Celebrating 10 Years-Let's Party!

Today is start of a special month for the Dueling Darlings as August 15th is our 10 year anniversary.  YUP--10 years of posting cards every 15th of the month for our two teams--the Divas and the Dazzlers.  This was an idea that Kelly came up with all of those years ago and twisted Jeanette's arm to be a co-leader.  I am sure it was a very gentle nudge..........................  Kelly is the leader of the Diva's-the team I am on.  Jeanette tries hard to keep the Dazzlers in line!

Kelly sent each of the Darlings an envie a few weeks ago and described the contents as a virtual party game.  These were our instructions: Enclosed are 3 pieces of felt and a string, representing a banner that's tied together.  There are 16 sets-one for each of us.  When it's together, it creates a banner of celebration, bound together in crafty friendship.  Since we can't all be together in person, she sent us a long-distance friendship challenge, a symbolic hug. If we want to play along, here are the details:  

     --create a card using the 3 felt pieces (twine is optional) in a creative way

    --you may only use a sentiment stamp on your card

    --there is a prize for the most creative

    --post on August 1st

Okay........................ I did have to put on my thinking cap!  I knew I wanted to use all three of the banners and thought of a slimline card. I was not sure what to use for the background and I thought of one of my Sizzix embossing folders called US map, with an outline of the lower 48 states.  The map highlights that 14 of the 16 current DDD members live in the US and two live just across the border in Canada.  I think you can see where they live too......  The banners were a bit too long for the slimline card so I cut off the ends and used them to highlight where Kelly, Jeanette and I live.  The arrows point to our locations on the USA map! I picked a sentiment stamp that reflects this group.  It is by Rubberneck Stamps called Little Things!   I also used one of my new dies from Creek Bank Creations, Slimline Stitched Rectangles for the white layer.  I went for red, white and blue layers along with the bright primary colors of the banners.  I kept the red and white baker's twine to symbolize holding the three of us all together.  Love these two ladies!

Can you believe this group has been going on for 10 years?  There are 7 of the original members who are still in the group of 16 right now.  And, yes, I am one of the oldies, along with the youngsters Kelly and Jeanette!  Carol, LJ, Terry L., and Judy are also part of the founding members.  And, I am pleased to say I have met each of these original 7.  6 have been at my house in the past and I met Judy a number of years ago when I was in Arizona.  I think I should win a prize for that!

Here is the inside of my card, with a strip of washi tape:

If you check some of the blogs on my sidebar listing the Dueling Darlings, you may find others who have posted their creations.  There also might be some posted on SCS in galleries.  I hope you enjoyed my card.  I had fun making it and making it special for this wonderful group of ladies.  I.  Am. Blessed!

Image/Sentiment:  Rubbernecker Stamps Little Things

Cardstock:  Neenah Classic Crest Solar White; Stampin' Up Real Red, Night of Navy

Ink: Stampin' Up Real Red

Accessories:  Sizzix US Map Embossing Folder; Creek Bank Creations Slimline Stitched Rectangles; Red and White Bakers Twine; Felt Banners;