send at least 500. I love your card and thank you so much for your hard work.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless,
Jeanine #14 on the Hop
Hi Dixie,
ReplyDeleteI love the bright colors in your card. This blog hop is great fun and inspiring! I don't have a blog and I'm not on facebook but I'm Jean from Meadville. pearx2 at zoominternet dot net
Thank you for being one of the shippers, I can only imagine what a huge job that is. Thank you to your nephew for his service. Love your card and your tips about adhesive. I love my ATG gun, everything stays stuck down with it.
ReplyDeleteI love your card. I think I am going to copy your card format. I really like the diagonal! Hope Sam comes home safe!
ReplyDeleteI hear ya! I use so many adhesives on my cards to make sure everything is stuck. When I'm working with ribbon, I always put more than needed just to make sure that it won't fly off the card!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your story about Sam. I hope that the remainder of his tour is anti-climatic and that when he comes home, he can stay home. :)
What a wonderful card! I want to thank you for all your efforts to get these cards into the hands of our loved ones. I'm hoping some make it to my neice in Afghanistan. As a VET, I want to say a special Thanks as I know how much your hard work is appreciated.
ReplyDeleteLove your card Dixie! Gorgeous papers and I love your sentiment! Thanks for all of your hard work for OWH!
ReplyDeleteHi Dixie! Thanks for everything you do and for sharing Sam's story. You've made a great card!
ReplyDeletejeanne706 at yahoo dot com
OK great card, love the way you made the flower and the story and pictures of your nephew almost made me cry. I dont personally have any military family or friends but am well aware of their service to me. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteyour card is fabulous.. gave me some great ideas!
ReplyDeleteThank you for all your hard work Dixie!
ReplyDeleteThank you for being a shipper. Your work is so appreciated. I love the bright and cheery paper that you used on the card.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip about Aleene's Super Thick Tacky Glue. Never heard of it but if it helps the "hospital cards" it must be good.
ReplyDeleteThanks for all that you do.
ReplyDeleteGreat card!! I love how the flower has been assembled.
ReplyDeleteAnd as a military wife, and a card maker, I need to thank you for the creativity you share to help others feel closer to their loved ones, AND for all of the hard work you put in as a shipper for OWH. You will never know how much this means to people as words can't describe it. Thank you.
Hi Dixie,
ReplyDeleteI'm working on another 100 cards to ship to you! Love the bright spring look of your card.
Wendy
love the flower on your card1 Thanks for all you do.
ReplyDeleteAprilsL8@windstream.net
What a great card! Thank you for your work with OWH. Please send your nephew a big "THANK YOU" from a very appreciative family in CA!
ReplyDeletep.s. Love your name!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat card. I will need to check out that sketch.
ReplyDeleteI'll be praying for Sam's safe return.
First, thanks to your nephew Sam and all his compatriots. Thanks for sending these cards to the guys and gals out there in the field. Maybe one or two will get to my grandsons.
ReplyDeleteHi Dixie, thanks so much for all your hard work in fixing and shipping cards for OWH! I'll have to get me an ATG glue gun. I use Adtech and go through it like crazy. I always worry that my cards arrive to the shipper or worse yet, overseas falling apart!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful card! Please thank your nephew for me!
Love the pattern paper! Thanks for sharing!!
ReplyDeleteDixie the color combo and papers choices in your card are just gorgeous!! Such a handsome nephew...I have a daughter who is not married! I know, he is married to his country right now, but a girl can hope. Thank you for such a wonderful post. To be a shipper you have to be AWESOME!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for being a shipper for OWH. I know that's a BIG job. What a clever flower you made and I love the bright colors. Thanks for the hint about adhesive.
ReplyDeleteDixie - thanks for all you do with shipping at OWH. Your story and your nephew are inspirational Your card is sensational. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteThank you for all the hard work you do as an OWH shipper! My prayers are with your nephew, may he return home safely.
ReplyDeleteLOVE the use of that adorable Cosmo Cricket paper!!!
