Quote of the Week

"Life is 10% of what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it." ~ John C. Maxwell





Saturday, May 29, 2010

1 Sketch - 4 Ways

Welcome  to the Operation Write Home Memorial Day Blog Hop!  

 I'll get the housekeeping part out of the way for you now...  If you arrived here from Caryl, Stamps and Stitches blog then you are on the right track if you didn't you may want to start at the Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps blog so you don't miss any of the amazing work being featured by the talented Ladies participating.  The link to the next blog is at the end of this post.

Why do I make cards for OWH?  There are many reasons - my friend Alex mentioned this great cause she was involved in and she ROCKS so it had to, it gives a creative outlet for not only me by my husband (yes he helps with cards), when I started we had a dear friend embedded in Afghanistan but mostly it is due to the types of posts you will find over on the Hero Blog.   

We also make cards as a small token of our appreciation for those who give up so much so that we may be safe and have the freedoms we do.  I can't imagine my husband not being here for extended periods of time or how I would cope with that even with the amazing support system I have...  So for all who give so much for so many THANK YOU!

If you are considering making cards for Operation Write Home you can find the nearest shipper here.  A couple of quick tips I hope you find helpful...  A2 sized cards allow as many as possible to be fit in the boxes going to our Heros - simply put that is a 8 1/2 x 11 sheet cut in half to 5 1/2 x 4 1/4.  A2 envelopes are also very easy to find if you want to send your cards with envelopes (not necessary but helpful).  If you make larger cards you will need to supply the envelope.  Cards are needed for all occasions - birthday, anniversary, thinking of you, thank you etc as well as the special ones listed with deadlines on the OWH website.  I try to find stamps that will work throughout the year like 'I love you Mom', 'I'm so Lucky', etc as even though they were in with the Mother's Day and St Patrick's Day stamps they work just as well all year on general cards to be used for multiple occasions.  It is never too early to make Christmas cards - I'm just saying...  Also having cards for all age groups in both masculine and feminine colors is a good thing. But if all you can manage is one card that's great too as it will be sent by a Hero to someone they love and you will have made someone's day brighter the same as everyone else who made a card for OWH.

And now as promised in the title I am going to show you how I turned one amazing sketch (Sketch #17 over on the OWH Stars & Stamps Blog) by Lora B into 4 cards.  I love sketches - sometimes I do them exactly sometimes I change it up a bit.  Today is a little of both and this is made easy as all the dimensions are included on the original sketch.

I started with this assortment of goodies some I used and some I didn't - I always tend to pull more than I need as I am kind of a get the 'vision' as I go girl.  This paper is by The Paper Studio and I found it at Hobby Lobby for .59 cents a sheet - I'll be able to make lots of Patriotic cards from the 4 - 12x12 sheets I brought home.  While there I also found an AWESOME stamp but I am getting a head of myself.  All cards are on white bases to make writing in them so much easier for the Heros but if you do use dark based a white insert is helpful.
 


NOTE: to help the cards pop I placed them on scraps of paper for the photos. So ignore the contrasting color behind the cards please.

I decided to start with a card that is done by rotating the sketch 1/4 turn clockwise.  This allowed me to use a sentiment that would not have fit the original design.  I trimmed my blue background piece to 1/4 inch making it 5 1/4 x 4 which gives added dimension to the finished card by allowing my white base to show. To keep things in proportion I then also trimmed all remaining pieces by 1/4 inch making them 3 3/4 x 2 1/2 and 3 3/4 x 1 3/4 and the sentiment strip to 2 x 3 3/4.  After I stamped my sentiment I tore a thin strip off both side and chalked the ends.  I added a strip of ribbon to the background piece tucking the ends behind it and then adhering it all to the white base.


My second card followed the sketch exactly.  The blue background piece is exactly the same size as my card base.  You may have noticed my reds all seem slightly different in color and that is because they are...I used scraps to make them.
 

