We give thanks today in the USA for the many veterans who sacrificed to make our country free!

I made this patriotic greeting card four years ago to celebrate Independence Day, but I thought of it this morning when I woke up and thought it would be a fun one to share again.

I created this card with retired stamp sets Asian Artistry and Star-Spangled Banner and retired colors Not Quite Navy and Ruby Red.  Here’s what I wrote in 2009 about making this card.  Maybe it will inspire your own patriotic creations:

“The Asian Artistry ‘grasses’ were stamped in black craft ink and embossed with clear ep. Then I used Ruby Red and Not Quite Navy markers to color this flag from Star-Spangled Banner (retired SU) and stamped it on the whisper white card stock above the grasses.”I used a black pen to underline the red stripes on the flag and added a little white highlights with my white gel pen to add depth. I then colored the whole image with a VersaMarker and embossed with clear ep. I used a black pen and ruler to add the flag poll.

“I brayered starting from the top of the card with Baja Breeze down 3/4 of the card. Then I used Not Quite Navy to brayer the top. From the bottom I brayered Creamy Carmel. The edges were sponged with black stazon. It was then layered on white, Ruby Red and Not Quite Navy cardstock.

“A brad was added to the top of the flag pole. The tag label was made with the tag corner punch with brads added to each end and then the label was attached with dimensionals.”

Enjoy your Memorial Day and remember those who came before us and those who currently serve to protect our liberties!   Julie