Hey Dixie,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for doing the important job of shipping. I know it is bigger even than I can imagine. It makes it possible for folks like me to contribute in my own small way. Your kindness radiates in all sorts of ways. So again, thank you!
Love your card, love the 2 colors of the scallops!
ReplyDeleteGreat pics!!
Love your flowers! Great papers for the background and then it all pulls together so nicely!
ReplyDeleteGreat card! I like the way you layered the flower. Thank you for being a shipper - we really appreciate you!
ReplyDeleteSuch great colors on the card. Thank you for all your hard work as a shipper and thanks to your nephew for his service!
ReplyDeleteDixie,
ReplyDeleteYour card is gorgeous. I love the papers and the colors. You are doing a great job as a shipper. Thanks for all of your efforts!
Thanks for all you do, Dixie. It's nice to know that Sam is your inspiration. God bless him for serving our country. I'll keep him in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteYour card is beautiful. I love the flower you made.
Thanks Dixie for all of your hard work. I don't think you will ever know how much the troops appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteHugs to Sam!! I LOVE the bright colrs in your card!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful card!
ReplyDeleteAnd I think that Aleene's Glue is the greatest thing since duct tape :)
Your card is so lovely. I love the colors and the flowers. I am going to give making cards for OWH a try and I think you will be the closest shipper to me. Thanks for all you do.
ReplyDeleteWow! Beautiful card! That flower just pops--love how you used 2 different colors of cs around the scalloped circle and the papers are gorgeous! Thanks so much for all your hard work and helping to make this possible for our heroes!
ReplyDeleteGreat card. I recognize the sketch from the OWH challenge.
ReplyDeleteI adore your flower! Thanks so much for sharing the Facebook link so I could become a follower!
ReplyDeleteAwesome card...I recently found out about OWH and think it is a wonderful cause. Thanks for all you do to support our troops. I'm going to get started on some cards right way. I would love to help out.
ReplyDeleteHi! What a great card! We always love the cards you make. Thanks so much for all you do. We are almost ready to send you another box.
ReplyDeleteLove your blog! Please tell you nephew Sam to be safe and thank him for his service for me ;)
ReplyDeleteLove your card! It makes me smile so I know it will make the recipient smile even more! Thanks for your endless work as a shipper! Thank your nephew for his service too. I'm so proud to be part of this great cause!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Dixie for being an OPW shipper! I've got a box about full that will be on it's way to you soon. I loved your story of why you got involved. Please thank Sam for his service. Loved the bi-colored scallops on your card.
ReplyDeleteR/
Great card, Dixie... love the papers used and the flower. I'll be mailing a package to you this week and think I used the same sketch on a couple cards. These challenges are an inspiration to me as a new cardmaker...and am getting a lot of ideas through this blog... hope I get through it this year! as this is as far as I've gotten for today.
ReplyDeleteD. A. in Frederick!
Great card, Dixie... love the papers used and the flower. I'll be mailing a package to you this week and think I used the same sketch on a couple cards. These challenges are an inspiration to me as a new cardmaker...and am getting a lot of ideas through this blog... hope I get through it this year! as this is as far as I've gotten for today.
ReplyDeleteD. A. in Frederick!
Hello from South Carolina. I love your card. Here's to SAM!!
ReplyDeleteYour card is beautiful, I love the 2 patterned papers cut on the diagonal. Thanks for all you do.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful card!! Love the colors you used!! Please pass on my family's prayers and thanks to Sam for his sacrifice and service!!
ReplyDeleteAs a military spouse and someone new to OWH, I thank you for taking part in this awesome blog hop and in OWH!
Please tell Sam....thank you for his service.....and thank you for your service too.....kind hearts both of you.....I love your card and how you made your flowers.....thank you again for sharing....
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing photos to remind us of the reason. Your card is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThank you for all you do, Dixie! And please send a special thank you to your nephew for his service in preserving our freedom in this great country we live in! And great, awesome card, too
ReplyDeleteSuper cute flower!! Thank you so much for all you do!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for all that you do...
