What a treat I have today!! I’ve been sitting on this new stamp from Our Daily Bread Designs, waiting for it to speak to me. Oh, I knew the card would have red and white and blue, but it had to bring something with it that I always remember. In grade school, where it was very cool to say the Pledge of Allegiance, I must have been the perkiest, most eager little girl, waiting with anticipation to say the words I knew so well. Back in those days, this was such an important part of the day . . . you didn’t slouch, you didn’t look around . . . I mean this was dead serious. I tell you this, there was not one day, where I said the Pledge of Allegiance, that I did not get goosebumps. So when I got caught up in making this card, I sat back for a minute and read the words again – I knew it was finished . . . I got goosebumps.
Forgive me for getting caught up, I hope you’ll stick with me through the end of this chatty post, in the meantime, you probably want to know about the card. It’s from the new May releases at Our Daily Bread Designs and is a single stamp called Pledge of Allegiance. I had forgotten that I had these neat Debbie Mumm buttons in my stash and once I got them out, they became the inspiration for the entire card. I simply replicated the blue dotted border by cutting the Pledge out with my Spellbinders Standard Circles Small and cutting the border out with my Spellbinders Standard Circles Large and dotting with and Ranger Inkssentials White Opaque Gel Pen. I smudged the edges of everything white with Antique Linen Distress Ink to tone it down to the same shade of ecru found in the buttons. I also smudged the edges of my card base and lightly smudged the bright white satin ribbon to so that it blended in with the other elements. My pearls were tinted with Copic E31. I was otherwise tempted to doll this up a little bit more, but during my reflection, I thought I would keep it dignified.
Now hold on . . .this will be hard to believe, a rare occurence, but I have another card to show. You see, while my modem was acting up, I was relieving stress by stamping. This is another of the new May releases from Our Daily Bread Designs called God Bless America. What a thought provoking sentiment!
Every year I have vowed to make with Memorial Day cards or Fourth of July cards, and I am well on my way this year. It was fun pulling out the red, white and blue. On this card I used this neat sparkly Wausau paper from my stash and was delighted to find that the flip side of each sheet was without shimmer and was very bright. I used both sides of the paper on the card to get some contrast then I added a little bit of border in black to give it a little bit of punch and definition. At the top of the card I have a Spellbinders Petite Oval Large peeking out. Can I just tell you that I look forward to every opportunity to use my Spellbinders Stars 5 template. I cut a star border using two consecutive templates and threaded it through my ribbon for what I think is a cute little look. Yes, while I work with these May releases, you’ll see more stars – I just can’t help it!!
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Okay, I admit it, I get goosebumps also when I hear the Star Spangled Banner, which we hear quite often as we live very close to a military installation. On clear days, in the afternoon, at 5:00 pm, if we’re working out in our yard and you happen by, you might catch us paying our respects. Is it just me? I’m dying to know if you get goosebumps too!! Leave me a comment, but let’s not get political or worry about others, heck, I wanna know about you!
Two beautiful cards Becca, I love this new set and will definitely be purchasing it!
Becca Your cards are beautiful, and they bring back the respect we should have for our Flag. And Yes, I do get goosebumps when I hear the National Anthem. I also swell with pride when I see the men remove their hats, and everyone places their hands over their hearts. Since I am 86, I well remember our school days, the flag unfurled and the pledge said, all of us standing in silence with our hands over our hearts. Thank you for bringing back the memories with your 2 cards. Love, Muriel
I too get goosebumps and because I have several military families in my daycare I even get very teary eyed. I have one dad that just left a couple of weeks ago for his second tour and I pray it will be his last. Beautiful card Becca, you are scuh an inspiration.
Sara
Becca, Reading your post I could be reading my own diary. I too get goosebumps and a lump in my throat when I say the pledge of alligence and listen to the National Anthem. I’ve served 35 years in the miliary and they never get old, nor does taking a minute to honor the flag at the beginning or end of the day. Thanks for reinforcing such simple and basic beliefs…and for making such fabulous cards. Your talent Wows me everytime I open your blog. Thanks for being a strong American women and talented artist.
