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Let Freedom Ring

Happy Friday, friends!  Friday makes me happy for so many reasons, not the least of which is that it means I'll soon have two whole days to spend with my best friend and husband, Mark!  Another reason to love Fridays, is that a new Viva la Verve! sketch is here!  This week's hostess is Andrea and she has a rockin' sketch for y'all.  I took a few liberties with my card using this month's featured set, American Hero (40% off this month!), but the inspiration is still there, and that's all that matters.  {grin}  So get your stamp on and come play with us each Friday in June and you just might win a bundle of Verve goodies! 


In between appointments yesterday, I took a little stroll into our local craft store and found this gorgeous  Liberty paper pad by Bo Bunny.  I love me some Americana, so I wasn't home more than a few minutes before this paper was getting inky on my stamp desk!  When I showed Mark the card he thought it was so cool and asked what style it was.  I said my own.  LOL  That's so me... never wanting to put a label on anything.  (Nobody puts Baby in a corner!)  {grin} 

Anyhow, this card was just pure fun.  I was thinking about freedom the whole time I made it.  Not just the freedom I have as an American, but the freedom to live my own life and make my own choices.  The freedom to do something about the things I don't like about my life and the freedom to say "take a hike" to the things that aren't working.  The freedom to walk and breathe and enjoy the sunshine.  The freedom to work in an industry I absolutely love.  The freedom to have a voice and share my art and become who I want to be.  There's a quote by George Elliot that says, "It's never too late to be what you might have been."  To me that speaks of freedom.  The power to change...a hope for the future.  I hope all of you find a little bit of freedom to bask in today!  Thanks so much for stopping by!


Enabler's List:
Stamps:  American Hero (Verve Stamps)
Paper: Liberty (BoBunny), Crumb Cake (SU!), Cream
Ink: Vintage Photo (Ranger Distress), Poppy Parade, Night of Navy (SU!)
Accessories: Primitive Stars (Sizzix), Star rhinestones (Recollections), 1" circle punch (EK Success), twine, polka dot EF (Cuttlebug), Corner Chomper (WRMK), paper distresser (Tonic)

27 comments

Debbie Carriere said...

Julee, this is fabulous!! Love all the texture & those sparkly stars. Your supply list is aptly named because now I have to have this paper :)

Luanne said...

So wonderful! There is a new depth to your creativity, when I thought it couldn't get any better. I love the textured stars and the fun red bling. Have a wonderful weekend!

Tanya said...

Ooooh, Love it! Great texture and distressing and those fun little red stars. Fabulous card!!

Ravengirl said...

Wonderful work and such inspirational words! Thanks Julee!

Lorie a.k.a.The Peddler said...

Wonderful! I love the tattered look and every thing else about it.

Wanda Cullen said...

Absolute stunning Americana creation!! Love the distressing, small clusters of stars as well as the center star...overall gorgeous!

scrappingnana said...

Wow Julie, this is awesome. Love "your style" for this card. I love all the details. Thanks for sharing.

Arlene said...

Oooooo really love this! Your work is just amazing. :)
Arlene.
http://waterdots.blogspot.com/

Ally said...

Fabulous card. ;-) And I enjoyed your thoughts on freedom this morning. Thanks!

Maureen said...

so gorgeous, Julee...a true feast for the eyes...I keep seeing another little treasure each time I look at it :)Oh, I love that quote!! I'm adding it to my quote section on my blog! And I love the song "Independence Day" when Martina sings, 'Let Freedom Ring." AND I love my new iPad!! Can't wait to get the keyboard ths weekend :)

Joanne Travis said...

Wow! What a beautiful patriotic card. Love this!

Susan (susiestampalot) said...

OH MY WORD! I love this, Julee!!! I need to get stampy!!! Hope you're doing ok! sus

Marisa said...

Great card, Julee. Love the red stars adn accents. fabulous rustic feel to it. I can just see you walking into you house, paper pad in hand and heading right to your studio LOL! I'm thinking your stroll through the craft store also included a few other goodies LOL!

When I think of freedom I think of the wonderful freedom we have in Christ - so much wrapped into that it just makes me happy :)

Enjoy your time with Mark!

Amy Sheffer said...

It's going to take me a good three or four days to pick up my jaw over this one, Julee! AMAZING creation!!!

Sue said...

Beautiful grungy card!

Heidi said...

Oh I do love that paper and just ordered mine- can't wait for it to arrive. Love how you've grunged it, addes some bling and all the vintage elements. Beautiful!

Sylvia/LittleTreasures said...

True American Beauty. Love it

Andrea Ewen said...

Absolutely stunning, Julee! Your creativity knows no bounds...I am continually in awe of your extensive talent! Thank you so much for sharing your masterpieces and the wonderful treasures of knowledge, both of which are appreciated immensely! Have a great weekend, my dear!

Riet said...

What a wonderful card Julee.

Hugs Riet.xx

LeSS said...

Потрясающая работа! Настоящий талант :))) Я в восторге!

Lorie M aka MelodyGal said...

Julee, this is just awesome. What a fabulous creation!

Keva said...

This card is perfect! I love the colors and textures so much. It's just really really awesome, Julee.

Heather said...

Girl, after reading your last several post, my heart cries for you. I can feel your pain in your words, but I can also see you are aware that there are beautiful things ahead for you. Your work is always stunning, I so love visiting your blog and though your new style is very different, it is still awe inspiring. Be true to yourself, it's the only way. And may God grant you the peace and acceptance of yourself that you are seeking.

Linda Carson said...

WOW! What a picture perfect patriotic piece of artwork! Love it!

Anonymous said...

Yeah, I just put in an order for most of the things on your "Enabler's List" because as a USAF wife...I have to have a card like this!! Fabulous job!

Suzanne C said...

Beautiful vintage americana card!

Unknown said...

WOW! This card is simply amazing!