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Tuesday, February 28, 2012

I Feel the Love: Cards for our military

Happy Tuesday, my dear friends! :o)

As you know, a staple in my crafty routine is supporting the incredible I Feel the Love Project, hosted monthly by the sweet and talented Madison of Funky Cards. Each month she highlights a particular person, family, or organization in need of a burst of love... in turn, we have the privilege of using our hobby to make someone's life better. This month we were asked to honor those who serve our wonderful country. Our cards are going to members of the U.S. Navy who will soon be shipping out overseas. Before they deploy for their next mission, we get to send them some love. :o)

My plan was to make five cards and a sweet gift box for them this weekend. I was excited! Unfortunately, early on in the process I sliced my finger. :( I was unable to meet my goal, but I did the best I could under the circumstances. I hope these three cards deliver shiploads of love.

(Individual photos below!)
My inspiration was clearly to find a way to clothe these brave heroes with so much love that beautiful smiles appear upon receipt. :o) It's the least we can do, aside from praying for them daily. I wish I could include a hug, but hopefully these will somehow incite the same feelings. :o)

Because of finger pain when I type, I cannot say as much as I'd love to. However, I simply MUST share with you that on all three cards I used a brand new cartridge! I am thrilled to finally own the Art Philosophy cart, a gift from my sweetie! **happy dance** I've longed for this since it first came out and it is as exquisite as it appears. The timing was perfect because I can't think of a better way to break in a new cart than by using it to serve others.

And now, a few technical highlights of each. :o)
I wanted to make a whimsically fun patriotic card first, so I naturally turned to Create a Critter. I gave the sweet puppy a Peachy Keen Critter face, a flag to hold with pride, and nestled him atop my first Art Philosophy cut: the heart doily! Oh how I love this cut! Expect to see it often, my friends. ;) I used my new gorgeous My Craft Spot crinkle ribbon in Scarlet Red, ordered with a gift certificate I won from my sweet friend Nita. (Thank you again!) The sentiment is from one of the coordinating Close to My Heart stamp sets that come with the cart, which I attached with Peppermint Stick Trendy Twine. The sentiment has a double-purpose, as it's sending them my love and also signifies the heartfelt love our military feels for this great nation. The two little stars are from the Whimsical Designs Whimsical Fun~ Volume 1 stamp set.
For this one, I was able to use more new blessings. The banner is from the Spellbinders Lacy Pennants set, which I won from Sentimental Sundays. I am going to get a TON of use out of this set! I 'strung' them with more trendy twine and 'adhered' them with sparkles. (Even the military likes to sparkle! I'm sure of this.) Everything on the card is inked with Tim Holtz Faded Jeans Distress Ink. The stars are from Art Philosophy, which I stamped in Versamark Dazzle with the corresponding Close to My Heart stamp and heat embossed it with deep blue pearly embossing powder. I used Spellbinders Nestabilities Labels Four for the Hero. USA and Hero are cut from Storybook. The bases are embossed with the Cuttlebug Swiss Dots folder for texture and all the cuts are attached with foam tape for dimension. The star paper is from Creative Imaginations. Thankfully I had *just* enough left over from last July!
Lastly, I wanted to make a fun star-shaped card. The gorgeous star is from Art Philosophy (I LOVE the flourish with it!), which I stitched around with my sewing machine. For the interior part of the star I cut the Reminisce patterned paper so it would be slightly angled like the rhinestone-accented flourish. I nestled three heart buttons at the base to signify being rooted and built up in God's love. When we do that, we are sure to flourish. :o) I topped it with more Scarlet Red crinkle ribbon and attached an Art Philosophy tag beneath it. The sentiment is from the Whimsical Designs Whimsical Fun~ Volume 1 stamp set. Whichever Navy member opens it is certainly a super star. :o)

Patriotic cards are the hardest for me, but I hope my heart shows above any design detail anyway... that's always my goal, especially with Madison's project. Thank you for visiting me today! I hope your day sparkles with love and blessings. :o)

Challenge entered:
 * Creative Cutter Room~ Shape cards
 * DL Art Thankful Thursday~ Anything Goes
 * Frosted Designs~ Shape it Up x 3 (Geometric shape used three times: Hero card!)