WOW! These are absolutely stunning!!! And it too gave me the goosebumps!!!! Very powerful!
I too get goosebumps! My father was in the army and my brother has served in the Navy for 19 years. He’s a fighting SeaBee so he went to Fallajah – Iraq! Your cards are beyond gorgeous!
Becca– Beautiful cards, but your descriptions are even more beautiful. I still get goosebumps when I hear our National Anthem or the Pledge. While I’m not in the military, one of my sons and both my parents were. My mom was in the Navy during WW2, something her father thought she would never be able to do, after all she was just a GIRL! Thanks so much for such beautiful inspiration. Those two stamps are definitely on my “get” list!
Becca,
Goosebumps!!!! I got goosebumps.
Stunning work my dear. BRAVO.
~~Diane~~
Absolutely I get goosebumps. I even stand for the pledge or National Anthem if I am watching a sporting event at home! ALONE!!! But is infuriates me when I see sports people (such as NASCAR that my dh watches) who do not remove their hats for the National Anthem. I have written many letters to many organizations about this but it continues. Perhaps if we all write. I am so in favor of the draft and then maybe people will understand the great freedom we have in our country. OK, off my soap box now. Love your cards – both of them. Great job and I got shivers even looking at them. By the way, I work in a grade school and we say the Pledge every single morning of the year.
I don’t know what is more touching, your cards or your words. I just love your site and your works of art!
Becca
Oh, to have that pride of country again. Thank you for such a beautiful card. If only this younger generation understood the freedoms we have, they would have the same sense of pride we have. My Dad instilled love of country in us, and I did the same with my children. My son-in-law re-entered the military feeling he was not doing enough for his country. My Dad would have been so proud, as we all are.
Becca, these are beautiful ! Love the Lincoln sentiment. I always feel so incredibly humbled and grateful for the privelege of living and growing up here in the USA each time we recite the Pledge or sing our patriotic songs. God has been merciful to us in spite of our wandering ways.
Not just goosebumps. When I hear the Star Spangled Banner or am standing watching a parade go by and the flag goes by, I well up with tears.
Becca,
These are gorgeous cards and very touching! Not only do I get goosebumps but teary eyed as well. They bring back a lot of great memories for me too and I am so glad ODB designers are patriotic enough to actually design stamps like this. Your cards are perfect and so appropriate. Thank you for showing your wonderful patriotism and also sharing your cards and feelings with all of us.
Amen. I am a middle school teacher, and it saddens me every day when I have to give the students the “evil eye” to even get them to stand up when the Pledge is said, and many do not recite it. I have done lessons about patriotism, and it seems to be like teaching cats to dance. They just don’t get it.
Thank you for bringing another wonderful card and message to my day. Bless you.
BettyBee
Love Love LOVE these cards!!…especially the ribbon through the white star. Very COOL!! I agree, there’s just something about the pledge of allegience that gives goosebumps. I get the same feeling at NASCAR races during the National Anthem and then the jets fly over us at the end of the song.
you know what else gives me goosebumps??? The responses I’ve just been reading!!! To know that there are people out there who DO care about our flag and our country. Something the press would have you believe is not “alive and well”. I haven’t made 4th of July or patriotic cards but I think I will h ave to make some after seeing these. Thank you B. you are truly an amazing person when it comes to ideas. I’ve given up 2 of my yahoo card groups because I get so much more from this medium.
Barb—-NH
Once again, speechless. You’re a true artist. I love both of these cards. I adore you Becca!!
When hearing the national anthem I not only get goosebumps but I get choked up, especially if it’s a formal setting and the flag is waving in the breeze. We must not EVER forget what a privilege, yes a privilege, it is to live in this great country. And we must always thank and pray for those who keep it that way.
Mary
http://www.primitiveseasons.blogspot.com
Becca, I agree with Barbara, the responses to your beautiful cards and sentiments were wonderful to read! I cry at parades when the flag goes by!
The cards are gorgeous!
Great cards, I especially love the first one, love the colors, has that old country feel to me that I love so well!