Card 3 was done using the same paper top and bottom and switch the smaller piece to the top and larger on the bottom.  The larger piece is also slightly smaller than the original sketch called for as it was left over and is about 2 5/16.  A thin red ribbon was then placed between the two and adhered to the back of the background before it was all placed on the card base.  I stamped the sentiment then trimmed it to 2 x 3 3/4, torn the bottom edge and inked with a ColorBox chalk ink in Midnight.  I mounted it on the red piece that was the original dimensions of 2 1/4 x 4.




The final card is another I trimmed all 'colored' pieces by 1/4 inch so the white card base would show and proportions would stay the same.  I left the sentiment piece the original size but moved it lower on the card with only a tiny bit of color showing on the bottom and left side. I will walk you through the ribbon as I know I loved being shown this and at least one of you might find it helpful...



When I adhere 2 pieces of ribbon I either can't get a nice finished look or my card warps as I pulled it too tight.  I can't remember where I saw this but LOVE it!  You wrap your ribbon around what you want to adhere it to and give a bit extra, remove and then tie your knot or bow.  Below is the ribbon circle laying on top of the background so I can try placement in a few places before committing.

 


Once you have determined where you want the bow you simple lift it and cut directly behind it.



I then tack down the bow with my adhesive followed by the 'tails' I have now.



I then flip it over, trim excess ribbon (saved and used in another project), adhere and then put it all on the card base.  I get a perfect bow or knot every time and no longer give up in frustration.  And I'll leave you with another look at the finished card.  



I hope you enjoyed your visit and I'd love to have you stop back again.  To continue on the blog hop you will go to Paula's blog.

I am aware of the issue with the comments and I think I have resolved it...  My apologies to those who are trying to leave a comment but are running into difficulty.

106 comments:

  1. this is a test to see if the comments are now working...

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  2. Comments working! Fabulous tutorial I love making more than one card out of a sketch. The pictures helped walk me right through it. Happy hopping!

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  3. These cards are wonderful!!! I love those stamps,great job!

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  4. Oh yay! Working now. I had left a comment on the prev post because it wasn't working earlier. Love these cards. Great idea to show the variety while using the same paper/concept. Thanks!

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  5. I love using scraps, makes me feel like I get my money's worth. Thank you for sharing the ribbon tip. I am ribbon challenged! LOL! ~Robin

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  6. Betty I love how you showed so many ways to use a sketch - and scraps! Well done!!!

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  7. Thanks for sharing your expertise in creating multiple cards from one great sketch! I enjoyed everything you showed us today, including your great cards:)

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  8. I am not sure which card I like best so I like them all. I love sketches and yours is simple and easy to follow or do your own thing. Loved the tip on ribbon they are hard to handle some days. Thanks for sharing and have a great weekend.

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  9. Great cards - and they look super easy too! And thanks for sharing the tutorial with the bows, I always have trouble with those!

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  10. Thanks for the tutorial and post today!

    xoxo
    Lindsey

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  11. Thank you for your post! Thank you for How to!! THANK YOU SO MUCH :)Have a great weekend! I am now following your blog too!
    Jessica Lynn
    http://www.jessicalynnoriginal.com

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  12. thank you so much for the sketch and the different ways to use it... So awesome.
    I am now a follower of your blog..
    celeste
    celestelombas@live.com

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  13. Thanks for the great tying tip.

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  14. Wow - this is fantastic. I love the way you took the sketch (btw, one of my favorites too) and changed it up a bit to get 4 different looks. I also LOVE the 'Soldier' stamp - TFS

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  15. I don't know which one I like best! they are all great. I love when you can create several different cards with one basic idea!

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  16. Wow, these look stunning! Love the sentiment and it is so perfect for Anyhero Cards!!!

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  17. Great cards! I love the bow tying tips too!!

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  18. Great cards! Thanks for sharing the tutorial.

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  19. Hi Betty - I love you how showed a variation to the sketches. Some of them I wouldn't have thought of! The ribbon tutorial was great. Does't it make it so much easier to use ribbon and bows!? Happy Memorial Day!

