Sunburst Layout - Prints and Swirls

Bright prints, embossed swirls, strong shapes, elegant script, dark brown on cream - all in a sunburst layout.   Lots of "try this, try that," and I like the end result. 

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) Hawaiian shores (turquoise card base), vintage cream, dearest Jane patterned paper (book print), and pattern packs in melon berry (light orange polka dots) and limeade ice (light green gingham).   
• Dies are PTI hello sunshine and photo finish strips.
• Embossing folder is Cuttlebug d'vine swirls.
• Sentiment "Hello" is computer-printed in brown ink with Edwardian Script ITC font (expanded spacing, "H" in larger font size). 

Created for Operation Write Home, "supporting our nation's armed forces by sending blank handmade greeting cards to write home on, as well as cards of gratitude to encourage them." (235)

Tan with Blue-Green and Cream

Simple and restful colors and design.  I like the mix of circles, straight lines, and angles.

It's always fun for me to find a new die combination, and I have two "finds" on this card - the eyelet lace on the embossed strip, and the blue-green layer behind the tan frame. 

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) fine linen (tan), ocean tides (blue green), and rustic cream, with stripes from the fine linen pattern pack.
• Dies are Spellbinders labels one (largest layer of sentiment) and PTI photo finish strips, framed out #2, and eyelet lace.  I added a few tan dots to the eyelet lace. 
• The sentiment "Thinking of you" is computer-printed in blue-green ink with Harrington font (bold, expanded spacing).

Created for Operation Write Home, "supporting our nation's armed forces by sending blank handmade greeting cards to write home on, as well as cards of gratitude to encourage them." (234)

Springtime Scene with Pine Trees

I bought my pine tree die too late for snowy-themed cards - as always for Operation Write Home, I'm working several months ahead of the calendar. But pine trees aren't just for winter!  So this card shows a springtime scene with bright greens, a warm sunny sky, and a scattering of star-shaped flowers.

In addition to my pine trees, I used two other dies with snowy names.  They will get year-round use in my card making.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink limeade ice (light green), new leaf (medium green), summer sunrise (yellow-orange), and orange zest (orange) with two patterned papers from the Pretty Pastels 8x8 pad.
• The sun is edged with Y38 Copic marker, and the tree trunks are darkened with E87.
•  The dies are My Favorite Things snow drifts and fresh cut grass, Papertrey Ink snowflake flurries, and WPlus9 pretty patches: tree.  I used a Fiskars 1/4" star punch for the flowers.
• The hill is embossed with Stampin Up square lattice embossing folder.

Created for Operation Write Home, "supporting our nation's armed forces by sending blank handmade greeting cards to write home on, as well as cards of gratitude to encourage them." (233)

Pink and Red Hello with Tag

Pink and red, but not a Valentine. It's bright and happy.  I like the shapes and patterns together.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink sweet blush (pink), rustic white, leaf print from pure poppy (red) pattern pack, and the pale pink print from pink patterns 6x6 paper pad.   Note: the gray border is background, not part of the card. 
• I edged the tag with Copic marker R290, one of my custom colors.
• The dies are Papertrey Ink tag sale #6 and framed out #9.
• Twine is by We R Memory Keepers.
• The sentiment "Hello" is computer-printed in red ink with Edwardian Script ITC font (bold, expanded spacing).

Created for Operation Write Home, "supporting our nation's armed forces by sending blank handmade greeting cards to write home on, as well as cards of gratitude to encourage them." (231)

Green Dots and Star - Thank You

Green dots with gold-and-cream twine and a star.  Curves and angles.  The star is popped up with foam tape.  The overall effect is simple and rather elegant. 

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink ripe avocado (dark green card base), simply chartreuse (medium green star), and rustic cream, with polka dot paper from the Pretty Pastels 8x8 pad.   
• Dies are Papertrey Ink tiny tags (star tag), double ended banner, and edgers #1.
• The twine is gold shimmer from The Twinery.  Where their usual twines have a white base, the two new shimmer twines (gold and platinum) have more of a cream/ natural base, very nice with these paper colors. 
• The sentiment "Thank you" is computer-printed with green ink in American Typewriter font (bold, expanded spacing).

Created for Operation Write Home, "supporting our nation's armed forces by sending blank handmade greeting cards to write home on, as well as cards of gratitude to encourage them." (232)

Flower Frame with Pink and Aqua

Sweet and pretty, with dots, a flower, and a chain of hearts.  In real life, the pink frame and the flower match beautifully, unlike my picture. 

Card details:

• Card stock is Neenah solar white (sentiment and flower center) and Papertrey Ink aqua mist (card base), simply chartreuse (green), and berry sorbet (pink) with pattern papers from the pink patterns 6x6 pad.
• Dies are Poppystamps blooming posie and Papertrey Ink framed out #10, heart border, and heart-2-heart #7 (large leaflet).  I used a 1/4" hole punch for the flower center. 
• Embossing folder (used on lower half of card base) is Cuttlebug swiss dots.
• The sentiment "Hello" is computer-printed in green ink with Helvetica Herculanum font (bold).

