Saturday, May 23, 2015

OWH Finishing Strong Memorial Day Bloghop 2015!

Finishing Strong Memorial Day Bloghop

All good things come to an end, but I have to say this one makes me a little sad. I don't remember how I learned about OWH (Operation Write Home), but I did.

I'm not a "real blogger", I created this to participate in challenges and other blog hops for OWH. Along the way I have met some great people and very talented card makers.  They have inspired me and sometimes intimidated me.

I have always been patriotic, I love our country despite some of the issues we hear about day to day. My dad and brother served in the military and just recently with my mother's passing did I realize perhaps the impact my cards may have had.

My mother kept every letter that she and dad wrote back and forth during WWII. I imagined the excitement they must have had when they opened the letter and seeing the other's handwriting. I was a little embarrassed by some of the things I read, but I realized how much they loved and must have missed each other.  I even found a letter that my brother wrote to me when he was in Korea, he was 18 and I was 6.  I don't remember that letter but it is something I will treasure and I am thankful that my mother did keep these items. I have high hopes that one of my cards will someday be found in someones "stash" of stuff and they will read what their parent wrote to the other and feel the love they felt for each other.

With that being said......it is with bittersweet feelings, I must post this.....

Operation Write Home, a charity that has supported heroes with handmade cards since 2007, will be closing later this year. All cards need to be sent in by August 1st, so I’m helping to get the word out 

This will be the last Memorial Day blog hop and it makes me sad!! Don't get me wrong I'm happy that the troops are coming home and the need for the cards has dwindled, but my stash of craft items grew and I continued to make cards for OWH.  I hope to find another cause that I can show my creative side.

The challenge was to create a red, white and blue card for any of the the themes (love, missing you,birthday or a Anyhero card.  So in staying with the theme of "Finishing Strong" I wanted to do all of them.

My first one is the Anyhero card:



The birthday card:


The thank you card: 


The miss you card:


Last but not least love:



It has been an honor to be associated with this organization and I will miss some of the usual card makers.  I hope to spend the next month or so filling up my final box to OWH.  I also plan on making sure that I follow,bookmark,friend etc all of you that I have come in contact with.

I also want to make sure that I update my listing of sketches.  I use those sketches so much in my card making and I would hate to "loose" that link.  So I don't know about you, but I'm going to be very, very busy.

I have spent a little time trying to find another organization that accepts cards.  I found one on splitcoaststampers.com  (click on the link to go to the thread).  They have a cause each month and this one is for a church.  They also appear to be looking for organizations, so maybe we can help them with groups that we know.

So on a positive note..... I'm happy that I:

Found this organization and could help
Had the funds to continue to support my card making for this organization and make cash donations
Met some amazing people/card makers (especially Sandy)
Learned new things/techniques from all of you
can dig out my glitter and start playing once the OWH cards have been packed and sent.  <grin>

And in honor of Memorial Day





29 comments:

April said...

I know how you feel about OWH coming to an end. I concur. Your cards are lovely. Thanks for sharing.
April

RobinH said...

wonderful cards .. I like them all but my favorite is the miss you card, love that embossing folder you used on it. thanks for sharing

Donna Hanley said...

Someone will definitely save your cards in their stash because you do such a wonderful job with them. This batch of cards is exceptional. Enjoy your weekend, Keep in touch.

Patricia Hays said...

You have a super assortment of cards here! I'm with you - it's bittersweet that OWH is closing down. And I loved what you wrote about your parents' and your brother's letters.

Lee Mae said...

Lovely collection of cards - I especially like the clock card with the embossed background.

Carolyn said...

Great setof cards! All so different!

sherry varga said...

Wow, what awesome cards! I love each one. Thanks for supporting OWH! I am going to miss it too!

Linda said...

Wowzers...great group of cards! The last one is my fave with the kraft and that sentiment!

Sandy said...

Joanie I'm so glad you found OWH too! No worries, there are plenty more things we'll be able to make our cards for. I'm just not thinking about that yet...need to keep going til we're done :) :) :)

Unknown said...

I, too, will miss OWH. Great organization. I'll be making cards for our church with proceeds going to a particular mission.

Nancy said...

I too will miss OWH! Your cards are so lovely and such a creative use of red, white and blue! I am now following your blog, and would love if you would stop by my blog and follow as well! I have blog candy!

Diane said...

Hi Joanie, thanks so much for sharing your story about your mom and the treasure you found. I was one more gift from your mom! Thanks for your support of our troops- I too started my blog so I could participate in the challenges- I loved getting the new sketch every Sunday am! I love that you made cards for all the categories- they are all special and I an sure will become someone's keepsake!

Sherry Hickey said...

Hi Joanie! I really enjoyed your beautiful cards, and your post expressed what we are all feeling. It's a time of change but with talent like yours I know you will find new outlets for your cards! Like you, I treasure the friends I've made and hope to keep in touch!

byAnnette said...

Nice Group of Cards!
Thanks for your family's service to our country!

Trish said...

Those letters your mom saved are a treasure. Such a blessing that she kept them. Love all your cards. They are fabulous.

Unknown said...

Oh your blog made me cry it is so sweet. Especially your brother writing to you when you were six, what a lovely thing to do. All of your cards are gorgeous, my favorite is the birthday card the banner is stunning. Tyfs!

Tammy said...

Gorgeous selection of cards! I love the clock one with the embossed background!

craftysahmiam said...

Way to go making a wonderful patriotically colored card for each theme !

Sybrina K said...

What a lovely set of cards. And, how nice that you made a card for different themes. Thanks for your support of OWH. :)

Donna Nuce said...

Thank you for your story about your parents and their love letters! I love all your cards. You shouldn't be inditimated by anyone as your card crafting is top notch. Thanks for supporting OWH. Have a great day.

Kathy S said...

Gosh - you really created a lot of cards - good for you! Thanks for all you do. Take Care.

Lori Kobular said...

Love all your patriotic cards! They all look amazing!

Dixie Cochran said...

Your cards are all beautiful. They're so well designed. Perfect!

Marie said...

Great cards! I will be CASEing them! I, too, am working on my final box. Lots to do!

Gina said...

The embossed background - Miss you all the time - is my favorite! Striking!

Unknown said...

I'm pretty sure these cards will be kept for a very long time. Each of them are done so nicely. Great selection, you've got talent!!

WhoMom said...

Love your embossed with time card and the one with the sparkling hero stamp. Your cards are outstanding.

Sue D said...

Wonderful variety of cards!

Joanie said...

Thanks everyone for the comments. I really don't blog all that much, pretty much just for the challenges, hops for OWH etc.

I so hope that we all find an outlet and that we can keep in touch. Obviously Facebook seems to be a place that we will meet!