Oh.My.Stars!

I'm taking a break from playing with DRS Designs new stamps in order to participate in their blog challenge this week, Oh My Stars! Just as the theme implies, they want to see stars on your project this week. I broke out some fun patriotic stamps to create an Independence Day card. 

 

 

 Isn't the Tiny Patriot (801H) adorable?  I think he's one of my favorites! I colored him with Copic markers and adhered this piece on a blue cardstock mat. Next, I created my own pattern paper by stamping the Interlocking Star Background (819H) with red and light blue ink, added a decorative border on the panel, and then adhered it on the left hand side of the red cardstock base. I added a red fishtail banner as shown and then embellished it with a blue ribbon bow.  I stamped the Interlocking Star background again with just blue ink and then stamped "Happy Independence Day!" (822D) overtop before cutting it out with a decorative die.  I placed it in the empty space in the lower right corner and my card was complete.

 

I hope you're all having a great Summer, but if you've got some time out of the sun and find some time to stamp, run over to the DRS Designs challenge to see all the details including a fabulous prize and link your card to be eligible.

 

Thanks for stopping by!

 

Smiles,

Jennifer

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Big Thanks to Our Veterans!

Happy Veteran's Day to all of those who have served in the past, present, and future!

This card was made to honor them using stamps from DRS Designs.  The

Veterans Day Greeting (411H)was stamped in blue ink and the Star Ribbon Slide (963D) which was heat embossed and fussy cut. I kept the layout simple and used the colors red, white, and blue--the only colors I thought were appropriate for a patriotic card like this.

Big thanks to all of our Veterans and Soldiers. I appreciate your service, bravery, and sacrifices and your dedication to our country has not gone unnoticed!

Smiles,

Jennifer

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Patriot Day

Hi Stampers! Hope you are all doing well!

Since today is Patriot Day in the United States, I'm showing off another Patriotic card and using this opportunity to remind all of you about DRS Designs Operation Write Home Card Drive.  The object is to collect as many cards as you can make, but in doing so, there are some great prizes up for grabs too! (Check out the link above to see what you can win!)

Operation Write Home is in need of cards with the following themes:
Birthday
Love
Thank you
Missing you
Thinking of you
Blank (no sentiment)

Just a few things to remember for each card you send in:
Cards must only be 4.25" x 5.5"
**No Glitter**
No Store bought cards allowed
Please be sure to include an envelope for each card donated.

Send your cards to:
DRS Designs
217 Greenwood Avenue
Bethel, CT 06801

So remember over the next few weeks when you sit down to stamp, make a few duplicate cards and send them in to support a great cause. We want you to be our top donator!

Here's the Partiotic card that I have to share with you today.

This design was simple and fun to make! I used the Interlocking Star Background (819H), the Starry Background (124H), and God Bless America (085D). I hope you like it! 

Smiles,
Jennifer

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For Our Soldiers

It's that time of year again for DRS Designs annual Operation Write Home card drive. For those of you who are not familiar with this organization, OWH supplies our military members with hand stamped cards to send home to their families and loved ones. DRS Designs collected over 2000 cards last year for our soldiers!

Start creating stamped cards today to help support our Troops! All donors will receive a Thank You prize from DRS Designs. The donor who sends in the most donated cards will win a $50 DRS Designs Gift Certificate and the next 2 generous donors will receive a $25 DRS Designs Gift Certificate. Deadline for all donations is Oct 10, 2013.

Just a few things to remember for each card you send in:
Cards must only be 4.25" x 5.5"
**No Glitter**
No Store bought cards allowed
Please be sure to include an envelope for each card donated.

Send your cards to:
DRS Designs
217 Greenwood Avenue
Bethel, CT 06801

Here are the details for those of you interested in the card I made above:
All stamps are by DRS Designs-Soldiers of America Greeting (918L), Starry Background (124H), Interlocking Star Background (819H).  The layout I followed is the Splitcoast Stampers Sketch Challenge #449.

Thanks for stopping by! 

Smiles,
Jennifer

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Let Freedom Ring!