Created for Operation Write Home, "supporting our nation's armed forces by sending blank handmade greeting cards to write home on, as well as cards of gratitude to encourage them." (230)

Turquoise and Tan Thanks

A simple design with variation of colors and shapes.  The sentiment square is popped up on foam tape, and the twine also adds some dimension.

Card details:

• Card stock is Paper Source peacock (dark turquoise) and Papertrey Ink fine linen (tan), Hawaiian shores (medium aqua card base), and aqua mist (light aqua) with stripes from the Papertrey Ink fine linen pattern pack. 
• Dies are Papertrey Ink framed out #6 and WPlus9 pinking squares.
• Twine is from The Twinery - caribbean. 
• The sentiment "Thanks" is computer-printed in turquoise ink with American Typewriter font (bold).

Created for Operation Write Home, "supporting our nation's armed forces by sending blank handmade greeting cards to write home on, as well as cards of gratitude to encourage them." (229)

Pink Butterflies on Gray

Bright pink butterflies on a three-windowed frame.  I like the complex butterfly shapes on the simple frame outline.

Like yesterday's card, this one is for Operation Write Home Stars and Stamps midweek challenge, to make "Miss You" cards for our heroes to send to loved ones at home.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink soft stone (light gray), hibiscus burst (medium pink), and raspberry fizz (dark pink). 
• Dies are Papertrey Ink take three and heart-2-heart #10.  The small butterfly shape has antennae like the large one, but I trimmed them off to layer for this card.  
• I used a pink 0.3 Copic multiliner to draw the dotted lines on the butterflies.
• The sentiment "Miss you" is computer-printed in pink ink with Apple Chancery font. 

Created for Operation Write Home, "supporting our nation's armed forces by sending blank handmade greeting cards to write home on, as well as cards of gratitude to encourage them." (228)

Purple Vase with Flowers

A purple vase with lavender flowers.  The pennant shape adds the look of ribbon to the vase.  A wavy-edged strip of paper grounds the vase and the sentiment.  For today's Operation Write Home Stars and Stamps midweek challenge, to make "Miss You" cards for our heroes to send to loved ones at home.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) vintage cream, lavender moon, and plum pudding (purple), with patterned paper from the Guide Lines paper pad.   
• Dies are PTI mega gracious vases,  PTI beautiful blooms II #3, PTI heart-2-heart #7, My Favorite Things wavy edge, and My Favorite Things mini wavy pennants.  I used a 1/4" hole punch to make the flower centers. 
• Die cuts are edged with V15 Copic marker.  The stems are drawn with Copic 0.3 purple multiliner.
• Sentiment "Love you, miss you" is computer-printed with purple ink in Papyrus font (expanded spacing, small caps).

Created for Operation Write Home, "supporting our nation's armed forces by sending blank handmade greeting cards to write home on, as well as cards of gratitude to encourage them." (226)

Simple Flowers - Blue, Lime Green, and Orange

I haven't been making cards much this month.  Instead I've been drawing daily in my Advent Calendar - click here to see it on my other blog, Mostly Markers.

Today, though, I did a line drawing of some simple flowers, and scanned it for printing to use on cards.  I'll enjoy coloring it with different color schemes.  This one is extra bright and cheerful, perfect for our very gray and rainy weather.

Card details:

• Card stock is Hero Arts cerulean (blue), Neenah solar white (drawing and sentiment), and Papertrey Ink limeade ice (green) and orange zest.
• My drawing is colored with Copic markers: custom color B2000, B05, B14, YR07, YG05, YG21, YG23, and G43.
• Dies are Papertrey Ink limitless layers 2-1/4" squares.  
• Embossing folder is Cirque by Sizzix (Tim Holtz).
• Sentiment "~Miss You~" is computer-printed in blue ink using Curlz font.

Created for Operation Write Home, "supporting our nation's armed forces by sending blank handmade greeting cards to write home on, as well as cards of gratitude to encourage them." (225)

Blue and Cream Tag with Bird

Today I have a tag to share, made for Ellen Hutson's 12 Tags of Christmas with a Feminine Twist challenge.

Inspired by Jennifer McGuire's Day 4 tag, my plan was to create a tag with a bird, a branch, blue and cream colors with touches of brown and green, and shiny materials colored with Copic.  I've never done an "artistic" tag before, and I was trying to achieve some of Jennifer's effects without her supplies.  So, it was an adventure!

And the finished tag is ....
    .... ummm .....
         .... not quite what I intended ...
              .... but nicer than I predicted as I struggled to make it.
Thanks, Jennifer and Ellen, for inspiring me to try something new and different!

