Memorial Day Weekend Challenge

Can you feel the excitement?  It's almost time for the blog hop to begin.  YIPPEE!!!

I mentioned yesterday that I will be challenging myself to make at least a dozen cards in between all the activities of the weekend, and hopefully even more than that.  I've narrowed down my goal.

Last night on OWHtv, Sandy talked about her night at the scrap group and how she used an entire 6x6 pad to make a whole slew of cards.  They were great!  During the episode that aired last night she quickly whipped up two to show us how sweet and simple it is.

If you'd like to see the 101st episode, click HERE.

After watching her work, I was inspired to use the OWH Sketches and a 6x6 pad to make a bunch of Thank You/Hero cards to send in.   I plan on using the "Noah's Ark" method of using two sheets at a time (so two x twos, lol) and work my way through an entire pad of 6x6 paper.

The pad I'm using will be from Authentique and it's a 26-page bundle from the collection called PRIDE.

If...and that's a big if...I manage to get through that and want to create some more, I have another 6x6 pad from Authentique  that is also 26-page bundle but from the collection called RENEW.  I thought Pride was more in line with Memorial Day (reds/whites/blues) and the Renew set was a good one that could make feminine or masculine cards.  I'll be using Bazzill cardstock for my bases and layers.

The theme for the weekend is THANK YOU, if you want to participate too.

My goal is still 12 cards, though I would really like to get even more!

I will be using sketches from Operation Write Home to create these.  I will do at least two of each sketch I use and will post throughout the weekend.  While only one post will be linked in for the blog hop, I will update as I get going for those intrepid enough to see what I'm up to.  Just be sure to visit all the other blogs too throughout the weekend!  There is going to be some great blog candy going around and some tutorials and goodies passed out.

In fact, stay tuned for a give-away from me!

If you haven't looked at Operation Write Home's sketches, now is a great time to do so!  They have so many of them available in at least two downloadable PDF files that you can print.  The great thing about them is the majority of them have sizes of the pieces on them--not many sketches do!  I encourage you to check it out.

CHECK OUT OPERATION WRITE HOME SKETCHES HERE!!!!

So, be on the look out for my next blog post later tonight that will share details about my contest/give away and hope you take some time to look at all the fabulous blogs linked up for the hop and also to participate in your own way for Any Hero mail (see previous post for reader challenge).

Hugs!

Memorial Weekend Blog Hop for Operation Write Home

Hi, everyone out there in cyber land!  I have missed you all and it sure has been busy around the Z household.

The good news is that Daddy's surgeries went well and the cancer has been removed.  He is on the way to healing and learning to live with diminished lung capacity.  Aunt S does not have cancer and is on the mend too.   On a sad note, we lost two family members during this time.

Project Pink 2013 is now history and it was a blast!  I was blessed to be a part of this year's women's conference at our church and help encourage women to BELIEVE they could create.  We made some cute little fridge mini clipboards and flower broach/clips for hair or purses.  I was also asked to create some massive stage props!  It was short-notice so a lot of fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants type creating but think the one came out really cute.  I hope to have pics of all these creations up for you to see soon!

WHEW!

After a week recuperating (and getting ill, getting better), it's time to look forward.  This weekend is a holiday weekend here in the States.  Monday is Memorial Day, when we recognize those men and women who served our country.  I recently became involved in Operation Write Home and am so excited to participate in their blog hop this year!

Be sure to visit them by clicking HERE.  Take a peek around and see the good they do for our heroes and their families and friends.

CHALLENGE!  Even if you are not a card maker, I challenge each reader here to send in an AnyHero card or letter to support them.  There are men and women in our military who could use the moral support from home.  Even something as simple as we appreciate you and are praying for you will go a long way to those brave heroes.   If you are a card maker, maybe throw in a few extras and also consider joining this wonderful organization!

So, be on the lookout tomorrow and this weekend for more information on the blog hop.  I'll be challenging myself (and hopefully you), might even have some candy or freebies, and just love to create with you!   Be sure to also make the rounds on the hop to visit all the other good blogs out there supporting OWH and see what they are sharing and perhaps giving away!

Until then!

OWH Sketch Challenge #163

 

Operation Write Home is a worthy cause for card-makers to help bless our troops and their families. For more information, please click the name link!

Each week, OWH has neat activities to keep card makers encouraged and moving forward.  I prefer Sandy's OWHtv Thursday night show and the sketch challenges.  Sometimes I only have time to make a simple version of the sketch (like this time) but I do try to get them in.

Here is the sketch for the March 10th Sketch Challenge (#163)

You can find the entire challenge post HERE.

And here is my version...

This card-front is nearly ready to go.  I need to affix it to a card base, stamp the back and tuck into an envelope.  I only have one sheet of this brown (it's so thick and yummy) so am playing around making a similar sketch card with it, just a tad different. 

Please forgive the quality of the photo, it's late and I had a full day, lol.

Supplies:
Cardstock ~ Unknown from stash, butterflies - The Paper Studio
Basics (paper cutter/trimmer, corner rounder, tape runner, popdots)
"wish" - Stampin' Up!
Ink - Chocolate Chip, Stampin' Up!
Butterfly Punch - Martha Stewart
Scalloped Eyelet Border Punch - American Crafts, Knock Outs
2 Rhinestones
Glossy Accents (to affix butterflies and rhinestones)

Have a fabulously creative week!