Welcome to InkPaperStamps, stop #41 on this Veterans Day Blog Hop, sponsored by Operation Write Home. In honor of our veterans, today I’m presenting an ’Any Hero’ card, a valentine and an opportunity to win some blog candy.
But first, a word about designing cards for OWH. Glitter (or any reflective substance that could flake or rub off) is prohibited. For one reason, glitter’s a nuisance–if we can’t just wash it off in the comfort of our own home, they sure won’t be able to at their base camp. Beyond that, glitter’s a hazard, as its reflection can be detected with night vision goggles. And our goal here is to support our heroes, not put them at further risk.
'Any Heroes' card features Holiday Collection star.
And now, the ‘Any Hero’ card.
This card will bear a message of gratitude and encouragement from me to a deployed service member.
In each box of cards for heroes to write home on, OWH tries to include as many ‘Any Hero’ cards as possible. After arriving at the base, these ‘Any Hero’ are distributed to those who rarely get mail from home or who are most in need of encouragement on the day the box arrives.
I hope the hero receiving my card will feel how deeply appreciated his or her service is.
Charming spring card for a hero's sweetie.
Next, the valentine.
For my first OWH valentine, I chose to make a spring card.
Thanks to some fun folding, a spring card folds up flat for mailing, but springs up as the card is taken out of the envelope. Even better, it will displays itself wherever the recipient sets it.
I thought the loved one who ultimately receives this valentine might want to use it as a special piece of decor for their home or office. Set on a night stand or desk, this little artistic work will always stand ready to remind them of their hero’s love.
One drawback to spring cards: because of the construction, they do not offer much writing surface. For an OWH card, that just won’t do.
So, I rigged a way to incorporate suitable space for a hero to write on.
(Please click on the picture for a closer view of each project.)
Holiday Collection (c) Stampin' Up!
Finally, the blog candy:
the Holiday Collection stamp set by Stampin’ Up. This six-piece set includes a large five-point star, as well as holiday/winter stamps and an ‘Enjoy’ image. This Holiday Collection star stamp is great for giving gold stars, scrapping patriotic occasions and, yes, creating your own ‘Any Hero’ card.
For your chance(s) to win Holiday Collection, submit up to five entries in this giveaway, one for each of the following:
- leaving a comment below with your favorite non-glitter way to add sparkle or shine to a card
- subscribing to InkPaperStamps (see button under the photo of me and my dog above right)
- posting about the Veterans Day Blog Hop (with a link to this post) on your blog
- sending an ‘Any Hero’ card (with your message to a hero) to OWH
- making OWH a valentine for a deployed hero to send home to a loved one
For each listed action taken, you may submit a separate entry by clicking here.
Winner will be randomly selected from all entries submitted by 11:59 pm (CT) Monday November 16th. Terms and conditions apply.
Great cards! I’ve never seen a spring card – quite clever!
I love using JellyRoll Stardust pens in clear to add a glimmer to cards. They can be used over any marker or colored pencil to add a bit of shimmer without flaking.
I don’t know what happened to my post! I follow your blog on Google Reader, so I’m already getting your great ideas! Thanks for sharing those cute cards!
Beautiful cards and the spring one is so neat – I’ve never seen that before.
I love to use little gems on cards for a touch of sparkle.