Celebrate Today Patriotic Card

Tonight's the big release night for Papertrey Ink. I might be running a concession stand for a t-ball game tonight unless it's too wet. So happy shopping, I hope you get all that you want!

I've spent some time in my Artsy Studio today, just putzing around. I used my patriotic goodies from my Patriotic Inspiration Station (see post below) to create a few red, white and blue embellishments to use on projects. It's so easy to assemble embellishments when you have a grouping of supplies in front of you. I reached for my Carnival Tickets in red, white and blue and used trims, buttons and Papertrey's new Pure Poppy Twine to create some ticket accents. I also used some vintage buttons on some tags I distressed. Lots of fun goodies to add to cards, notepads, little gifts, etc.
When ready to create a card with one of my ticket embellishments, a thought came to mind that I'd like to share. When it's time to create projects with a specific theme or holiday in mind, there are lots of patterned paper and themed embellishments to go along with them. Since I've recently cleaned out a lot of my *extras* in my studio, I've left myself with more basic crafting supplies instead of a lot of themed papers and embellishments. But don't worry because you don't think you have any July 4th goodies, for example. If you shop from your own stash, it's very simple to pull together colors and patterns to create a stash of themed goodies.

Take the photo below for example. These are just flowery and polka dot papers from October Afternoon but the colors reflect red, white and blue....which could easily be used for patriotic projects. By knowing what supplies you have...and grouping them together with a specific theme in mind.....you instantly have enough goodies from your stash for all your holiday projects.
I used some of those exact October Afternoon papers to create a vintage looking patriotic card. But it doesn't scream *July 4th papers* so this card could easily be used for a summer birthday card, etc.
I also used Friendship Jar images along with the jar die, a jar topper die, the jar label die and a sentiment from Friendship Jar. My Carnival Ticket embellishments fits right inside the jar. I will definitely be using the carnival tickets with the jar image more. A little bundle of red, white and blue Wrinkle Ribbon finish off the card.

Another tip when working with a theme in mind.....use just a few ink colors that tie together your project. I used Papertrey's Enchanted Evening and Pure Poppy.
So there ya have it, my little fire crackers. By using what you have in your stash....and keeping basic supplies on hand like ribbon, tickets and tags.....you'll never have to search far for holiday themed goodies. Okay, I'm off to create something fun for my mom's birthday. :)