Wow, it’s been a loooong time since I blogged hasn’t it? Well I’m finally back and blogging! I figured that this would be a great way to get back into it, a Blog Hop! The August Blog Hop for Di’s Country Inkers is focused on the Big Shot because there is an AWESOME special from August 1st – 31st on the Big Shot! When you purchase a Big Shot you can get one of five exclusive bundles FREE! If you already have a Big Shot you can get those same bundles at a 15% discount! More info on that at the bottom, but now on to my card!
My oldest son left for Army BCT (Basic Combat Training) on July 8th. When I decided to play along with this hop I knew exactly what set to use, “For Your Country”! I wanted it to have a real military feel, and show what respect I have for my son and the other soldiers in training with him, along with all those serving our country!
I used the Banners Framelits for the soldier and Bitty Banners Framelits for the sentiment. To give a little more balance on the sentiment (Godspeed) I wanted it to be straight on one end like the other banner so I just snipped it off where I wanted it to make it straight. Whenever I use Framelits I always stamp the image first, it’s so much easier that way. The Framelits die is an outline so you can see through it, so you just line it up around the image and tada, perfectly centered where you want it! My favorite thing to go along with that is the Magnetic Platform. When you use this your Framelits don’t move, where you put it is where it cuts!
This is a 5 ½” square card with a Crumb Cake base, layers of Mossy Meadow, Early Espresso and Whisper White. I stamped the “patterned paper” at the bottom using the helmet, combat boots, and dog tags from the set to make a camouflage pattern. I sponged randomly in the pattern and around the edges with Crumb Cake to help pull it all together. I love how that turned out, I really wanted to incorporate those elements and that small strip just makes it perfect! Not too busy but still shows up!
Super Stampin’ Tips!
* For the mat on the banner with the soldier I did not want it quite as big as the next Banners Framelits size, so I cut a rectangle ¼” larger than the die cut piece and simply trimmed a banner on the bottom. I did the same for the sentiment because the Bitty Banners Framelits do not have a larger piece to layer it with. Quick and easy solution!
* To give a grungy look I sponged the edges of the Mossy Meadow lightly with Early Espresso. I didn’t want it to be super dark though, and EE is a dark color so as I inked my sponge I would tap it off on my scrap paper before sponging the Cardstock. I can add more color but if it gets too dark you can’t take it away.
* Finally, once it was all together it still needed something for balance. I used three candy dots up in the right corner. Easy peasy, gives it just the right balance and that little sumthin’ sumthin’ it needed!
I can’t wait to get this card mailed to my son!
Back to the Big Shot! There are five bundles to choose from and yes, they are FREE when you buy your Big Shot so if you’ve been on the fence this is the BEST time to buy! If you already have your Big Shot but still want to snatch one of these bundles you can save 15%! These are the fabulous bundles to choose from!
| Bundle | Item Number | Stamp Set | Framelits | Discounted Price |
| Sumthin’ with Bubbly Words Bundle WM | 138923 | Sumthin’ Sumthin’ | Word Bubbles | $33.75 |
| Sumthin’ with Bubbly Words Bundle CM | 138920 | Sumthin’ Sumthin’ | Word Bubbles | $31.25 |
| Decorative Goodies Bundle WM | 138924 | Oh My Goodies | Deco Labels Collection | $42.25 |
| Decorative Goodies Bundle CM | 138921 | Oh My Goodies | Deco Labels Collection | $35.95 |
| Celebrating Chalk Talk Bundle WM | 138925 | Day of Celebration | Chalk Talk | $43.25 |
| Celebrating Chalk Talk Bundle CM | 138922 | Day of Celebration | Chalk Talk | $37.25 |
| Flowery Daydream Bundle WM | 138911 | Daydream Medallions | Floral Collection | $54.25 |
| Flowery Daydream Bundle CM | 138910 | Daydream Medallions | Floral Collection | $45.75 |
| Bright & Beautiful Stars Bundle WM | 138644 | Bright & Beautiful | Star | $50.75 |
| Bright & Beautiful Stars Bundle CM | 138200 | Bright & Beautiful | Star | $43.95 |
I know that a lot of you have talked to me about getting a Big Shot but have been on the fence, or waiting for the right time! Well, I think this could be that right time for you, have a peek at the flyer showing the bundles here! Shoot me an e-mail and let’s talk about getting your Big Shot, or getting one of these bundles in your hands!
Happy Stamping!
Trish
Now Hop on over to the next person on our tour, Diana Gibbs!
If you get lost you can just click on any of the links below and you’ll get right back where you need to be!
Tricia <— You are Here!
Card Ingredients:
Stamps: For Your Country (134219 – Wood) or (134222 – Clear)
Ink: Mossy Meadow (133645), Early Espresso (126974), Crumb Cake (126975)
Paper: Mossy Meadow (133676), Early Espresso (119686), Crumb Cake (120953), Whisper White (100730)
Accessories: Banners Framelits (132173),Bitty Banners Framelits (129267), Early Espresso Seam Binding Ribbon (134582), Neutrals Candy Dots (130934), Big Shot (113439), Magnetic Platform (130658), Stamping Sponges (101610)
Miscellaneous: Snail, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Glue Dots
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