Father's Day at Ronald McDonald House

This is the week each month that I go to the Ronald McDonald House and provide a crafting opportunity for the families staying there. Because we only go once a month, I try to provide a card that is suitable for the next holiday on the calendar. This month, that would be Father's Day.

This card was inspired by something I saw on Kristina Werner's blog almost a year ago. She made a photo card with a patchwork background that was 4" x 12", scored at 3" in from each end to create a trifold card. Since I didn't have any 12" x 12" card stock, I chose to make mine a bit differently. I cut a 4" x 9.25" piece of Really Rust card stock and scored it at 3" in from each end and then got to work.

I cut dozens of 1" squares from the Outlaw Designer Series Paper I have had for several years and determined to use instead of save for later. The sentiment is one of my all-time favorites, from a long ago retired set called Gratitude. Isn't it a perfect thing to say to a father?

Then I got out my Wanted stamp set and my only Father's Day stamp and started stamping. I only used RR ink because it's easier for all concerned if there's only one color of ink to stamp with. The trifold panels could be used to place pictures of kids and dads, but the families at the House probably don't have those handy, so I didn't go that route.

The trifold is mounted on a single sheet of 4.25" x 5.5" RR card stock. I thought the 4" x 9" just turned out to be a bit too small on its own.

Last month there were all boys at the house, so I hope the census is similar this month. I think they'll like stamping with this Western themed set.

New Stamps, Soon-To-Be Old Colors

The 2008-2009 InColor Collection is about to be history, and I still have plenty of card stock and ink. I was asked to make a card for a friend who is under a lot of stress because of the care she's providing to her mother who's dying of lung cancer and is living with her and her family.

The card is supposed to be encouraging, so I went with Pacific Point card stock and the bolder colors of Riding Hood Red and Tangerine Tango to create a cheerful look, and supplemented those with Kiwi Kiss and Baja Breeze. I've really enjoyed working with this palette, and I know already that the new InColors are going to have to grow on me before I'll use them as readily as I've used these.

The layout for this card was inspired by a card I saw by Lorri Heiling. She was kind enough to send me the measurements so I could craft something of my own instead of just admire hers! She calls it a "gate fold" and here they the specs: 4.25" x 11". Score at 2", 3.75", 7.25" and 9". Thanks, Lorri!

The sentiment is on the outside of this card because the friend who requested it wants it to be signed by a group. To me, that meant I needed to leave lots of interior white space for messages. There are two panels that are not shown in the photo, besides the center square, so I think this will be sufficient space.

Just for the record, this sentiment is from Gratitude, a set I picked up 3 years ago and is my "go to" message for encouraging someone. It's stamped in RHR.

Hope you're enjoying a quiet Sunday. Since my husband and Dad read my blog from time to time, I want to say "Happy Father's Day" and sorry for forgetting to post a card in time!