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  20. Thanks so much for the tip on the ribbons! I think it will help me a lot.
    Jean B. in PA
    pearx2 at zoominternet dot net

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  21. Very nice cards Betty. I love the "I thought of you today" sentiment. I am getting so much inspiration on this hop. Thanks for participating!

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  22. Love the tutorial thank you so much for sharing with us...

    Janie Boots
    boots3103@hotmail.com

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  23. These are really handsome cards! Love the little tutorial on the ribbon tying. Works like a charm! Thanks for supporting OWH!

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  24. hey, thanks for the tying a ribbon how-to! I will just use that next time! ~joanej

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  25. Thanks for supporting OWH. Love the cards that you've done! Great ribbon tip.
    R/

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  26. Love your variations on a theme! And thanks for the ribbon tip! Have an awesome weekend!

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  27. 4 great cards - perfect for the OWH challenge! :)

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  28. Great cards! I love sketches, too. :) If they aren't really hard anyway!! This one looks pretty good though. i may have to try it! Thanks for sharing! :)

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  29. great tutorial and great tip for the cards for OWH. thanks

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  30. those are awesome cards! and love the paper

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  31. You made great use of that paper! Your cards are inspiring! I love how you took the sketch and ran with it. Thank you for making cards for our heroes!!

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  32. Love your cards! That paper is just perfect! Thanks for the tutorial, too!

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  33. Hi Betty Sweetie...
    I am your newest follower. I so adore these beautiful cards that you have made. You have encouraged me to give it a try when I am back on my feet again. I would love to make some to send to OWH. I know that any of the soldiers would be so thrilled to find your beautiful creations in the box to select from. Awesome sweetie, just awesome.

    Please stop by and say hi. I would be so thrilled if you signed up to follow my blog as well.

    Country hugs sweetie...Sherry

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  34. Thanks for showing us the different takes on the sketch!!! Your cards are great and I really love the stamp you chose! Thanks for supporting OWH!

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  35. I love the soldier stamp...beautiful! Great cards!

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  36. Love the cards and thanks for the tutorial. I'm definitely going to use it.

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  37. Four beautiful cards- love that solider stamp!

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  38. Wonderful cards! I love the soldier stamp! TFS!

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  39. I actually have that stamp and believe it or not...i've never used it but you've inspired me to now!!

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  40. Love your cards! Thanks for sharing the ribbon technique. Definitely going to try that!

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  41. wow you rocked that sketch! thanks for the tip on the ribbon too. I'm going use that for sure.Thanks for supporting OWH.

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  42. Wow, one sketch, four cards. Thanks for walking us through it. They are soooo pretty.

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  43. Great cards... thank you so much for showing how to use the same theme throughout and getting such different results. I LOVE your Soldier stamp!

    have a blessed Memorial Weekend!

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  44. I love taking one pattern and rotating it to create a different look!

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  45. Love the cards & how you used one sketch to give different looks!

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  46. Your cards are so simple... I love them. Thank you for the tip on the ribbon tying!!!!

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  47. Wow, what great cards. I love all the different ones you made from the sketch.

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  48. WOW WOW WOW. Great cards, wonderful info on how to change them to use what is at hand. Loved the tying bow demo. That alone will save me so much time and frustration. My head is spinning with all of the options I can use your info on. Thanks so very much.

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  49. Those cards just pop! Love the papers you picked. You did help at least one person with the ribbon tip! Me! Thanks so much.

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  50. Wow, what great cards! Thanks for the ribbon tip. I just may card-lift (is that a word?) this one!

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  51. Great cards, love, love, love them all.

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  52. Very nice cards. Great sketch! Thanks for showing all different designs.

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  53. great cards! i love the different takes on the cards!

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  54. Love all your cards....TFS. 1 Sketch and 4 cards...great!

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  55. Love the versatility of this sketch. You did wonderfully with it. Happy Memorial Day.

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  56. Imagine that many cards out of one sketch.......great job....patm

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  57. You rocked it Betty! And Jay- they do NOT all look the same, sheesh! :D

    Thank you for being your awesome self!!!