Key Recipe Components:
 * Most are listed above.. I need to rest my finger, so I will add them here soon!

Photobucket

22 comments:

  1. All three cards are super adorable Karen..
    You are going to bring a ton of smiles to all those military recipients whom ever gets your cards...
    This is just unbelievable, done with such a great cause....
    Sorry to hear about that little ouch on that finger...hope it's not too too bad...
    Have a gorgeous Tuesday....

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  2. Holy COW Karen! You amaze me with every creation. You really, REALLY do! And all of this with an injury too? *applauds*

    I KNOW that the recipients of these cards are going to feel the love. It'll be like a big ole' hug just jumps out of the envelope and SQEEEEZES them! Imagine how special, how loved, how appreciated these folks are going to feel when they see how much talent and love went into these cards. Oooh, I wish I could be there to see it!

    And now, you take care of that injured finger, my friend. We wouldn't want it to get infected (HA! I'm SUCH a MOM, right?). :)

    Hugs,

    Nita

    P.S. Can I say again how HAPPY I am that you won my blog candy?!!! SO glad you're enjoying your crinkle ribbon! :)

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  3. Wow!! All three of these cards are SO pretty! I love the heart doily and the star! I think I need that Art Philosophy Cartridge now! The USA banner is awesome too! These will definately bring some well-deserved smiles to some people in our wonderful Navy! :)

    Karen
    craftedwithlovebykaren.blogspot.com

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  4. p.s. Sorry to hear about your finger. Hope it feels better soon! :)

    Karen
    craftedwithlovebykaren.blogspot.com

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  5. Oh Karen, these are so fabulous!! That you were able to create them with an injury is simply amazing!! And I hope your finger is feeling much, much better!! Sending lots of healing thoughts and prayers :) Okay, I'm going in order from top to bottom:

    I love, love the heart doily!! I have so got to get that cart. It's on my wish list :) And the patriotic pup is absolutely adorable!! I love his red, white and blue collar and sweet face!!

    I love them all, but the second card is my favorite!! It is stunning!! I love the USA banner and "hero" definitely describes our sailors and all of the military men and women!! Gorgeous, gorgeous card!!

    The star with a flourish is fabulous!! (Did I mention that I need the Art Philosophy cart??!!) And how did you stitch in such a straight line?? My lines always end up wonky!! The heart buttons are the perfect touch!!

    Gorgeous, amazing cards for our nation's heroes, my sweet friend!! Your talent and generosity will make three sailors so very happy!!

    Hugs, Lisa
    A Mermaid's Crafts

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  6. So sorry to hear you cut your finger. Finger cuts are the worse, it's then when we realize how smart our God is huh? He certainly made us wonderfully! Healing prayers your way my sweet friend.

    Now these cards are fab! I love all three, but I especially love the puppy! That's the cut I use to represent my Dalmatian Dallas! So I'm partial:)

    Take care of you finger, and have a beautiful week. Tell your sweetheart thanks for giving you that cart too, we all get the blessing from his generosity!

    Hugs, Pam
    http://craftycards4u2.blogspot.com/

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  7. Great cards all of them. Thank you for joining in at DL.ART Thankful Thursday and you can also enter this in the CCR challenge.
    DIANA L.
    http://dianamlarson.blogspot.com

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  8. WOW, even with an ouchie finger you are simply amazing... It sounds like you may have really cut it bad. I hope it heals quickly. Oh Karen, they will definitely feel the hugs coming from these beautiful cards.. How fun your sweetie surprised you with this cartridge, yes he is 'definitely' a keeper. Sounds like you have lots of goodies to play with.
    I so love to stop bye and read your inspiring words (and see your amazing cards). Hugs from Ukiah

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  9. Fun cards. I love the buttons you added. Thanks for sharing with us at Creative Cutter Room!

