Sunday, May 29, 2011

Faithful, Dependable, Comfortable ... Dad

Hey, everyone! Are you enjoying your holiday weekend? I heard an interesting observation about Memorial Day that really made me stop and think. So often we take the true meaning of the holiday for granted and merely view it as a means to a long weekend when instead we should be both remembering and celebrating those who have believed that "some things really are worth fighting for." So thank you to the fathers, grandfathers, brothers, uncles, cousins, and friends who have believed and still believe that this great nation and its ideals are worth fighting for!

Oddly enough, this same notion made me reflect upon Father's Day. I know you may be thinking: Susan, you've rocked OUT of your rocker! But follow me for a second. So often we become desensitized to the meaning behind a holiday and merely focus on the celebration itself. Don't get me wrong, celebrating is important. But I think that consumerism has led us away from true intent. So in designing our Father's Day cards, we asked ourselves: what does Father's Day really mean; what messages do we want our cards to convey?

Today's card is for those fathers who we view as great protectors with soft hearts and comfy hugs. They're much like their favorite chair - faithful, dependable, trustworthy, comfortable, comforting, safe. That's why we chose a stamp from On My Couch (Papertrey Ink) as our focal image. It truly wrapped up this message in one convenient package. Our masculine color scheme and eye-catching addition of text is from this week's Embellish Color Trends Challenge. I really loved how the soft color palette reinforced the feelings of calm, comfort, and serenity that so many of us think of when describing our dads. The CAS layout is straight from the Viva La Verve Sketch May Week 1. The sketch was ideal in its simplicity, which really allows the image and imagery to take center stage.

When all was said and done, both Whitney and I stood back and gave ourselves big ol' pats on the back for how well this design was formed and executed. I'd like to tell you it's my favorite design of all of our 2011 Father's Day card designs, but let me tell you, when you see some of the others, you'll see why I'm not so quick to commit! But this one ranks right at the top for sure!

Thanks for dropping in today - I hope my little step up on the holiday soap box doesn't scare you away from the other terrific designs we have to share with you!

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A big THANK YOU to Paige for choosing this card as 1 of 26 featured in the Create: Blog! Father's Day Challenge. If you've come here from the Create: Blog, welcome! And thanks for stopping by.

7 comments:

Sarah Martina said...

Susan, I couldn't agree more with you! And your interpretation of what Father's stand for is dead on in my book. I know each father is different, but I totally relate to what you shared... Not to mention, your card is fantastic! So glad you joined us for the Embellish Color Trends Challenge!

Erin (Homemade Cards by Erin) said...

Love this, but I've got a week spot for the PTI On My Couch set.

Arlene said...

You used every single color on your wonderful card following the Embellish Color Trends Challenge colors. You are dead-on perfect. I really like the comfy chair. Lovely card.

Cristina said...

Love this. The design is total perfection, the colors were practically made for a father's day card, and all the thought behind it just puts it over the top. Thanks for playing along with us at Embellish!

Paige Taylor Evans said...

SUCH a cute and simple design - perfect for dads! Thanks for submitting it to the CARDS challenge!

Julie said...

I saw this on the Father's Day Cards Challenge and had to stop by and tell you how much I love it! I think it's a PERFECT Father's day card!

Lea L. said...

Love the clean and graphic design of this...totally fabulous!! Great job with those colors!!