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  58. Great step by step instructions and use of one sketch. Beautiful cards!!

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  59. Great cards and THANK YOU so much for the bow tip...I *may* just have to start using all the ribbon I have been collecting. ;)

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  60. Great cards and nice instructions. Thanks for participating with OWH.
    Sher

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  61. Fantastic cards! Thank you for sharing the tip on the ribbon.

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  62. Beautiful cards! Thanks for the ribbon tip!

    ~Courtney~

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  63. Loved seeing the different interpretations of the sketch. Great ribbon tip!

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  64. Great cards! Thanks for sharing!

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  65. Thank you so much for showing an easy way to
    do ribbon on a card It will help out so much Your cards were very nice
    Thanks again

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  66. You did an awesome job with the sketch! I love the cards that you made and the tutorial. Thank you for sharing with us.

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  67. The cards are great! I loved the sentiment and copied it to use on my cards. Thank you!

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  68. awesome cards...love the paper...I'll have to check michael's...where did you get that soldier stamp?
    BEAUTIFUL!
    Susan

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  69. Your cards are very nice! I love that stamp too!

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  70. Such wonderful cards! Thanks for them for our soldiers!

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  71. Bows! My nemisis...thanks so much for the hints. Perfect cards. Thanks for supporting OWH.

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  72. Thank you for the tutorial on adding the ribbon. I have the same problem. I linked your blog to one of my groups so they could also see the ribbon instructions. Thank you
    Jackietbedataoldotcom

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  73. Beautiful cards! Thanks for the ribbon tips! :)

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  74. Great cards! Love your ribbon tip!

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  75. Thanks for the great tutorial and all the info on OWH. It's my first hop and my dd and I are looking forward to sending our first set of cards soon!

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  76. Lovely card, thanks for sharing and playing along on the blog hop!~

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  77. Very nice cards! I've never been a "sketch" person but now your tip of turning it different directions - DUH the light went on!!! I think I may try them now!! Thanks much!

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  78. Thank you so much for the great card ideas. One of my reasons for hopping is to come up with some cards that I can make several of easily. I'm planning on asking guests at a 4th of July Shrimp Boil to write a AnyHero note to send in with my shipment of cards for the soldiers. I need to make a lot of them and don't need to get bogged down in the process. Love the knot tying technique and very good to know.

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  79. Love the different ways you use the same paper and sketch, but in different ways. Thanks for being there for OWH - I just love it!! Great looking cards and using the sketch to get some done this week.

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  80. Lovely cards. Thanks for sharing.

    Linda D.

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  81. Great cards and thanks for the tips about sending cards to the heroes.

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  82. Thanks for sharing your ribbon tying system... must try it. Great way that you created four cards from the design... gives me ideas now.
    Dolores A.

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  83. Really like the paper you used... THanks for the ribbon ideas!

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  84. Wonderful cards! TFS!
    Stephanie @ SeaSteph's Creations
    scrappinscout451@yahoo.com

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  85. Great tutorial & card. Thanks so much for inspiring us.

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  86. Cute! Great cards and like your way of making knots and bows.

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  87. Love those S&S sketches! This is a great tutorial - thank you for putting so much work into your post - your technique is great! Thanks for sharing!

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  88. Great cards! Thank you so much for the ribbon tip, and TFS! :)

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  89. Your cards are beautiful!!

    Thanks so much for sharing!

    Happy Memorial Day!
    God Bless our Soldiers & their families!

    ~Ola
    okj83 at live dot com

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  90. Love all your cards! Very pretty, thanks for sharing your tips:)

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  91. Awesome ribbon technique. Thanks, Betty, from another Betty

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  92. love all your takes on the sketch ~ and what a great tip on how you use ribbon!

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  93. Love the cards! Thanks for the great & thoroughly described tutorial. Thanks for all you do for OWH & supporting the men in women in the armed forces.
    : ) Susan [sbartist.blogspot.com]

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  94. Very nice cards and way to rock that sketch and get more out of it!

    Corinna
    www.myscrapbooklife.com

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