World Cardmaking Day Blog Hop

Did you know that October 1 is World Cardmaking Day? Will you be getting your craft on today?
The holidays are right around the corner so I want to share a Christmas card..

Supplies Used:

cardstock: Bazzill (blue) and Paper Source (beet)

patterned paper: Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses Powdered Sugar

stamp: Wreath for All Seasons, Papertrey Ink

inks: Close to My Heart

I used a sketch from Jen Del Muro. This would be an easy card to mass produce for holiday cards. Four simple components that can be cut and stamped in batches and then assembled. I used a non-traditional color scheme for a lighter, airy feel to a Christmas card.

I support Operation Write Home and their mission to supply troops with blank handmade cards they can send home to their loved ones. There's something special about spending time making cards knowing it will help our soldiers keep in touch with their family and friends. My best friend's little sister served a tour of duty in Iraq four years ago. I remember how much we loved getting a note from her. She was so great at sending thank you notes for care packages. Back then she was "adopted" by a group of Red Hat Ladies who sent her blank cards for writing home. When I learned about Operation Write Home last year, I knew I wanted to pay forward the kindness of those ladies. 

Heather will be deploying to Afghanistan next month. Making cards is one small way I can support her and all our soldiers. 

The deadline for sending Christmas cards to Operation Write Home is October 31. But they are always looking for birthday, love and thank you cards. 

Thanks for hopping by today! 

Operation Write Home Blog Hop!

Welcome! Today's post is part of the Operation Write Home Be My Valentine blog hop. Operation Write Home supports our nation's armed forces by sending blank handmade greeting cards to write home on, as well as cards of gratitude to encourage them.  Over 670,000 cards have been sent to the troops. 

Last month, my mom, my best friend Jen and her mom and sister, Heather made a big batch of Christmas cards and sent them to Operation Write Home. The deadline for sending Christmas cards has passed, but they are always looking for birthday, thinking of you and love you cards. 

Heather is a captain in the Army Reserves and spent 18 months in Iraq. A group of Red Hat Society ladies sent her blank handmade cards that she could send home. Making cards for Operation Write Home is a way for us to pay it forward.


The theme for this blog hop is Valentine. Now it may seem strange to see Valentines in November but Operation Write Home has to work ahead of the calendar to get cards to the troops so they can send them home to loved ones. If you would like to donate some cards, the deadline for sending Valentines is January 7. Visit the Operation Write Home website for all the details. 

Here's the Valentine that I created. It's loosely based on this week's sketch #63 at Get Sketchy.

I'd also like to do a little giveaway to continue spreading the love. So leave me a comment by Monday, November 15 at noon. I'll pick a name at random to win a few fun embellishments. 

Now hop on over to see what Paula at Handmade by Paula has created! If you would like to start at the beginning go to the Stars and Stripes blog!

Don't forget to vote for Operation Write Home in the Joann's Craft for a Cause contest. You can vote once a day. 


Supplies Used:
cardstock: Die Cuts With a View (coral), Papertrey Ink (chocolate)
patterned paper: Basic Grey, Jillibean Soup
stamp: Studio G
ink: Papertrey Ink (snow white)
punch: Fiskars
felt embellishment: K&Company