Wednesday, September 4, 2013

OWH Birthday Bash with Unity Stamps


As part of the OWH Birthday Month festivities this September, Unity Stamp has partnered up with OWH in today's blog skip. I am honored and excited to be able to participate and have two Any Hero Cards to share with you today.



For my first card I went with a traditional red, white & blue combo using this sweet Unity sentiment. Using a larger, layered panel as a framing element is a great technique when you are turning a medium to small size sentiment into a focal point. The Anthem papers by Bo Bunny have a nice weathered, vintage feel to them and go beautifully with the ivory of this gorgeous wired ribbon by May Arts. One of the particularly nice things about wired ribbon like this is that it can be molded for a photo and then flattened for mailing. 

For my second card I decided to go with something slightly different. It still contains some red and blue but the copper embossed flower and tangerine colored ribbon would definitely push this into a non-traditional category for me. The floral is from the Unity Itty Bitty set called 'Feel The Joy'. Simple and classic nature elements like this one are super versatile and could be paired with just about any sentiment making them a great investment. I am so glad I added to my collection.



Both of these cards will get a hand-written note inside and be sent along in my next box of cards to Kris. When I write my Any Hero Cards I often start with a line telling them where I am (East Coast) and I will let them know I made the card they're holding as part of my work with OWH. Next I might mention something current about this part of the country (leaves changing colors, winter snowfalls etc.). There have been times I've included a photo I've taken in my area too. Then I add on a line to say thank you and let them know they're remembered and that their sacrifices are appreciated and sign it with my first name and last initial and include my city and state. Though I know some others do, I don't include an email address, blog or anything else. The OWH stamp I use on the backs of my cards also has my first name, last initial, city and state on it. 

Thanks to Unity Stamp for sponsoring today's skip and to you for stopping by to pay me a visit. 


Now it's time for you to head on over to see what the very talented Kristie has in store for you on her blog...




Happy Crafting!
signature

68 comments:

airbornewife said...

Oh Paula.. our cards are beautiful. The ribbon you used on the first one is gorgeous. Thank you for sharing~ Pam

Anonymous said...

The first one seems more like a piece of artwork than a card. A stunning combination of delicate features with bold touches . . .
Mary, Wausau WI

Kathy S said...

More great ideas about how to write any hero cards, thanks Paula. I do love the vintage style, the wood grain on the back of the sentiment, really makes it work.

Melissa T. said...

Thank you for the tips about what to write in Any Hero cards. Sometimes I get stuck, but your info helped. :)
Love both cards, the papers did go perfectly with that wired ribbon.

Julie said...

Both beautiful cards, Paula! I love the color combination on the second one - I wouldn't have thought of it but I will now, lol! Thanks so much for participating in our skip today and for all you do for OWH!

sherry varga said...

On your first card, I like the wood grain background and the blue flowers in the corners. Such cute ribbon too. Your second card is awesome and I like how you embossed on blue. Great sentiment too. Happy Birthday to Operation Write Home.

Sandy Allnock said...

Gorgeous work as always Paula! Lovin' that patriotic ribbon, and the nontraditional floral card is a great switchup from the usual stars and stripes on AnyHero mail. Awesome!!

Jeanette said...

I LOVE the woodgrain label on the first card, it is so perfect for the feel of that card - and the ribbon is fun too! The second card is beautiful, I love the color combination. Thanks for the Hero Mail tips!

Unknown said...

Paula, as always I'm blown away by your incredible talent.
The way you make that small but great sentiment into the focal point is great and it was helpful to me, I tend to under-do and it gets lost.
The second card is beautiful, thanks for the helpful hints on writing hero mail also.

postalorphan said...

These cards a just gorgeous - I love the colors and paper choices in the first card, and that image on the second card is one of my favs! You've done a great job with it!

Anonymous said...

Love the first card and the vintage feel. Great saturated colors.

Sue D said...

Lovely cards. I like the vintage paper on both and the bow on the first and the embossing on the second.

greggers said...

I fell in love with your second card the second I saw it. It is so dramatic and captivating. The gold embossed flower and sentiment put it over the top for me. Thanks for the tips on writing in an Any Hero card. TFS

Diane Loughrey said...

I like the sentiment on the first card...that will just touch whoever receives this deep down in their heart.