Tag details:

• The tag size is 3-1/4 x 1-3/4". 
• The patterned paper background is Ranger glossy white cardstock colored with Copic ink refills B21, B41, and B45, using the Ranger felt ink applicator tool.
• The lace is cut from Hero Arts eggshell card stock using the Memory Box Charlotte border die.  It is colored around the holes with Copic B41 and edged at the bottom with B45.
• The bird and leafy branch are die cut from clear shiny packaging material, and colored on the back with Copic markers B39, B45, E09, E49, and G29.  The dies are WPlus9 folk art florals.  I was unable to die cut the packaging material all the way through, even with a metal shim, so I finished cutting it with scissors. 
• "Peace" and the dark blue outlines are drawn with Copic cobalt multiliner. 
• The tag base is Essentials by Ellen craft-a-board, edged with Copic B45. 
• The hole at the top is punched with a 1/4" hand punch.  The ring is punched with a 3/8" punch.  
• The ribbon is 1/4" silk, colored with Copic B41 and B45 markers.

(224)

Yellow-Orange Flowers with Dots

Yellow-orange flowers with polka dots ...  and swirls and texture.  The colors have a monochromatic look, even with the few touches of blue, green, and brown.

This card is full of Operation Write Home inspiration.  I created it for the December "flowers" challenge, sponsored by Our Daily Bread Designs (thank you, ODBD!) to benefit Operation Write Home.  And my layout was inspired by this week's OWH Stars and Stamps Sketch #149 , though you might not recognize the sketch after I moved everything around! 

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink summer sunrise (square layer), polka dots from the summer sunrise pattern pack, and a swirly print from pretty pastels.    
• My flower drawing (adapted from my 2011 Advent calendar) is printed on Neenah solar white, and colored with Copic markers E23, E41, E95, YR21,  YR30, Y19, Y38, YG61, G43, and BG70.  Also, I edged the circle with E23 to give it a bit more definition.  
• For another card with the same flowers in purple, click here.  
• Embossing folder is Stampin Up square lattice.
• The circle die is from Papertrey Ink limitless layers 2.5" collection.

Created for Operation Write Home, "supporting our nation's armed forces by sending blank handmade greeting cards to write home on, as well as cards of gratitude to encourage them." (223)

Christmas Card 2012

Our Christmas card this year, like the past two years, is made with one of my Advent calendar drawings.  It's a Nativity scene, decorated with rays of light, angels, and gold bands.

The words of the angels, "Behold a great joy," are adapted from Luke 2:10,  "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy."

The card has a white border and is computer-printed on Neenah card stock. (222)  Click here for my 2011 card and here for 2010. 

I'm beginning to create my 5th year's Advent calendar, with a small drawing and a few Advent-related words each day.  It will be posted at least weekly (or even daily) on my other (drawing) blog "Mostly Markers."  For now, I've just posted my blank 2012 template, which you're welcome to use.  It also includes links to my 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 calendars, if you'd like to see what they look like.  I've truly enjoyed this annual activity, which slows me down for a little time each day to reflect on the meaning of the season.  Edited December 26, 2012 to add: Click here for my completed 2012 Advent calendar drawing.

Kraft Stars with Red, White, and Blue

A simple note card design, with a variety of textures and patterns.  The faux stitching adds interest and a third touch of red.  

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink classic kraft, pure poppy (red), stamper's select white, and enchanted evening (dark blue) patterned paper from the 2009 bitty dot basics paper pad.  
• The sentiment "Thanks" is computer-printed in red ink with Stencil Std font (expanded spacing).
• The stitching is hand-drawn with a red Signo Uni-ball gel impact pen.  
• The embossing folders are Cuttlebug candy cane stripe and Craft Concept solid stars. 
• Dies are WPlus9 label layers 1 (blue) and the small inner shape from Papertrey Ink framed out #7 (white). 

Created for Operation Write Home, "supporting our nation's armed forces by sending blank handmade greeting cards to write home on, as well as cards of gratitude to encourage them." (221)

Lace Flowers with Gingham Ribbon

Today's Valentine-themed card is sweet and lacy, with lots of texture, contrast, and dimension.   I love the effect of the gingham ribbon weaving through the lace flowers.  And more lace in the tag border and the red card stock behind the flowers.  The flowers lie very flat, and the double bow is soft and squashable, so it's very mailable - important for Operation Write Home cards. 

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink pure poppy (red) and sweet blush (pink).  
• Dies are Memory Box Charlotte border (lace border) and Papertrey Ink heart prints (red heart on tag) and tiny tags (pink tag).  The red border on the tag is a small piece of the same tag die, cut in red and glued on.   The bottom end of the tag is popped up with a bit of foam tape. 
• The 2" lace flowers are by Maya Road - vintage lace trim daisies.
  