I get the same way, always helps remind me how thankful I am to live in this country, even with it’s faults. If we are on base at 5, I get a little lump in my throat, my Daughter says it feels freaky to her that everyone stops everything….LOL!
Hi Becca-these are two stunning cards-thanks for sharing-after reading through these responses, I echo the comments of Barbara that love for our country is alive and well in the USA-I love to hear our national anthem played-it makes pride well up in me!!
Becca –
I love your cards. As I was reading your blog entry for today, you brought me back to being a little girl and remembering what it felt like to stand with my hand over my heart and say the Pledge of Allegience. You got goosebumps, I got teary-eyed. You brought back memories of past Memorial and Fourth of July events spent with family. Memories of when my Mom and Dad were still with us, laughing, watermelon seed spitting contests (were we the only family that did that – LOL) and watching fireworks. Thank you so very much Becca for your wonderful blog. God Bless America!
Elaine Allen
Hi Becca,
What works of art! I wanted to get up from my chair and stand to attention for our wonderful country. God has certainly blessed us.
I really am glad that I grew up when I did. You do such an excellent job of communicating the “how too’s”. Can’t thank you enough for sharing your artistic talent and heart.
I am proud of our country and of those who serve it! My younger sister served in the army and joined through ROTC. My father served in WWII. I have a nephew who is a police officer and his brother is a fireman both working for the same city. My goose”bumps” are goose”mountains”….. and thank you for making such gorgeous cards as well as to Our Daily Bread for producing the stamps. They are definitely on my list of next to have… I can imagine making a card and then framing it in a shadow box – to give as gifts! … and oh my gosh… I read Elaine’s comments and chuckled… we had watermelon seed spitting contests too!!!! you had to eat your slice while standing in the lawn…get all drippy… but then shoot :->>>
Becca,
This is a beautiful and very spiritually patriotic card. You do make lovely cards, lady.
I appreciate all you inspiration to all of us.
Jackie
Becca
The splender and recognition in your blog was very moving. I have a son in the Air Force. He has been in for 21 years and was named Airman of the Year at Luke Air Force Base in Phoenix, AZ several years ago. He served twice in Saudi Arabia and once in Iraq. He currently is stationed in Alamagordo New Mexico. When I hear the National Anthem or the Pledge of Allignce I am moved not only with goosebumps but on many occasions tears. Each time I see a soldier, whether in a store or on the street, I go up to them, shake their hand and thank them for serving our country. Many times, especially if they are from the Air Force, I just break down and cry right in front of them. They seem to understand and comfort me.
I am proud to be an American-God Bless
Renee Nowell
Becca, I absolutely love your cards. The first one has that old-country feel to it, while I think the second one has more of a new, more modern look. So you’ve given us both the old and the new.
I too remember the days in elementary school while saying the Pledge every morning. It still gets me all goose-pimply. And I definitely get teary eyed during the National Anthem, and I always get choked up just at the end and can never get out the last line. I get so aggravated and appalled when the younger generation shows no respect for such things as the Pledge, the Anthem, or the flag. My son is in his high school marching band, so they play the Anthem at all the football games and have/show much respect. But, it never fails I have to stop some other kid/teenager(s) from horseplaying, talking, or whatnot to show respect. I just don’t think some understand or are taught what it all means like we were. And I’m not even from a military family myself. My husband was, and was in the Navy himself. Now, my stepson is in the Coast Guard, and son-in-law is in the Army. But even though I myself was not raised in a military family, I was still taught pride in country and what sacrifices those in the military have given so that we can all be free, and what that means. I pray that more of the younger generation are taught that as well.
Thanks for your post today! How great of a reminder!
Becca ~
You have been a great source of inspiration for me…and I have always drooled over your cards with images from Our Daily Bread Designs…but have yet to visit their site. THIS is the post that sent me over…and to order the bundle.
Yes, I too get goosebumps when I hear the Pledge and ALWAYS get misty when I hear the Star Spangled Banner. We also live outside a military base and now that my son is active duty in the Army…Well….kind of HAVE to have this set, now don’t I?
Thank you for all of your wonderful posts and inspiring ideas!!
