I started making cards with the Honor the Brave stamps several months ago and had to pause the project to prepare for the anniversary cruise. How did it get to be the end of May? I finally accomplished my goal and managed to create 22 cards!
I began my mission by measuring the size of each stamp and calculating an optimized plan to trim one sheet of Ivory paper from the Honor the Brave Page Kit into panels that would fit the stamps.
Trim the Ivory Plain at 10.5, 8.5, 6.25 and 3.5". Cut the 3.5x12 horizontally at 11, 10, 9, 8, 6, 4 and 2". Trim the 2.75x12 horizontally at 9, 6 and 3". Cut the 2.25x12 horizontally at 10, 8, 6, 4 and 2". Trim the 2x12 horizontally at 11, 8.25, 5.5 and 2.75". Cut the 1.5x12 horizontally at 9.75, 6.5 and 3.25".
Once trimmed, each panel can be stamped with an image from the Honor the Brave stamp sheet.
Next, trim one sheet of Brown paper into panels to mat most of the the stamped images.
Finally, follow your heart to create cards using the stamped and matted images. Keep the stamps handy for additional decorating opportunities. Here's a basic formula used for the majority of the remaining printed and plain papers in the page kit.
Let's take a closer look at the card sets.
Cards 1-3
The embellishments in the page kit translate well for cards! Add coordinating ribbon, charms, and Star Dazzles to create dimension.
Cards 4-7
Add a three-part bow on two of the thank you cards. The wide, green grosgrain ribbon looks so elegant.
Cards 8 - 11
Once the matted boots image is added to the card, carefully stamp the "thank you" image beneath the boots. To ensure success, stamp the sentiment onto a CS® Desk Blotter. The graph on the blotter will ensure the stamp is level on the mounting block.
Cards 12 - 15
Add blue and red shading to the stamped flag image with watercolor pencils or crayons; blend with a water brush. Stamp "protect and defend" directly onto a wood cut tag and top with blue ribbon and a star sticker.
Card 16 - 19
After making 4.25x5.5" card bases, there will be a 3.5x12" scrap from each 12x12. Trim one strip into four 3x3" squares and stamp each with the "boots" image to complete an additional four cards. Attach a bronze eagle charm to the card with a brad.
Cards 20-22
When your card making session is complete, you'll have a tiny pile of scraps along with 22 completed cards that can be used to express your appreciation to those who serve and have served our nation.
Prefer to make pages? Visit yesterday's post to learn how to adapt older 3x3 photos to fit modern scrapbook formats.
I hope you are able to enjoy a safe and Memorial Day weekend while being reminded of those who sacrificed to make our freedoms possible.
Tricia