Tami B. said...

Two great cards. I LOVE that ribbon on the first one, and I love the idea of including photos from "back home" in your any hero cards.
P.S. I would really like to see your stamp you use on the back of your cards sometime. I've been thinking of getting a custom OWH stamp w/ my name included.

Janice said...

Gorgeous cards! Love the vintage feel with the wood grain and light patriotic colors.

Lee Mae said...

Paula, your cards are simply gorgeous! I love all of the elements on each card. The way the label is placed on the first card is such a great idea, and embossing the Feel the Joy stamp with metallic against the blue looks incredible. (I have that stamp so I'll be giving that a try!)

Unknown said...

Both cards are great, but I love the vintage feel of the first one. I especially love that ribbon!

Ronni Unger said...

Paula, your cards are exquisite! The ribbon on the 1st card is magnificent!!!!! I want some!!!! The 1st card has so many elements and textures! It is so interesting. The person who receives it will be so very fortunate.

Cathryn said...

I love the embossed flowers on your second card! And, I have some of that Bo Bunny paper, so I need to get to work!

Jen R. said...

I really like both cards...the first one strikes my eye....maybe the ribbon? Colors are great, very interesting.... Radloff jen at cableone dot net

Kathy said...

I like lots of layers on cards so the first card is my favorite. Thanks for the tip about making a small size sentiment the focal point by adding layers. Love the look of the copper on the second card. Thank you for sharing ideas about what to write in our cards. I so appreciate the help.

Marsha said...

Stunning cards! Beautiful colors. Love the copper embossing on second card.

Janet said...

Both cards are beautiful!! I really like how you did the first card - looks vintage & the fence in back looks great!!

Miriam Prantner said...

These are wonderful! I love the sentiments, and the bow on the first one is gorgeous. The embossed flowers on the second are just so lovely too.

JoAnn Ross said...

Pam, your cards are always such an inspiration! The first is a wonderful piece of vintage art and although I'm not much of a ribbon girl that ribbon is perfect with it! I also love, love, love,that sentiment! The second card is awesomely elegant. It's my favorite. Thanks for in writing inspiration, too!

Diana N. said...

The copper flowers are magnificant! Both cards are going to some very fortunate hero. Thanks for sharing what you write in your Any Hero mail.

WhoMom said...

Paula,
Love the ribbon on both cards. It's such a wonderful finishing touch. On the first card the vintage feel is great and the sentiment is a heart stopper-must need that stamp. The second card has an amazing Fall feel to it. Again, it must be time to dust off my embossing tool.
Thank you for sharing your talent.
Lyn

Sarah said...

WOW...the first card is amazing. I adore the ribbon you used. Thanks for the inspiration-- I must add this stamp to my collection!

Andrea T said...

I love that first card and the weathered wood look all the elements have. Great inspiration as usual!

pcrusberg said...

I really like the "wood look" of the first card. The embossing on the second one is gorgeous too.

Sybrina K said...

Paula,

I love the patterns you've paired on the first card (from one of my favorite paper collections. I was also interested to see you used wired ribbon. I've thought about that but didn't know if we could do that.

Your nontraditional palette on the second card is so nice. I, too, struggle with not doing the red, white, and blue thing on my Any Hero cards.

Donna Shelton said...

I love the use of papers on the first card, just gorgeous. I had to Pin it.
I love the copper brads and how they echo the embossed flowers on the second!

Kristie said...

Beautiful cards! I just love that yummy ribbon on the first card and all the weathered wood patterned papers. And the copper embossing on the second card is so stunning against the darker blue paper.

Dixie Cochran said...

As always, beautiful and inspiring work from your creative brain! I love that Bo Bunny paper you used on the first card. Thanks for the tips on how to showcase the sentiment.

Verna Angerhofer said...

Your card designs are absolutely stunning. Love all those litte details and what beautiful elements you added. Ribbons and all that punched artwork really add so much.

Unknown said...

Paula, I think your cards are amazing. But the first card won my heart. I loved the ribbon with the stitching and the background paper was awesome.

Stamping Seraphims said...

Both cards are gorgeous but I am partial to the first card! I love the color combination with the ribbon! It was perfect!!

Anonymous said...