God Bless America…and you :)
Becky
Hi Becca!! Fabulous card…Even though I am a Canadian I love the Star Spangled Banner too!! Have a wonderful day!
I had goosebumps by the time I was finished reading your post…even though I am a Canadian. I get goosebumps when I hear our National Anthem as well. I’m going to have to modify your beautiful cards with the Canadian colors etc…they truly are lovely
Goosebumps yes! It also brings me to tears. Every year at our church we have a special Memorial Day service. We honor our vets and remember those that have fallen. We say the pledge, sing our National Anthem and also God Bless America. I can’t even sing for the tears! To think of all that has been sacrificed on our behalf. My we never forget.
What a wonderful card and stamp set. I may have to check it out.
Thanks for sharing…
Dawn Berry
I still get goosebumps, too! Love your cards, Becca.
love your cards too.
i’m Canandian, and yes we get goosebumps too. truly beilieve in freedom and standing up for what is right. sometimes we don’t know what the agenda is, but if it’s pure and done with an honest heart how could you not want to share freedom?
thanks so much for sharing your beliefs and inspiration with others.
My sweet little 5yo granddaughter just recited the Pledge of Allegiance to me this past week and it brought goosebumps (and memories). Awesome card Becca!
Wow! Those are georgous cards. I don’t know if kids today do the pledge of allegiance in schools anymore with God in there and all.
I didn’t know that anyone else got goosebumps as well! I remember being so proud as a child reciting the words as I looked onto the flag at school. You’ve brought back great memories!
Your cards are precious! You’ve inspired me to make some of my own : )
Wow, what an inspiration you are!!! It’s awesome to know, from your story and the comments here, that there are still quite a few patriots left who truly care about our beautiful land and those who gave their lives for our freedom!
God Bless! Angella
Becca, you are truly lovely–and so are your cards! These are fabulous–cards AND thoughts!
Absolutely gorgeous cards! Great to see you’re able to post again.
I get goosebumps whenever I hear the National Anthem and I struggle to teach my children what it means to stand with their hand over their hearts as it is played – I can’t make it through singing it either. But I recall in grade school it was something special when it was your turn to take down the flag and fold it for the night.
Becca….I share your feelings….when my children were tweens they would not stand next to me at a parade because I cry! This is a great set and think we should send out more Memorial Day cards. People forget what the day is actually about.
Thank you for such special inspiration by artwork and by description. We were military for 30 years and love our flag. I wish there were more like you and the ladies who have commented. I love the buttons——–and the star!!! Blessings
Becca,
You are truely amazing! What beautiful cards. I too still get goosebumps! My cousin’s name is on the Wall. He was in Vietnam. I am an Air Force brat! And I remember saying the Pledge every morning and a moment of prayer every morning at school! Thank you for sharing your talent with us.
Blessings,
Deborah
Dear Becca:
If you have a minute, I’d like to pass on a little something to you…..check out my blog:
Thanks for being real…and not being ashamed of the Gospel
—Laurie
I’m very partial to the red, white and blue. A few years back, I painted one wall in my family room with a stars and stripes. We planned, a couple of years later, to sell the house. We did as suggested and de-cluttered and de-personalized, but. . .I couldn’t paint over the flag wall. It still stands. Since we decided not to sell, I’m sure glad I didn’t give in and paint that wall.
Wow! Love these Becca!! Those buttons are perfect!!!! I love the spellbinders star on the second!! Gorgeous cards!! You are such an inspiration!!
You said you wanted to know about us. I get goosebumps while waiting for live theatre to start. I get so excited!
The flag, the pledge & our National Anthem are treasured by me, as well. My Dad served in WWII & I grew up in an Air Force family. I am one who cries when the flag goes by in parades!
Gee, I’m Canadian but I absolutely love these! Love that Abraham Lincoln one. Beautiful job you did on these – and not only these – but all that I’ve seen!
Becca, I’ve sat here and looked at these beautiful cards, loving these stamps, and reading your words.