• Ribbon is 1/4" red-and-pale-pink gingham.  I don't know who made it. 
• Embroidery floss (on the tag) is DMC 347.
• The sentiment "Love" is computer-printed in red ink with Hobo Std font, small caps, bold.

Created for Operation Write Home, "supporting our nation's armed forces by sending blank handmade greeting cards to write home on, as well as cards of gratitude to encourage them." (220)

Black and White with Raspberry Heart

 

I had a scrap of paper with an angled end.  One thing led to another.  I really like the finished card!

Black and white with a bright splash of raspberry pink.  The black and white sentiment is strong and simple, the patterned paper is busy but has a clean "arrow" shape, and the raspberry and white twine carries across the sentiment colors.  

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink true black and raspberry fizz (pink) with patterned paper from Black and White Basics.  
• Dies are Papertrey Ink heart prints (large and medium dies).  
• The tiny pink heart is punched with a 1/4" Fiskars hand punch.   
• Twine is pink sorbet from The Twinery.
• Sentiment "Love you" is computer-printed with black ink in Cooper Black font.

Created for Operation Write Home, "supporting our nation's armed forces by sending blank handmade greeting cards to write home on, as well as cards of gratitude to encourage them." (219)

Stitched Hearts with Pinking

Today's card is for the November challenge sponsored by Our Daily Bread Designs (thank you, ODBD!) to benefit Operation Write Home.  This month's challenge theme is to "dust off a rarely used tool or technique and use it on your card."  It's been quite a long time since I added any stitching to a card, so this was a good reason to pull out my Janome Sew Mini.  Just that one simple stitched line adds a lot.  I like the "textile" effect of the dotted Swiss card base, gingham and dotted squares, and pinked edges.

 Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink stamper's select white and pure poppy pattern pack (gingham and bitty dot prints).  Note: the gray is background, not part of the card. 
• The squares are cut with the two smallest dies from WPlus9 pinking squares. 
• Embossing folder is Cuttlebug Swiss dots. 
• The hearts are computer-printed in red ink.  On the keyboard, type alt-g, using the Symbol font.

Created for Operation Write Home, "supporting our nation's armed forces by sending blank handmade greeting cards to write home on, as well as cards of gratitude to encourage them." (218)

Butterflies - Before and After - Yellow, Orange, and Brown

 Before                           and                               After

This week's featured cardmaker for Operation Write Home is Renae C.   The first of her featured cards inspired me to try something similar - three blocks of patterned paper and a large sentiment circle with images.   Thank you, Renae! 

My first attempt, the "before" card, isn't bad.  But the yellow butterfly needs more contrast, and it seems to pull my attention away from the sentiment. 

For my "after" card,  I made both butterflies orange.  Then, to echo the yellow at the top of the card, I added some yellow to the sentiment circle.  Also I added some embossed texture to the butterflies.  I think the "after" card has much better eye appeal. 

Card details:

• Card stock is Neenah solar white (sentiment circle) and Papertrey Ink dark chocolate (card base), orange zest (butterflies), and In Bloom patterned paper in summer sunrise (bright yellow), melon berry (light orange - not so pink in real life), and orange zest.   The "before" card also includes summer sunrise card stock (large butterfly). 
• The dies are Impression Obsession butterflies and Spellbinders (2-5/8" circle).  
• I colored the butterfly antennae and bodies with E29 Copic marker.  On the "after" card, I added texture to the butterflies with Darice dot point embossing folder.   
• The sentiment "Miss you." is computer printed with brown ink in Brush Script MT Italic font.  The brown and yellow circles are also computer printed. 

Created for Operation Write Home, "supporting our nation's armed forces by sending blank handmade greeting cards to write home on, as well as cards of gratitude to encourage them." (216)

Burgundy with Pink, Rose, and Cream - Hearts and Stripes

Today's card is CASEd from Erin Lincoln's Procrastination Station blog - see the last card in her post here.  I love the look of the patterned stripes with some twine or floss, a repeating sentiment, and repeating embellishments.  Thank you, Erin!   Perfect for Operation Write Home's mid-week challenge to make a valentine-themed card. 

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink scarlet jewel (burgundy), autumn rose (medium pink), sweet blush (light pink), and vintage cream, with printed papers from the scarlet jewel pattern pack. 
• Dies are Spellbinders classic hearts.
• Embroidery floss is DMC 902.  
• The sentiment "Love you ~ Always" is computer-printed with burgundy ink using Trajan Pro font.  The dotted lines are also computer-printed (periods in a text box).  

