I received the most amazing e-mail this morning from a Chaplain's Assistant, Michael, deployed overseas. The Valentine Challenge cards for From Our Hearts have been received and Michael evidently found some of my cards in the box that his unit received. He writes, "I want to thank you for one of the beautiful cards that you made. I have written a note to my wife and I will mail it out tonight. I work at the chapel here. We see a lot of the troops that are headed down range and I know they will appreciate the box of cards that you and others like you made for them. They will be able to send these beautiful cards to their loved ones back home. I am told time and time again that acts of kindness such as this is what the troops think of when the going gets tough. Thank you for your support, it means so much." WOW -- this e-mail made my day, in fact, it made my week. To make a few cards to send to the troops seems like such a small thing and yet to think of the impact it has upon the troops and their families. I am honored and blessed to be involved with From Our Hearts.
Now, speaking of Valentine's Day, I decided to turn up the cute factor for today's Stamping 411 Sketch Challenge. Look at my little ladybug, all dressed up in sparkly Red Glitter Paper! This card was actually inspired by a little ladybug purse mirror that my daughter picked out on a recent shopping trip at the mall. Once I had the idea, I knew it would work well for this week's sketch.
Just look at the glimmer and glitz on this little lady! It's all done with punches. The wings are created with the Wide Oval Punch (punched in both Red Glimmer Paper and Regal Rose. Underneath that is the 1 3/4" Circle Punch in Basic Black. The head is the 1 1/4" Circle Punch in Basic Black. The antannae are created using the Ornament Punch (punch once in Basic Black and then punch just a sliver from the cardstock below the first punch). And the little hearts are punched with the Small Heart Punch, again from the Glitter Paper. WOW, that's a lot of punches ... oh wait, there's one more ... the Pinking Hearts Border Punch. Whew! No wait, there's still one more ... I punched out the little holes in the ladybug wings with the Crop-a-Dile and then attached the Regal Rose Wide Oval underneath so the pink would show through.
Okay, I think that's it for the punches. The stamp sets are Bugs & Kisses and Something to Celebrate (Level 2 Hostess Set). I used the Big Shot and the Perfect Polka Dots Impressions Folder on the Pink Pirouette Layer as well as 5/8" Real Red Satin Ribbon. Inside I punched more hearts with the Heart to Heart Extra Large Punch (yikes, that's another punch!). The Whisper White layer and the ladybug are both popped up using Stampin' Dimensionals!
Here's the Measurements:
- Layer One -- Real Red Card Base cut at 5.5 x 8.5", scored and folded to form a card.
- Layer Two -- Pink Pirouette cut at 4 x 5.25 and embossed with the Impressions Folder
- Layer Three -- Real Red cut at 2 3/4 x 4. Punch the Border Punch on the bottom edge.
- Layer Four -- Whisper White cut at 2 3/8 x 3 3/4". Stamp sentiment in Real Red ink and attach ladybug with Stampin' Dimensionals!
- Inside of Card -- Whisper White cut at 4 x 5.25" - embellish as desired
This was actually a quick and easy card to make and I think it's oh, so adorable! I think my daughter and nieces may all be receiving this little lady, come February 14th! She has flown her way into my heart!
I do hope you'll take a few moments to check out the Stamping 411 Blog Post today and look at all the beautiful projects that the 411 Operators created for your inspiration this week! And I want to thank you for stopping by here. I hope you'll be back soon for more Ideas and Inspiration!
Well, I for one am making your ladybug!!! I love her in the glitter paper. Beautifully done!!! I call my Granddaughter, Paige is 9, Ladybug and she buys me ladybug goodies when she can. She'll love this. Thanks Gretchen. Hugs,
Posted by: Carla Bazhenow | January 22, 2011 at 05:17 AM
youe ladybug is just darling that is a heartwarming note from the chaplain
Posted by: kathy | January 22, 2011 at 05:54 AM
How rewarding to receive such a touching letter as a result of your involvement with From Our Hearts, makes you feel all tingly doesn't it? A group of gals I scrap with also have done this in the past (as a result of your mentioning it previously), it was a lot of fun for us and obviously provides a small token of our appreciation to our men and women serving our Country. This is a good reminder for our group to work on this project once again. Many thanks to you!
Posted by: Nancy Lempinen | January 22, 2011 at 06:49 AM
ABSLUTELY ADORABLE!
Posted by: Marisol Gutierrez | January 22, 2011 at 07:52 AM
Gretchen I must say this is the cutest little ladybug i HAVE EVER seen, I just love your card, so now I am going to see if I can make on myself.
thank you for sharing.
Deanna
Posted by: Deanna Dunn | January 22, 2011 at 10:05 AM
Cute! this will be on my punch inspiration blog post tomorrow. TFS
Posted by: Kim | January 22, 2011 at 11:00 AM
I just love your blog!
Posted by: Tiffany's Epiphanies | January 22, 2011 at 01:09 PM
So cute! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Leslie | January 22, 2011 at 01:39 PM
What a great take on this week's sketch! Fantastic ladybug.
Posted by: Selene Kempton | January 22, 2011 at 03:20 PM
OH,so darling. My little "ladybug princess" will love this.
Thanks for sharing and keep up the beautiful work.
Can we continue to send cards to From Our Hearts, I would like to
continue for other occasions if they are still being sent.
Take care and have a great Sunday.
Stamp It Up,
Seletta
Posted by: Seletta Henry | January 22, 2011 at 05:43 PM
What a sweet ladybug, and even sweeter is the note from the chaplain. Great job!
Posted by: Kerin Sylvester | January 22, 2011 at 07:19 PM
What a wonderful letter! Know what else is wonderful? This little ladybug rocks!!!! So stinkin' cute!
Posted by: Patti Chesky | January 23, 2011 at 11:05 AM
I just discovered your blog and what a nice day to have it happen - your ladybug card is so inspiring and even more so is the thank you from the chaplain. Very, very, nice. I am looking forward to your blog entries. Kraftyaunt
Posted by: Kraftyaunt | January 23, 2011 at 02:03 PM
So cute! What a cute idea, plus you used my favorite dotted background.
Posted by: Barbara L. Carson | January 23, 2011 at 03:20 PM
Gretchen, this card is just stinkin' adorable! Love the little hearts on the antenna the best! So cute!
Posted by: Robin Merriman | January 23, 2011 at 07:32 PM
Just adorable Gretchen! What a cutie of a lady bug!!
Posted by: Lee | January 23, 2011 at 08:58 PM
Your ladybug is just TOO fun for words! Love her sparkling personality!
Posted by: Connie Babbert | January 23, 2011 at 09:51 PM
I am seeing so many adorable projects with that glitter paper. It's officially made it on my "NEED IT" list. Thank you for taking the time to share your adorable lady bug with us.
Posted by: Melissa L | January 24, 2011 at 08:52 AM
What a cute little ladybug. Thanks for sharing all the details.
Posted by: Kathy | January 24, 2011 at 09:56 AM
Gretchen, I am so proud to know you and what you do for the troops!! (Could we maybe even be kind of related?) Hugs for all the wonderful things you do.
Posted by: Chris in CO | January 24, 2011 at 12:31 PM
Warm fuzzies! What a wonderful letter you have received. This is what makes it all worth the time and effort we all spend!! Thanks for all of your help, Gretchen! We are making a difference, one hand crafted card at a time!
Posted by: Martie Shea | February 09, 2011 at 09:43 PM