I remember vividly being in school, each and every morning saying the Pledge of Allegiance together as a class. Not once did any of us, for a moment, take our Pledge for granted. We were solemn, and I know every one of us were totally into saying the P of A. It did then, and does now, give me goosebumps, also! And, when our National Anthem is sung, no matter where or when, I too get the goosebumps, a lump in my throat, and an overwhelming feeling of pride an comraderie. What a blessing!
Thanks for helping to bring these warm memories to mind!
Hugs, Ree
Becca,
These cards are absolutely gorgeous! Wow, breathtaking! I love those buttons, what an exciting find from you forgotten stash. Don’t you just love it when you find something(s) that you forgot that you had? It makes you feel like you just brought it home from your favorite store. I love how you made the large white star on the second card, it makes a perfect accent! Keep stamping!
Hugs,
Lisa A.
Thank you, Becca! ***** They are exquisite cards*****I am going to take a look at these sets to add to my already 3 + drawers of “Patriotic Stamps.” I need that Spellbinders *STAR* I am an 8th grade American History teacher and do love to make patriotic cards! The Pledge is once a week over the intercom in home room and I do look forward to it each Wednesday morning. We just finished the War of 1812 and studying about the famous flag and history of the poem/song/musci/turned national anthem. I do hope to get back to the Smithsonian to see that flag in its new conservation setting. sUSAn
Thank you, Becca! ***** They are exquisite cards*****I am going to take a look at these sets to add to my already 3 + drawers of “Patriotic Stamps.” I need that Spellbinders *STAR* I am an 8th grade American History teacher and do love to make patriotic cards! The Pledge is once a week over the intercom in home room and I do look forward to it each Wednesday morning. We just finished the War of 1812 and studying about the famous flag and history of the poem/song/music/turned national anthem. I do hope to get back to the Smithsonian to see that flag in its new conservation setting. sUSAn
Becca – I’m sitting here with tears in my eyes ……..reading the comments and remembering something that was just such a part of everyday life is now something that is maybe done once week………….somehow I don’t think our kids will have those same “kind of warm memories”
your cards are truly magnificent – you do have a special talent
tfs
Judy ~~~~
I cry every time I hear it! “And the rockets red glear” is when it hits me! These are such beautifully patriotic cards that they bring tears to my eyes also!
Goosebumps – yes. And a welling of pride so big I can hardly swallow. Guys, please keep our military in your prayers. My son is being re-deployed to Iraq next month, and I pray that God will keep him and all the other men and women safe.
Wow, they are both so stunning, so patriotic…
Ok here I go trying to win some candy. I hope I really need some candy.
But I saw everything and thought I posted for everything but I don`t see a post with my name for everything. I guess i`ll try again next time. any way everything you made is beautiful again. Thanks for sharing. I have a friend in Irag maybe i`ll email him your cards so he can see the love in those cards you made. God Bless you Becca.
Thanks again Regina.
Jeepers, Becca, those cards are spectacular!!
I’ve never ordered from ODB before, but now I have to. Your cards are absolutely beautiful works of art.
Several years ago, I made a promise to myself that every time I see a service person in uniform, I will watch for an opportunity to thank them for their service to our country. I don’t want to intrude on their personal activities, but do want to express appreciation for their sacrifice. It’s been surprising how many opportunities there have been, and every service member has been very gracious, and responded that it has been their pleasure to serve. I also tear up during the National Anthem and during “God Bless the USA”.
Keep up the beautiful work!
I, too, get goosebumps when saying the “Pledge”, and tend to be a little bit louder when saying, “ONE nation, UNDER GOD”. Absolutely
get goosebumps AND tears when the National Anthem plays. My husband is a very proud former MARINE and the feeling of pride in the Unite States and our military is overwhelming at times. I’ve been known to tell off a person who doesn’t show respect when the Anthem is played, politics should have nothing to do with it.
Thanks for the beautiful cards and sentiments. Have started my 4th of July cards as I send about 200 to a local Veterans Hospital every year for each of the following: the 4th, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas, plus just regular cards throughout the year. It’s a great project, gives you a good feeling to say thank you. It would be nice if many more, either individuals or groups, would do this.