    Tonya
    CCR DT
    ittybittyladybugs.blogspot.com

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  10. What a beautiful card and a beautiful cause! Love the bold Red-Whit-Blue. I am a new follower and fan. Thanks for sharing your creativity with the Creative Cutter Room. Cathie

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  11. Karen!

    These projects are just awesome! And it brings tears to my eyes for the cause!!! I'm sorry to hear you sliced your hand, but I dont think that stopped you one bit! They are ALL BEAUTIFUL!!!

    I, too, am now a new follower of your blog!!!

    Thanks for joining us at the Creative Cutter Room!

    Crafty Hugs,
    Jessica
    www.craftinandstampin.blogspot.com

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  12. Karen, Madison is at school right now so I am going to comment. First, we hope you are doing well and that your finger is healing up nicely. So sorry to hear about your injury. Now to your cards. WOW. You are an amazing talent. Madison and I love waiting to see what you design each month. The variety in cards is fabulous. I just love your creativity and the way you think. I can't wait to see these in person. Thank you again so much for supporting Madison and her project.
    Cindy Womack

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  13. What amazing card! Very nice job on all of them! Thanks for playing along with us @ Frosted Designs!! :)

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  14. These are great! I am loving that flourish heart card! fantastic! Nicely done! Thanks for joining us over at the Creative Cutter Room! DT Member Carri

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  15. Gorgeous set of cards Karen and love the patriotic feel you gave them.Hope your finger is on the mend.
    Jayne x

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  16. These are all totally incredible AWESOME!! Thanks for joining us at Frosted Designs!!

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  17. I love them all!

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  18. OMG ALL of these cards are just wonderful! that puppy is sooo cute!!
    ♥ Cyndy
    arcyscraps.blogspot.com

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  19. These are great cards! Thanks for joining us at the CCR!

    Tracy
    DT2 Member
    owlbecraftin.blogspot.com

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  20. Um...you know what?

    YOU ARE SO SPARKLING AMAZINGGGGGGGGGG!!!!!!!!

    WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

    If only you knew just how proud I am of you this week. These dazzling cards are going to deliver more joy than you can ever possibly imagine, sis. When those sweet members of the Navy open up their presents and feel your huggles jumping right out of the card and into their hearts, they will just glow from head to toe. There is SO much love packed into these tiny little miracles. I light up everytime I think of just how much happiness your timeless gifts will bring, Sunshine. They will being so much inspiration and hope where they are needed most. God bless your most sparkling heart always and forever.

    Um...and what is this super happy blinking icon I see on your precious bloggy? Hmm. Could that be the TOP AWARD AT FROSTED DESIGNS?!?!?!? AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! Sooooooooooooo crazy proud of you sis!!! *bakes you oodles and noodles of oreo cupcakes to celebrate* SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!! Gosh sis...top 3. TOP 3!!! AHHHHHHHH!!! Do you know how incredible that is?!?!?!?!? *cries non-stop happy tears of joy* GOOOOOOOO SUNSHINE!!! WOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

    I LOVE YOU SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO SUPER DOOPER MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    *forever patriotic sparklie squishies*
    ~~~Christina :)

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  21. Aaaw, where did my comment go??? I was in the middle of leaving you one and hmmm....gone. Oh well, I was saying how wonderful your cards are! They are all amazing and I especially love the puppy. How can you not fall in love with that cute poochie?
    You did a fabulous job on these Karen:) Like always, VERY inspiring! TFS!
    Hope your finger heals fast!
    Sherrie K
    http://sherriescraps.blogspot.com

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  22. These are all so wonderful Karen, and I know they will be received with much appreciation! Your heart is so big and kind. All of the cuts you used with your AP cartridge are so great! I love that cartridge too, it can be used for almost any occasion. May I ask a question, what papers do you used when cutting with your Cricut? The heart cut is so detailed, I thought at first it was a Spellbinders. My cuts seem to not be as precise. Yours is perfect!!

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Thank you for leaving some love! Have a beautifully blessed day. :o)

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