Hello friends! I have a card to share with you today that I created for Memorial Day this past Monday. We are a military family. Service to country runs deep on both sides. From WWII through the war in the Middle East our family members have served proudly. While crafting this card I thought about the fields of crosses in Verdun, France that seemed to go on forever, and the graves of Arlington, Virginia where friends and colleagues lay. I don't think there is a family in our country that doesn't have a story of service in their family. So today I honor them. Those who put the comforts of home and love of family aside to protect the freedoms we hold so dear.
A Memorial Banner of Red, White, and Blue
This new card uses a number of different Hello Bluebird sets. I began by scoring the foundation panel of Neenah Solar White card stock (80lb) on the diagonal. This is nice way to provide interest to a CAS design. For the base of the floral spray I used the very popular, Vertical Banner die from the Banner Buddies release. Flowers and leaves were both stamped and die cut using the following sets: Flower Garden and Wildflower Bouquet and the Wildflower Bouquet companion die, The large leaves were die cut using Gallery Frame #2 and the stars were die cut from Gallery Frame #1 I trimmed the foundation panel with a gold leaf pen, and both panel and the floral banner were adhered to the card base with fun foam.
I hope you've been inspired by my card and words today. It is a small offering from heart and hand. The stamp and die sets I've shared today can be found on the Hello Bluebird web site and are waiting for you!
On Monday I posted these words from Thomas Pain:
"These are the times that try men's souls." Written during the darkest hours of our nations struggle for liberty. A struggle that brought Gen. George Washington humbly to his knees in prayer. Surely a country had never paid such a high cost for freedom as this... Our founding fathers knew the cost. The struggle against tyranny and oppression will always cause suffering and pain - this we know.
But the desire for freedom is greater.
Remembering
This is a work of heart, Susie. What a beautiful tribute to the sacrifice of the brave men and women who fight so valiantly for the freedoms we enjoy. Thank you to your family for being a family of service. Every detail is so lovingly added. It just exudes love for the craft and our country. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your very gracious and kind response to this post, Jeanne! Hugs, Susie ~
DeleteWhat a lovely design, Susie - so many interesting elements! And the thought behind it is heart-warming.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Lin! What a nice surprise to have you visit me here. I'm always delighted when a card touches the heart. Hugs, Susie ~
DeleteIt's very interesting how you put all these dies together, Susie. You know, the diagonal score lines also suggest the stripes of the flag, even though in white. It's a beautiful card and the reason for its being is dear and sad and proud and so many things all at once. Thank you for this.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Leslie. If anyone would have picked up on the diagonal score lines suggesting stripes of the flag it would be you my friend. It's a simple card, but one that stands for so much in my life, and those I know. Thank you again Leslie, you're a special friend.
Delete