ReplyDeleteI really like your use of contrast on this card. Thank you for sharing your story in addition to everything else. Sam will remain in our prayers.
Gorgeous card Dixie! Love your work & the eye that you have to put everything together! Tell Sam thanks for his service! Thanks you for all of your work for OWH! My daughter is a MP that served in Iraq & will be off to Afghanistan soon, so I really appreciate all that you do! My sister also lives in Charlotte. Small world!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful card and I love the idea of extra scalloped punches etc. to give depth to a card.
ReplyDeleteI love the strawberry paper- absolutely adorable. My DH just returned from Iraq/Afghanistan- I will be praying for the safe return of your nephew.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great card! Very vibrant colors ... terrific. Thanks for all you do in assisting with the OWH.
ReplyDeleteThanks for all you do, Dixie! Fun card -- love that paper! Thanks for sharing and best wishes to Sam!
ReplyDeleteDixie, I love the card and I recognize the sketch.LOL That strawberry paper has me wanting strawberries.
ReplyDeleteThanks to you and the other two that spend hours and hours in fixing and shipping cards.
Cute card.. i love the way you made that flower :) and the senitment is so cute also..
ReplyDeletehugs x
Thanks for sharing and supporting OWH and being a shipper without shippers we would not get the job done!. I appreciate you stopping by my blog during the hop and leaving your kind words. Good luck in my OWH giveaway!
ReplyDeleteThank you for all your hard work as a shipper! I love your card.
ReplyDeleteYour card is AWESOME and oh so lovely!!! As soon as I saw it, my face lit up:o) I love the cheerful colors and that wonderful blossom!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for all that you do to get these cards to our soldiers!!! Your dedication and commitment to OWH is admired and very much appreciated by all of us!! We could never thank all of you at OWH enough. You are AMAZING!!!
Big Hugs!!!
Carolyn
Great card & thanks for all you do. I can't imagine it being easy.
ReplyDeleteThank you for all you do! I love the fact that my hobby that makes me happy can make so many other people happy as well.
ReplyDeleteLove your colors and your layering is sure to hold up great in the travels. Good luck on hanging your sign up again!
ReplyDeleteSher
Thanks for all you do, Dixie! I love your card and the pics of Soldier Sam. Can't wait to hear he's coming home.
ReplyDeleteGreat card! I love the way that flower pops off of there!! Best to you and Sam!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful card! Thank you for being a shipper.
ReplyDeleteI really liked your card - very unusual. I am also anxious to read your "tips for cardmakers". I will come back after I finish the blog hop.
ReplyDeleteThank you
I love, love, love your card... it's beautiful!! And, I love that I've found OWH!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for Sharing!
xoxo
Ola
okj83 at live dot com
Beautiful card! Thank you for the tips on adhesive- Thank Sam and family for me!
ReplyDeleteThx to Soldier Sam and his comrades. Many thx also to you and the other Shippers @ OWH that make this effort possible. Hugs, Loni (Stop #55)
ReplyDeleteThank you Sam from the Guzy family in southern NJ! (pronounced like fuzzy)
ReplyDeleteI am now a follower of your blog. I also joined the facebook group.
your card is so lovely, very bright and cheery I love how you did the flowers and the paper you chose is wonderful!
Thanks for all you do,
Susan
Love the extra pop. Thanks for doing so much with OWH.
ReplyDeleteThank Sam for me.
ReplyDeleteWhat an adorable card. Love the paper piecing.
{hugs}
M.E.
What a handsome Sam you have!!! Thanks for sharing your card - I love that color combo - so bright and cheery and fun! Way to go! And thanks for all of your help making OWH the awesome success that it is! Huge hugs to you!
ReplyDeleteThanks for showing us such a great card--and a great hero!!!
ReplyDeleteYour card is so pretty. I love the red flower!
ReplyDeleteCorinna
www.myscrapbooklife.com
Dixie...Thanks for being a shipper...and for the card hospital tips.....Love the colors on the card!!!
ReplyDelete