Created for Operation Write Home, "supporting our nation's armed forces by sending blank handmade greeting cards to write home on, as well as cards of gratitude to encourage them." (215)

Kraft with Red, Cream, and Blue - Heart U

Simple and direct in colors, shapes, and sentiment.   The layers and embossed textures give it some nice dimension.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink kraft, blueberry sky (medium blue), vintage cream, pure poppy (red), and enchanted evening (dark blue).
• I used a square punch to notch the end of the banner, which is embossed with Tim Holtz stripes embossing folder.  
• Everything else is the same as my yellow "heart U" card posted here.

Created for Operation Write Home, "supporting our nation's armed forces by sending blank handmade greeting cards to write home on, as well as cards of gratitude to encourage them."  (129)

Yellow and Yellow-Orange with Avocado

No blues or pinks, no hearts or lace.  Just a sunny, bright "hello" with cheerful shapes and patterns.   I made my chevron-patterned paper by airbrushing with Copic markers. 

This is not at all the card I set out to make, which unfortunately was bland and boring.  So I tried many different base colors, embossing folders, twine and no twine, bigger sunny shapes, busier sentiments.  After cleaning up the mess, I'm happy with my finished card. 

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink lemon tart (light yellow), summer sunrise (yellow-orange), and ripe avocado (green card base).
• The chevron pattern is airbrushed with Copic markers Y19 and Y38 on lemon tart card stock, using Crafter's Workshop 6x6 chevron template (stencil).
• Twine is marigold (new name for lemondrop) by The Twinery.  Love their twine colors and sampler packs. 
• The little stars are punched with a Fiskars 1/4" hand punch.  The sentiment circle is punched with a 1-3/4" EK Success circle punch.
• The die is the largest of the three notched flowers by Papertrey Ink.  The die cut is popped up over the twine with foam tape.
•  The sentiment "Hello" is computer-printed in green ink with American Typewriter font, bold, expanded character spacing.

Created for Operation Write Home, "supporting our nation's armed forces by sending blank handmade greeting cards to write home on, as well as cards of gratitude to encourage them." (214)

Blue Banners with Bow

Another monochromatic card with blues and white.  Based on last Friday's Clean and Simple Stamping sketch, FTL 213.  Thank you, Natasha, for a very interesting sketch!  I really like the little bow and the short banner on top of the sentiment label, with longer banners underneath it.  

Card details:

• Card stock is Neenah solar white and Papertrey Ink spring rain (light blue), blueberry sky (medium blue), and enchanted evening pattern pack (dark blue prints).
• Bow punch is by Martha Stewart.  Banner ends are notched with a square punch.
• Dies are Spellbinders labels one (2nd and 3rd smallest sizes).
• Sentiment "Missing you ..." is computer-printed in blue ink with Monotype Corsiva font, expanded character spacing.

Created for Operation Write Home, "supporting our nation's armed forces by sending blank handmade greeting cards to write home on, as well as cards of gratitude to encourage them." (212)

Blue and White Thank You

Blues and white, curves and angles.  Inspired by Nichole Heady's blue menorah card (the 8th project in her post, a little more than halfway down the page.)  

Card details:

• Card stock is Neenah solar white and Papertrey Ink enchanted evening (dark blue), blueberry sky (medium blue), spring rain (light blue), and prints from pattern packs in blueberry sky (stripes) and enchanted evening (bitty dots).  
• Dies are Papertrey Ink buttoned up #1 and #2 and eyelet lace. 
• Buttons are threaded with white DMC embroidery floss.
• Banners are notched with square punch.
• Sentiment "Thank You" is computer-printed in blue ink with darker blue outline using Hobo Std font. 

Created for Operation Write Home, "supporting our nation's armed forces by sending blank handmade greeting cards to write home on, as well as cards of gratitude to encourage them." (210)

Nine Red Hearts

A new version of one of my cards, posted here, from last February.  Funny that it was a green, non-Valentine's card in February, and now it's become a red, Valentine-ish card in October.  Making cards for Operation Write Home will skew the calendar like that! 

Card details:

• Card stock is Neenah solar white and Papertrey Ink pure poppy (red) with several prints from the pure poppy pattern pack.  
• Punch is a 1" EK Success heart punch.
• Twine is by We R Memory Keepers. 
• Sentiment "Love You!" is computer-printed in red ink with Hobo Std font, bold.

Created for Operation Write Home, "supporting our nation's armed forces by sending blank handmade greeting cards to write home on, as well as cards of gratitude to encourage them." (132)

Aqua and Teal Hello

A simple note card with diamond patterns and ovals.  Several shades of aqua and teal.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink: aqua mist (light aqua), ocean tides (dark teal), and patterned paper from Pretty Pastels.   
• Dies are Papertrey Ink fillable frames #10 (ocean tides) and framed out #8 (aqua mist).
• Embossing folder is Lifestyle Crafts diamonds and dots. 
• The sentiment "Hello" is computer-printed in teal ink with American Typewriter font (bold, expanded spacing).  In real life, it's a good match for the ocean tides color.  

