the homefront blog

We feature a different cardmaker each Friday…This week, meet Linda! Please feel free to leave a comment on this thread for her! You can also visit her blog, Secret Garden Stamper.

About Linda:
Hi,my name is Linda, I’m married to Mike, my wonderful husband of 13 years. We have no children, but do have 2 cats: Iverson and Cooper. They like to hang out with me in my hobby room. I’m a native of Washington State, but we moved to SE CT in 2001 due to a military transfer. Mike is very supportive of my craft addictions, and does not mind if I spend hours at a time, in my room “creating!” I first discovered rubber stamping in 1996. I made cards, participated in round robin altered books….and scrapbooking. I stopped rubberstamping for a few years to learn stained glass… seems I only have energy for one hobby at a time! About 2 years ago, I returned to rubberstamping…I really did miss it.

How long making them for our heroes?
I started making cards for our heroes last Spring. I was not aware cardsforheroes existed before this. I “adopted” an Air Force battalion through AnySoldier.com last year. I was actually making boxes of cards and included them with monthly care packages. On the AnySoldier website, someone in a forum had mentioned making cards for cardsforheroes.org…and I thought that would be such a great idea. Plus making cards to send to the troops helps me to justify all the money I seem to spend on cardmaking supplies!!

What’s your favorite kind of card to make?
I don’t really have a favorite kind of card to make. I like to experiment and challenge myself with different techniques, etc.. But I do like cards that are more of a whimsical theme. Additionally I enjoy making Halloween and Valentine cards.

Do you have a special technique you love to use?
No, I do not have a special technique I use in making cards. I love visiting other cardmakers’ websites and blogs to get new ideas. The talent and creativity out there just amazes me!!

Are there colors, style, or product that draw you?
I’ve recently been reintroduced to STAMPIN Up! and have been buying a lot of stamp sets, card stock and other supplies. I like how the colors all coordinate, as well as the stamps in a set. As far as colors being my favorite…I am attracted to greens/browns and pinks! Oh and I LOVE Glitter!!! But try to control myself when making cards for heroes due to safety concern for our heroes.

What motivates you to make cards for heroes?
My husband Mike is in the Navy (submarines). Being a military wife, I know how important it is to get mail from my husband when he is deployed. I can only imagine the joy a spouse or family member must experience when they go to the mail box, and see a handmade card sent from their loved one who is deployed overseas. I have a stamp that I use on the back of my cards with my first name and email address. I’ve gotten emails from a few wives thanking me for making a beautiful card that had been sent to them for a birthday or anniversary, And how it made them cry with joy. That makes it all worth it, doesn’t it?