Let's Get Hopping - Gratitude

Welcome to July's edition of Let's Get Hopping! You probably just hopped over from the sweet and crafty Teresa Brown. The word cute comes to mind whenever I see her projects! I absolutely LOVE this month's theme... gratitude. There is so much for which to give thanks - every day - and I'm certainly grateful to be a part of this group of talented crafters!

If you're in the US, it's July 4th... and I'm sure you're with me in celebrating Independence Day - the day we consider our Nation's birthday! I'm focusing on today because I am grateful for those who have been brave enough to fight for our independence. One of my favorite sayings is, "Because of the brave, we are free," so my gratitude extends to those who are serving or have served in the United States Armed Forces, protecting our inalienable rights to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.

I've had (the now retired) For Your Country stamp set for a number of years and - surprise! - I've never used it. That doesn't happen to you, does it? I didn't think so. Well, I decided it's time to get it out and create something... and what better occasion is celebrating America's 242nd birthday?

This card is really easy to create, but it's not so quick. To create the border, you need to fashion a mask using post-it notes or low-tack painter's tape (be careful though... painter's tape can sometimes rip your cardstock - ask me how I know. LOL!). Once your mask is in place, use Stampin' Sponges to add color to your card. I used Pacific Point and Real Red for the background and Stazon for the silhouette. Thank you was embossed on the star die-cut using Versamark and white embossing powder.

Another thing I'm grateful for - as simple as it sounds - is being able to wake up and get out of bed every day. No joke. When you lose your dad at 15 and your mom at 27 - and a few friends shortly thereafter - you learn to look at each moment as a gift and say thanks for another day of life. Everything else good that happens after I get out of bed is simply a cherry on the top of the sundae. Sappy, I know... but that's just me.

I fell in love with the sentiment in the Enjoy Life stamp set... it sums up just how grateful I am to be alive.

I used the same technique for this card as I did for the For Your Country card... sponging. This time, I decided to mat the Whisper White elements on Lemon Lime Twist and Coastal Cabana cardstock. It looks like there are two layers of white cardstock, doesn't it?

I have to admit... I had just re-inked my Stazon and it was a little juicy, which makes the sentiment a tad difficult to read. So you can appreciate just how special it is, I've included it here...

"When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive: to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love."

Amazing message, isn't it?

Okay, enough mush! LOL! Thanks for joining me today and letting me share. Now hop off to my dear friend Jennifer Olea! You're going to love what she's created (and maybe even be inspired).

Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock [140272] $7.75	Lemon Lime Twist 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [144245] $8.50	Coastal Cabana 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [131297] $8.50	Lemon Lime Twist Classic Stampin' Pad [144086] $6.50	Pineapple Punch Classic Stampin' Pad [147141] $7.50
Bermuda Bay Classic Stampin' Pad [147096] $7.50	Coastal Cabana Classic Stampin' Pad [147097] $7.50	Jet Black Stazon Ink Pad [101406] $9.00	Stamping Sponges [141337] $3.50	Stampin' Trimmer [126889] $30.00
Stampin' Dimensionals [104430] $4.00	SNAIL Permanent Adhesive [104332] $7.00