Created for Operation Write Home, "supporting our nation's armed forces by sending blank handmade greeting cards to write home on, as well as cards of gratitude to encourage them." (211)

Blue Gingham with Doily

More of the lacy "love" theme.   This card has a bit of a country patchwork look, with gingham and polka dot prints and a sweet doily.  Not my usual style, but I really like it.  It was inspired by this card on Melissa Bickford's Just Dandy blog.  Thanks for your beautiful card and all your inspiration, Melissa!

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink blueberry sky (medium blue card base), enchanted evening (dark blue), spring rain (light blue), gingham print from blueberry sky pattern pack, and polka dots from enchanted evening pattern pack. 
• The doily is from Ellen Hutson's small doilies pack.  (Discontinued)
• The dies are Papertrey Ink heart-2-heart #3, upper case block alphabet, and pinking shears border.  
• The tiny light blue heart is punched with a Fiskars 1/4" heart punch.
• The top line of the sentiment "sending you all my" is computer-printed with American Typewriter font in blue ink.

Created for Operation Write Home, "supporting our nation's armed forces by sending blank handmade greeting cards to write home on, as well as cards of gratitude to encourage them." (209)

Gray with Pink - Hearts and Swirls

Continuing with yesterday's romantic theme.   Gray swirly patterns and embossing with pink hearts.   In real life, the grays are darker, and it has a bit more drama.  I like the patterned paper's leafy swirls echoed in the embossed background. 

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink hibiscus burst (medium pink), raspberry fizz (dark pink), stamper's select white, smokey shadow (dark gray), and the leaves print from the smokey shadow pattern pack.   
• Dies are Papertrey Ink double-ended banner (smaller of 2 dies) and Spellbinders classic hearts (2 smallest size dies).  
• Embossing folder is Cuttlebug d'vine swirls.
• The tiny 3rd heart is punched out of the middle (medium pink) heart with a Fiskars 1/4" heart punch.  I filled in the hole with Ranger glossy accents, to make it shiny.    
• Technique: The punched heart needs to be straight and centered, side-to-side, to look nice.  To make it easier, I draw a pencil line through the center (top to bottom) on the back of the medium-sized heart die cut, and line up the punch on it.  Also I look to be sure the die cut is evenly placed in the punch before punching.
• The sentiment "Love you" is computer-printed in pink ink with "Lucida Calligraphy" font. 

Created for Operation Write Home, "supporting our nation's armed forces by sending blank handmade greeting cards to write home on, as well as cards of gratitude to encourage them." (170)

Heart with Lace - Red, Black, and White

Working on my next box of cards for Operation Write Home.  When I fill up the box, it will be time for Valentine cards, and it's always time for "love" themes.   This romantic card combines flowers, lace, and a heart with dramatic red, black and white colors. 

Card details:

• Card stock is  Papertrey Ink true black, pure poppy (red), and In Bloom patterned paper (black and white), on a stamper's select white card base.   Note: the gray is background, not part of the card.
• Dies are Memory Box Charlotte border (lace) and Spellbinders classic hearts (2nd smallest size).

Created for Operation Write Home, "supporting our nation's armed forces by sending blank handmade greeting cards to write home on, as well as cards of gratitude to encourage them." (208)

Two Purple Patterned Cards

Two cards using the same colors and patterns.  On both cards, the sentiment provides a strong visual element.  I used a simple layout with plenty of contrast to stand out from the busy, small patterns.  

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink lavender moon (light purple), plum pudding (dark purple), vintage cream, and guide lines 6x6 patterned paper. 
• Dies are Papertrey Ink limitless layers squares (lacy square - top card) and Savvy Stamps hello (bottom card).  The limitless layers set includes a 2-1/4" square die, but I cut a 2-1/8" square (with my paper trimmer) to show more of the lacy purple border.  
• The top card's corners, including the bottom corners of the base layer, are rounded with 1/4" corner chomper. 
• Sentiment on top card "With All My Love" is computer-printed in purple ink with Edwardian Script ITC font (bold, expanded spacing).  
• The four tiny holes on the top card's sentiment layer are punched with a 1/16" hole punch.  

Created for Operation Write Home, "supporting our nation's armed forces by sending blank handmade greeting cards to write home on, as well as cards of gratitude to encourage them." (206, 207)

Pink Circles and Stripes with Heart

My pink and white card is for the October challenge sponsored by Our Daily Bread Designs (thank you, ODBD!) to benefit Operation Write Home.  This month's challenge theme is to "use circles on your card."  I used several sizes of circles - a large scalloped circle behind the heart, small circles on the floral patterned paper and the accent on the heart, and tiny circles (dots) in the patterned paper and Swiss dots embossing.  My layout was inspired by a sketch from the OWH Stars and Stamps blog.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink stamper's select white, sweet blush (light pink), berry sorbet (dark pink), and several papers from Pink Patterns 6x6 pad.  In real life, the pinks all look very nice together!  Note: the gray is background, not part of the card.
• The heart is cut with the 2nd-smallest die from Spellbinders classic hearts.  
• The scalloped circle is punched with a 2" EK Success punch.  The accent dot is punched with a 1/4" hole punch.
• The pale pink layer is embossed with Cuttlebug Swiss dots embossing folder.
• Corners are rounded with 1/4" Corner Chomper.

