Happy Memorial Day -- Remembering those who serve and have served...

Happy Memorial Day, my dear friends...  I hope that you are enjoying wonderful weather and spending time with those you love.  I have a quick card I'd like to post for you.  I originally created it for the Operation Write Home Blog Hop, but then realized I was only supposed to post one card...  If you haven't had the opportunity to visit the blogs participating in the OWH Hop, I hope you'll take a few minutes and visit at least a few...  There are more than 130 blogs in all, but I found a lot of inspiration along the way. :)  The wonderful OWH staff has been kind enough to create a post with links to ALL of the cards in one spot!!  Please CLICK HERE to view them all (you can then click on the individual thumbnails for more details)...

This was a fun card to create...  I used my Gypsy to line up the alphabet letters (Learning Curve Cricut Cartridge) within the 4"x5.25" blue rectangle (leaving an open space where the letter 'U' would be).  Using a red card base, I layered 1/4" white strips across the front of the card to create the red and white stripes.  I distressed the card with SU!'s Creamy Caramel ink and added a small heart punch with a tiny star punch (this has a pop dot behind it for dimension).

I added a liner to the inside of the card, welded the word "missing" with the Songbird Cricut Cartridge, and paper-pieced some stars on the blue 1.5" "U" and across the bottom of the card.

If you do not have a Cricut to cut the letters, you could easily substitute alphabet stickers or even computer-generate the front of the card.  I am thinking about creating a digital image similar to my card front -- If you are interested in receiving the file, please leave me a comment with your request and your email address...  This would be an image you could print in color, print and color, or even print on a photo printer to add to the front of your card base.

As I sit here in the peace and quiet and reflect on what an important day today is, I am reminded that there are so many who are missing their loved ones...  Either because they are stationed away for active duty or because they haven given the ultimate sacrifice.  I ask that you would take a few moments to view this touching video and please remember those who have given so much for you and I...




*If you cannot see the video above, or if you prefer to watch it on YouTube, please CLICK HERE*

If you are not familiar with Operation Write Home, I hope you will take a moment to visit their site and read more about the amazing things they do...  The quick version is that they send blank handmade cards to our nation's armed forces so that they have beautiful cards to write home to their loved ones...  It is an incredible program.  Please take a moment to visit them and see how you might be able to join in on this great cause.

Thank you so much for joining me today.  Wishing you a happy and blessed Memorial Day!  Until next time,