How are you celebrating Independence Day this year? We are having family over for a BBQ and we are really hoping the weather will cooperate with our plans. We always set up tables to eat outside and the guys like to play horseshoes and ladder ball. The kids play with water balloons and swim in the pool and all of us ladies just sit back and mingle as we take it all in. We even have sparklers for everyone when the sun goes down. It's always a day full of fun!

Here's a card I made to celebrate the holiday. It was also made for this weeks Chocolate, Coffee, Cards Blog Challenge, 4th of July. I colored the Liberty Bell (800H) with Copic Markers and fussy cut it out. Then I adhered it on to a star embossed background. The pattern paper you see in the background was hand stamped using the Interlocking Star Background (819H) in red and yellow inks. The sentiment banner was stamped with "Let Freedom Ring" (802D) and I stamped the Interlocking Stars over top using just yellow ink.

Hope you all have a safe and wonderful 4th of July holiday! 

Smiles,

Jennifer

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Happy Independence Day!

Can you believe it's practically the 4th of July already?  I'm just blown away by how quickly this year has gone by!

This was a fun card to make and I love the use of the light blue and red rather than Navy for this Independence Day card.  All of the stamps are by DRS Designs.  I started by stamping the Flag of Allegiance (449L) in red ink.  Then I masked off the edges with Post-It Notes and sponged blue ink around the inside edges and matted the image with red card stock.   

I used light blue cardstock for the card front and created my own designer paper by stamping the Interlocking Stars Background (819H) with red and light blue ink.  I assembled it as shown and popped up the Happy Independence Day Greeting (822D) at the bottom of the stamped image. I placed 2 red rhinestones in the upper left corner to finish it up.

This was created for the 4th of July theme on the Chocolate, Coffee, Cards Challenge Blog. DRS Designs is giving away a $10 store voucher for this challenge. So create a 4th of July card and then run over there and link your card up for a chance to win! 

Hope you all have a wonderful holiday!

Smiles,

Jennifer

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For The Red, White, and Blue!

I have a little something different to show you today, and I bet you've already peeked at the pics below and your first thought was 4th of July cards...Nope! My friend Nancy participates with an organization called Blankets Of Hope. Blankets Of Hope provides blankets to sick or wounded Soldiers/Veterans who are returning to the US. Each blanket has a 4-1/4 x 5-1/2 cardstock tag attached to it that the blanket maker uses to write a note to the soldier. That's what I've made below--10 blanket cards!

I apologize a few of these pictures are blurry.  Had I not already sent the cards in I would have retaken them, but they are in transit to Nancy for the assembly event later in January!

Each card was hand stamped with stamps from DRS Designs. The cards didn't have to be patriotic but what US soldier doesn't love red, white, and blue? I thought making them patriotic was appropriate and DRS Designs has some stamps that were perfect for the occasion. Here's a list of stamps that I used to create them:

•Starry Background (124H)

•Interlocking Star Background (819H)

•USA Thanks To Our Brave (766G)

•Freedom Canon (814L)

•Stars and Stripes Forever (823F)

•Brush Thank You (1095H)

•Feather Background (167F)

These were a lot of fun to make and I loved the fact that I had to leave room for a handwritten message.  It made me remember to keep them simple, and that made these quick and easy to create!

Smiles,

Jennifer

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Stars and Stripes Forever!

Happy 4th of July!

Hope you're all out celebrating our Nation's Independence Day with family, friends, and all fun Summer things!

Today's card I'm sharing with you was made just for the Independence Day Holiday.  I've used 3 of DRS Designs new releases on it--the Tiny Patriot (801H), Stars Stripes Forever Sentiment (823F), and the Happy Independence Day sentiment (822D). 

Isn't that Tiny Patriot adorable!?!?!?  All coloring was done with Copic Markers.  I created my own pattern paper by stamping off the Interlocking Star background (819H) with blue ink so it was light enough that the Independence Day sentiment could be easily seen.  A simple satin red ribbon and bow separated the 2 background panels and then the card front was adhered to a red cardstock base. This finished card size measures A2-5.5" x 4.25".

Thanks for stopping by and have a safe and wonderful holiday!