Created for Operation Write Home, "supporting our nation's armed forces by sending blank handmade greeting cards to write home on, as well as cards of gratitude to encourage them." (203)

Diagonal Stripes - Aqua and Brown

This diagonal layout, #209 from Clean and Simple Stamping, features a simple sentiment above some patterned stripes.  It was not an easy one for me to try, but I'm glad I did.  Thank you, Natasha, for the inspiration! 

Card details:

•  Card stock is Paper Source peacock (dark turquoise) and Papertrey Ink aqua mist (light aqua), dark chocolate (brown), rustic white, gingham print from the dark chocolate pattern pack, and bitty dots print from the aqua mist pattern pack.
• The stars die is from the Papertrey Ink super star border die collection. 
• The sentiment, "Thinking of you across the miles..." is computer-printed in turquoise ink with Hobo Std font.

Created for Operation Write Home, "supporting our nation's armed forces by sending blank handmade greeting cards to write home on, as well as cards of gratitude to encourage them." (202)

Purple Flowers with White - Three Squares

Three squares with flowers.  I like the contrast, balance, and flow with the patterned paper, the flowers at different angles, the shimmer of the little pearls, the mix of squares and curves, and the off-center layout.   My card was inspired by this (very different) card on Susan Raihala's Simplicity blog. 

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink royal velvet and stamper's select white, and the leaves print from royal velvet pattern pack.  Note: the gray is background, not part of the card. 
• The die for the sentiment is Papertrey Ink double-ended banner (small).  
• The flowers are punched with an EK Success retro flower punch.  I punched a 1/8" hole in the flower centers, then added a bit of Ranger liquid pearls.

Created for Operation Write Home, "supporting our nation's armed forces by sending blank handmade greeting cards to write home on, as well as cards of gratitude to encourage them." (177)

Red, White, and Blue with Yellow

My last few cards were monochromatic - not this one!  Red, white, and blue with some bright yellow-orange.  A nice mix of textures and patterns.

When I bought the "seed packet" die,  I thought it was an interesting shape, but wasn't sure if I would like using it.  Love it! especially with a curved sentiment like this one. 

Card details:

•  Card stock is Neenah solar white and Papertrey Ink enchanted evening (dark blue), summer sunrise (yellow), pure poppy (red), bitty dot basics 2009 (enchanted evening), and stripes from the summer sunrise pattern pack.  
• Dies are Papertrey Ink seed packet frame 2 and flower fusion #9.  The yellow dot is a 5/16" circle punch.
• Embossing folders are Stampin Up square lattice (red) and Cuttlebug candy cane stripes.  
• The sentiment "Thank you" is computer-printed in blue and red ink using "Stencil Std" font.  The dots above and below the words are periods.  I used the Word Art feature in PowerPoint to curve the sentiment.  

Created for Operation Write Home, "supporting our nation's armed forces by sending blank handmade greeting cards to write home on, as well as cards of gratitude to encourage them." (201)

Purples with Lace Panel

A sweet, lacy love card, with nice textures and colors. 

Card details:

•  Card stock is Papertrey Ink plum pudding (left side), lavender moon (right side), and rustic white (lace panel).
• The lace is cut with the Memory Box charlotte border die.
• The ribbon is 3/8" satin.  The embroidery floss is DMC 3041. 
  Edited May 5, 2013 to add:  DMC 3041 has a slight brownish tinge and looks very brown in some lights (bright sunlight, for example).  I found Anchor brand #872 is a better color - almost the same as DMC 3041, but without the brown.
• The sentiment "Love you, miss you" is computer-printed in purple ink with Edwardian script ITC font, expanded character spacing. 

Created for Operation Write Home, "supporting our nation's armed forces by sending blank handmade greeting cards to write home on, as well as cards of gratitude to encourage them." (200)

Three Greens with Dots

This card has three green colors - light, medium, and dark - and also three different types of dots - patterned paper, embossing, and glued-on quarter-inch punched dots.   I like the variety of shapes and textures on a very simple "medallion band" layout. 

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink spring moss (light green), simply chartreuse (medium green), ripe avocado (dark green), vintage cream, and the bitty dot pattern from simply chartreuse pattern pack.  
• Dies are My Favorite Things layered label die set (3 die shapes).   
• The two green dots to right and left of sentiment are punched with an old 1/4" hole punch. 
• Embossing folder is Darice dot point, from my local craft store.
• Sentiment "Thinking of you today" is computer-printed in green ink using Wide Latin font. 

