Good Morning Fellow Stampers -
I may be away from the Studio, but I have not forgotten you. And today, we are going to forego the Paper Players challenge in lieu of this special holiday! I usually do a series of fun 4th of July cards, often pulling out my favorite Patriotic Bears; this year I've done a Patriotic design Here and There; but I really have been more focused on playing with our new products this year and have not been as inspired to play with the red, white & blue.
Today, however, it seems appropriate that we do just that; and I am going to CASE a fabulous and beautiful card design from one of my very favorite Stampin' Pretty Pals -- Kim Jolley. She posted this card up for our group some weeks ago; and then it kind of went viral within our private Stampin' Up! demonstrator group; and then on Pinterest. I was very happy for her and thought she was ingenious to have thought of this. I have had this card on my mind for several weeks, and simply had to re-create it, changing up the details and playing a little bit to fit my aesthetic. I hope you will enjoy, and feel inspired today as we celebrate the independence of our great country!
This incredible card is created with the new Swirly Scribble Thinlets set. Isn't it amazing what a little ingenuity and creativity can come up with from a few simple cuts of paper? I left the front of this card to speak for itself, and have moved any kind of sentiment into the inside. Technique Tip: You want to use your Fine-Tip Glue Pen to put down these delicate die cut pieces. However, be careful; too much glue squeezes out the edges and can "ruin" your card. I struggled a little bit with that on today's design, and these fine "strips" on these dies.
I chose what I refer to as "Americana" colors for my card design today. From the moment I saw the Dapper Denim and Cherry Cobbler colors together, I just knew they were perfect for that vintage "Americana" feel. In fact, I have made patriotic quilt items and accessories with just this color scheme and feel to them, and I really love it. It feels "old" to me :-)
The other thing I attempted on this card was to add some "shading" to the edges on the upper and under sides of my "stripes" with my Cherry Cobbler stampin' write marker.
Unfortunately, when I was done and looked, I realized I had accidentally "nudged" some of these areas without realizing it with my fingers and smeared some of them onto the white background. So I was a little disappointed. A little "lesson learned" for me. I'd probably not try the shading the next time around.
Here's what I did with the inside of my card design, using the fabulous Number of Years stamp set and the coordinating Large Numbers Framelits.
Before I go, I just thought I'd leave a food for thought. I think that it is important to look beyond the picnics, bar-b-ques and fireworks and remember those who fought for the freedom and independence we all enjoy today. I'm afraid that we are so many generations removed from those great men, that we have forgotten the price that was paid, the intentions these men had, and the foundation that was laid for our inheritance. We would not be here today, enjoying what we have, if not for the foresight and drive of our Founding Fathers.
The Torch of Freedom
"The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more. You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not."
- John Adams July 3, 1776
Blessings to you all on this Independence Day My Friends! And to Old Glory . . . Long May You Wave!!
Until Next Time . . .