Smiles,

Jennifer

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Freedom!

Hope you're all having a wonderful holiday weekend and that the weather is cooperating with all of your Summer plans where you are!  Here in Michigan we're expecting a very sunny and hot 88*F.  Perfect for all of the pool parties and BBQ's, and better yet, no rain expected for the fireworks display at night!

So, after my previous post where my Husband thought my "Let Freedom Ring" Independence Day card should have been done in red, white, and blue, I decided to take his advice and use those colors for today's card.  All of the stamps I've used here are by DRS Designs.  I created the Polka Dot paper using the Polka Dot Background (688P) and then lightly inking the edges with blue ink.  I stamped the Independence Day Sentiment (822D) below a matching blue ribbon and added 3 red brads near the top to add a pop of color. 

The Freedom Cannon (814L) was colored with Copic Markers and I used Waterfall Stickles to add some sparkle to the fireworks.  Simple, yet festive wouldn't you say?

Thanks for taking the time out to stop by here today!

Have a wonderful holiday weekend!

Smiles,

Jennifer

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Let Freedom Ring!

Wow!  Can you believe it's the last week in June already!?!? This year is just flying by, but I admit, I am enjoying the nicer weather.  Dare I say that it won't be long before we are getting out our Winter coats and waiting for the man in the big red suit! But, we won't go there just yet--Summer is just beginning and the 4th of July holiday is next weekend! Are you ready for the BBQ's and fireworks?

Today's card was made using the new 4th of July stamps from DRS Designs.  While I was making this card, Hubby came in to see what I was working on, so when it was finished I thought I should show it off to him.  He *liked* it, but he did add his two cents in and say that he thought it should have been done in red, white, and blue. 

Well, I'm not exactly sure what made me color the Liberty Bell (800H) yellow to begin with (maybe I *was* thinking Christmas bells!) but, I don't think it would have seemed realistic if I colored it red or blue!  I colored it with Copic Markers and then masked the edges around the bell with Post-It Notes and shaded around it with light brown ink.  I love that framed look this technique creates! The background was stamped with the Interlocking Star Background stamp (819H) with yellow ink and I added the Let Freedom Ring (802D) and Happy Independence Day (822D) sentiments.

Well, that's about it for me today--still waiting on this baby to make his or her arrival.  I'll keep you posted!

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by!

Smiles,

Jennifer

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Until They All Come Home!

I am pleased to announce that DRS Designs has new stamps in store for you! I'm sure you'll love them as much as I do! These stamps are just in time to celebrate the beginning of Summer and the 4th of July holiday!  You can see all of the new releases HERE.

The card I have to share with you today is appropriate for this week with all of the talk about the President's speech from the other night.  I've used the Until They Come Home Greeting (825F) from this release.  The Support Our Troops Ribbon (952G) is from the DRS Designs current catalog. I colored it with Copic Markers, cut it out and matted it on a nested oval.  I used the Cuttlebug Stars Embossing Folder for the background.

I hope and pray that all of our troops come home safe, sound, and that you have a great 4th of July holiday!

Thanks for stopping by!

Smiles,

Jennifer

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Oh Say Can You See 4th of July Blog Hop

Hello and

Happy 4th of July!

Today we're celebrating the American Independence Day!

This warm Summer holiday is usually spent outdoors with a get together of family and friends and a picnic, or barbecue, or even a pool party, and often there's a fireworks display when the sun goes down! However since we can't do these things in blogland, we have to celebrate differently, and to do that, I've joined Scrapbook News and Review's Card Universe in a blog hop!

Welcome to the Scrapbook News and Review/Card Universe

Oh Say Can You See 4th of July Blog Hop

If you stopped here at my blog first, make sure to go back to the beginning of the hop & follow it along the way. There are 95 blogs in all to browse during this hop, and I'll be hopping right along with you!

If you're already hopping along, I'm sure you've noticed that all of the projects being featured today are patriotic or they were created with the colors Red, White, and Blue to celebrate the 4th of July!