I have copper embossing powder but never thought of using it this way. Wonderful I have to get that sentiment. It is perfect Thanks for sharing what you write. I find it very hard Charlsie

Jody Green said...

These are gorgeous. The ribbon on the first card is exceptional!

Cynthia Rose said...

Both cards are great but I especially like the first one. I have a couple of BoBunny's Anthem paper and love the colors.

Camille Short said...

The paper choices are so patriotic.

Diane said...

I really like how you have the sentiment be such a nice focal point in your first card- and the ribbon is sooooo scrumptious! Love how you used all the papers together. I really like the copper on the 2nd card- very different- but very effective!

Teresa Godines #6857 said...

Great projects. TFS

Kathryn said...

Your use of ribbon is perfect as a finishing touch on these cards. That copper embossing is delightful, too!

Sue C said...

You definitely are in our hearts and I do think of you every day. Great stamp!

Sharon Huffman said...

I love what you did with the copper embossing powder to make those flowers pop!

Sue C said...

You definitely are in our hearts and I do think of you every day. Great stamp!!

Jen M said...

Paula, that feel the joy stamp is one of my favorites. I use it all the time, but I've never thought to use it for an Anyhero card. The tangerine and copper is lovely against the blue... just so pretty. :)

Waving My Wand said...

Ya know with all the patriotic cards being sent, the colors on the second card are a nice change of pace. But I gotta say, I really love the blue inking you did on that panel. Gorgeous!

byAnnette said...

Like your technique to frame the smaller sentiment to make it look larger. Pretty choice of papers.

Elsie B said...

The copper embossing on the second card is really pretty. I have some copper embossing powder but have never used it. Thanks for the inspiration - tomorrow I'll pull out the copper and play!

PoJo said...

Copper embossed flowers...BEAUTIFUL!

Michelle said...

WOW! Great cards!! I love the bow on the first one.
The colors on the second card are breathtaking. Love the shade of blue and the copper flowers!

Colleen said...

They are so gorgeous! I love the background paper and the ribbon on the first one, it makes me want to go on a picnic. The 2nd one feels so warm and cozy. Thanks for sharing!

jennifer mitten said...

Both of your cards are stunning! I love the first one with the beautiful ribbon and you really made the flowers on the second card pop.

Karen said...

Love the colors in the second card. So fall-like. And I appreciate knowing what to write in the cards. Thanks for sharing all that info!

Marlene Diefendorf said...

Paula, your cards are always amazing! I just bought both the sentiments you've used.

The first is so gorgeous I want to stand up and cheer! The beautiful ribbon is the perfect and really makes the card.

This second looks so delicate and has a vintage feel. I would have never dreamed of putting these colors together. Thanks for participating in the skip, and for all you do for OWH!

Ann said...

Wow!!! These are absolutely beautiful cards! The first one is awesome with the traditional colors! And the 2nd one is gorgeous! I would not have thought to put those colors together, but they are great!

Linda said...

Two wonderful cards as always...great tip about making the sentiment on the first. Love the stamps on the second!

Cheryl H said...

I love the coppery flowers... reminds me of "amber waves of grain" somehow.

The first card is amazing and I'm not sure what I like best... the larger panel, the background paper, or that red punched strip. I wouldn't have thought to put those things together.

Valerie said...

Your cards are great and I really like your ideas for writing Any Hero mail.

Small Talk Mama said...

I absolutely love that first card. The colors and paper choices are beautiful. . . and so patriotic.

MaRyKaY said...

I love the folkart vintagey look of your cards. If there is such a thing. haha very nice cards

rscholz said...

Both of your cards are beautiful. I love the vintage look of the first one and the embossing on the second. Thanks for sharing your cards and the tips on writing messages inside

KindleLover said...

I like them both, but the second card is nice because it reminds me to use more than just patriotic images for our heroes.

Patricia H said...

The ivory and the different shades of blue on the first card provide a really nice different take on the traditional red, white and blue. The copper embossing on the second card is terrific! Thanks too for including some tips about what to write in AnyHero mail.

mtscrapgal said...

I like the large bow on the first card. I think traditional red, white & blue is what most of us tend to use for Hero mail, but the second card is terrific using non-traditional colors. Nature themes are good for heroes too. Thanks for the hints about what to put inside these special card.

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