Created for Operation Write Home, "supporting our nation's armed forces by sending blank handmade greeting cards to write home on, as well as cards of gratitude to encourage them." (199)

Pink Hearts and Lines

 

A nice balance of shapes and lines, lots of white space, some pattern and some solid color.  

Note: the gray is background, not part of the card. 

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink raspberry fizz, stamper's select white, and leaves pattern from the raspberry fizz pattern pack. 
• Dies are Papertrey Ink heart prints (medium and large) and My Favorite Things jumbo squiggle.
• Corners are rounded with Corner Chomper 1/4". 
• The lines were drawn by tracing around the dies with a pink Copic 0.3 multiliner.  On another card with the same design, I tried using dashed lines for faux stitching, but it somehow was too cluttered and "busy."  The solid lines, as shown here, look better. 

Created for Operation Write Home, "supporting our nation's armed forces by sending blank handmade greeting cards to write home on, as well as cards of gratitude to encourage them." (198)

Tan with Brown - Psalm 23 - Before and After

Two versions: "Before" (left) and "After" (right)

Today I have a "before and after" card, for the September challenge sponsored by Our Daily Bread Designs (thank you, ODBD!) to benefit Operation Write Home.  This month's challenge theme is to make a card which includes either a Scripture verse, or an uplifting quote or sentiment.  I chose the 23rd Psalm. 

On my "before" card (left),  the text (though legible) didn't stand out very well on the striped paper, and the layer looked bumpy going over the twine strands.  On my "after" card (right),  I used my striped paper for the background, not for the sentiment, and I popped up the Psalm panel on some foam tape. A big improvement!  You can click on either card for a better view. 

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink fine linen (tan), dark chocolate (brown), and stripes from the fine linen pattern pack.  
• Twine is rustic jute button twine from Papertrey Ink.
• The embossing folders are Stampin Up square lattice on the "before" card base, and Craft Concept solid stars on the brown layer for both cards.
• The little brown stars are punched with a Fiskars hand punch.  
• The 23rd Psalm is computer-printed with brown ink using "Handwriting Dakota" font (bold, expanded spacing.)  The double-line border around the Psalm is also computer-printed. 

Created for Operation Write Home, "supporting our nation's armed forces by sending blank handmade greeting cards to write home on, as well as cards of gratitude to encourage them." (197)

Heart Stems with Turquoise and Burgundy

I enjoyed drawing this today, tall stems with hearts, and then coloring it for my card.  Unusual colors together - turquoise and burgundy with white, and touches of brown and green.  I like it.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink scarlet jewel (burgundy) and Hawaiian shores (turquoise), with Neenah solar white.
• The drawing is my "heart stems" doodle, as posted here on my drawings blog (Mostly Markers). 
• Technique: To color my drawing, I started with rough, wide stripes of color - Copic markers BG32, B32, YR24, and G43.  After it dried, I spritzed on some colorless blender ("0") to make the spotted/splotchy effect.  When that was dry, I colored the hearts (RV06, RV55, R56) and added color along the stem and ground lines (G46). 
• I used a Copic brush-medium multiliner to edge the circle with black (coloring the edge of the paper with the side of the multiliner brush tip). 
• Dies are Papertrey Ink limitless layers circles (2-1/2") for the three smaller circles, Spellbinders Nestabilities big scalloped circles LG for the largest white circle, and Papertrey Ink double-ended banners (shorter banner) for the sentiment.
• The sentiment "Love You Always" is computer-printed with burgundy ink in "Curlz MT" font (bold).  The two hearts are also computer-printed in Zapf Dingbats font. 

Created for Operation Write Home, "supporting our nation's armed forces by sending blank handmade greeting cards to write home on, as well as cards of gratitude to encourage them." (195)

Purple Flowers with Yellow Dots

For today's card, I die cut some purple flowers, then traced around the same die with a purple pen to create my background pattern.  A very nice effect.

The tracing idea came from a Papertrey Ink forum post by Ashley ... "tracing the shapes of certain dies would make a cool background."  Thanks, Ashley, I'm glad you thought of this! 

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink royal velvet (dark purple), winter wisteria (light purple), summer sunrise (bright yellow), and soft stone (light gray).
• The die is Papertrey Ink flower fusion #3.
• I used a purple Copic 0.3 multiliner to trace around the die.  
• The flower centers are dots from a 1/4" hole punch. 
• I added some texture to the card base with a linen impression plate from Papertrey Ink.
• The sentiment "Thinking of you" is computer-printed in purple ink with Zapfino font. 

Created for Operation Write Home, "supporting our nation's armed forces by sending blank handmade greeting cards to write home on, as well as cards of gratitude to encourage them." (193)