I'm happy to say that I have 2 Red, White, and Blue projects to share with you today! Surprise, Surprise, I know! Rarely do I ever do that! It's amazing what you can do when you have plenty of time to plan ahead!

The first project is a card I made using one of the Cutie Pie images from DRS Designs. The stars alone on her dress tell me that she's ready for the 4th of July!!



I think this card is pretty simple in nature as far as how I created it, but just to clairify some things...This Cutie was colored with Prismacolor Pencils and blended with Gamsol, Stickles were added to the balloon and the stars on her dress, and the star background was stamped with Versamark.

And if you think she's cute, head over to DRS Designs and see the rest of her friends. The Cutie Pie Collection are some of my favorite stamps!

Stamps: DRS Designs- Cutie Pie Kids Here For The Party (K670), Interlocking Star background (H819)
Ink: Versafine Onyx Black, Versamark, SU! Real Red
Paper: Smooth white cardstock by Office Depot, Colored Cardstock by American Crafts
Accessories: Prismacolor Pencils, Gamsol, Xmas Red Stickles, Icicle Stickles, Hero Arts Rhinestones, SU! Photo Corner Punch, Brads by American Crafts, Ribbon by Bobbie M. Designs, Spiral Clip by The Paper Studio, Sponge Daubers
Finished Card Size: 4.5" x 6"

This next card features an image from the new company, Sunflowers and Dragonflies Creative Designs. This company is owned by Beth, and she is from Sarnia, Canada. She is the artist behind many of the images from this company, and she has something for everyone, especially Canadians, as many of her stamps have a Canadian flair! From Moose and Beavers to hockey and soccer as well as Architecture and East Coast Themes. If it's Canadian you'll see a stamp for it from this new company. She also features some Red Hat ladies and other products like Basic Grey, Prima Flowers, and stamps from Rachel Anne Miller & Sarah Kay!

I colored this 4th of July Cake with the Prismacolor Pencils and gamsol technique as well. To add some pizazz to this card I used yellow Stickles on all of the stars and between each cake layer, and the yellow cardstock in the background is Bazzil Bling!!! Just like fireworks, every 4th of July project should have some sparkle!

Stamps: Sunflowers and Dragonflies Creative Designs-4th of July cake
Ink: Versafine Onyx Black, Colorbox Fluid Chalk Ink in Yellow Ochre
Paper: Smooth white cardstock by Office Depot, Colored Cardstock by American Crafts, Bazzil Bling
Accessories: Prismacolor Pencils, Gamsol, Nesties, EK Success decorative Corner Punch, Brads by Joann's Scrap Essentials, Hero Arts Rhinestones, Ribbon by Michael's and Bobbie M. Designs, Yellow Stickles
Finished Card Size: 5.5" x 5"

BLOG CANDY!

Along every great Blog Hop there are always goodies to be won, and I too have some goodies to give away! In honor of the blog hop and the 4th of July celebrations, I will be giving away the 4th of July cake stamp (seen above) from Sunflowers and Dragonflies as blog candy. The winner of this stamp will also receive a custom "made by" stamp for the back of their cards and projects courtesy of Beth, the owner of Sunflowers and Dragonflies Creative Designs. I will select a winner from all of the comments left on this post on Monday July 6th 10 am EST.

How cool is that! Two prizes in one--the 4th of July Cake stamp and a custom "made by" stamp!

Be sure to visit Scrapbook News and Review and the Card Universe for tons of inspiration, as well as DRS Designs and Sunflowers and Dragonflies Creative Designs for all of your stamp shopping needs!!

Next stop on the "Oh Say Can You See" 4th of July Blog Hop is Anessa Shively (aka AlienAnessa). In case you have problems with the link, copy and paste this link in your browser address bar: http://alienanessa.wordpress.com/2009/07/04/snrs-oh-say-can-you-see-4th-of-july-blog-hop/

Good Luck with all of the goodies along the way!

Enjoy the hop stops & have a great 4th of July!

Smiles,
Jennifer

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Veteran's Day Thank you!

This week Kimmy challenged us to make a Veteran's Day Thank you card for our Fun Filled Friday Challenge. What a perfect challenge for such a Patriotic week with the elections that just passed and Veteran's Day just around the corner.

You can see Kimmy's Challenge card here.

To all of our American Veterans and to those who are serving today, Thank you all you have endured to give us our Freedom and for helping us to keep it!

You are always in my thoughts and prayers!



Stamps: SU!, Hero Arts Sentiment
Ink: Versafine Onyx Black, Colorbox Fluid Chalk Ink in Blue Iris
Paper: Smooth white cardstock by Office Depot, Colored Cardstock by SU! and The Paper Company
Accessories: Prismacolor Pencils, Gamsol, Nesties, EK Success Decorative Corner Punch, Patriotic Stars Ribbon by Paper Trends



Have you Thanked a Vet today?

Have a great weekend!

Smiles,
Jennifer

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Rubbernecker Challenge 18 and Stamp Shack Color Challenge!

For today's post, I've made one card to satisfy 2 different challenges. The first challenge was for this week's Rubbernecker Blog Challenge to use an animal image from their company and the second was for the Color challenge on the Stamp Shack, using faded denim, dark blue, ruby red, and white.

The animal image is "Flag Chickie" by Rubbernecker Stamps, and the color challenge colors are perfect for a Patriotic card. It's July 17th. It's not too late for a Patriotic 4th of July card, is it?

• Stamps: Flag Chickie by Rubbernecker Stamps
• Ink: Staz On Jet Black
• Paper: Cardstock is Bazzill, patterned paper is by the Paper Studio
• Accessories: Prismacolor Pencils, Gamsol, Marvy Uchida scallop punches, circle Coluzzle, red Colorbox chalk ink, Brads by Joann's Scrap essentials and American Crafts, Ribbon by Offray.

Kimmy and I are still looking for some ideas for our Reader inspired Fun Filled Friday challenge. Please visit this post and challenge us with your comments.

Also, Have you seen my Card sketch challenge for this week? Click here to see the sketch.

Hope your Thursday is a great one & not as hot as ours (93 humid degrees!)

Smiles,

Jennifer

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Happy 4th of July!

Hope everyone is having a nice & relaxing Holiday today! I'm working this morning, but this afternoon I'm off to my Aunt's house for a BBQ and pool party. Then, later in the evening DH and I are going to sit outside & watch everyone else's firework displays!

In honor of 4th of July today, Kimmy challenged us to make Patriotic cards for our Fun Filled Friday challenge today. When she mentioned she wanted to do this theme, I realized in looking through my stamps I didn't have any patriotic stamps at all. I was saved by many of my friends at the Stamp Shack, who graciously sent me patriotic images from many different companies.

I decided to use this flag image from Serendipity Stamps. Many of you may recognize the Independence Day tag stamp from Stampin' Up.

To make this card, first I colored the flag image with Prismacolor Pencils and blended the colors with Gamsol. Next, I matted the image a few times with Bazzill cardstock and added icicle Stickles to the stars on the flag. While the stars were drying I made the blue cardstock base.

This finished card measures 4.75" x 6.5". I matted the firework patterned paper to white cardstock, then adhered the matted flag image to it. I used my 1 inch punch to punch out the Independence Day Tag and used my Cricut to mat it in blue cardstock. Next, I used my Marvy Uchida punch to punch the scallop in red. I matted them all together as shown and then adhered that to the space above the flag with Pop Dots. I added the blue and red star ribbon by Paper Studio Ribbon Trends at the bottom, then adhered the entire front to the cardstock base.

Hope you enjoy this one! I had fun working with Red, White, and Blue this week!

Have you made a Patriotic cards this week? Leave me a comment & post the link. I'd love to see your cards!

Have a wonderful Holiday Weekend!

Smiles,

Jennifer

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Patriotic Theme!

For the Fun Filled Friday Challenge this week, Kimmy has announced that we make Patriotic cards in honor of Independence Day.


Are you planning on making any 4th of July themed cards this week? If so, please take a picture and post it on Friday with a link to it on my blog. I'd love to see your cards and get to know my readers as well.


Have a wonderful Holiday Week!

Smiles,
Jennifer

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