Sunrise on the Hardscrabble

The Aspen Acres Fire changed life for our community and neighboring towns throughout July. After the fire ignited on June 29, it quickly grew into a blaze that burned more than 100,000 acres across southern Colorado. My husband and I spent 14 days under evacuation, while many families in Beulah, Rye, and San Isabel lost their homes—some on the very first day as the fire raced nearly eight miles.
Nearly 2,000 firefighters and support personnel worked tirelessly to protect our communities. Their courage, dedication, and sacrifice saved countless homes, including ours, and we will always be grateful for their efforts.
I created Sunrise on the Hardscrabble to celebrate our safe return home, honor the resilience of our neighbors, and recognize the strength of our community.
Like every sunrise, it reminds me that even after hardship, there is hope for a new beginning and a great day!
Sunrise on the Hardscrabble How-to:
Masking Technique:
-Die-cut or punch a circle out of a post-it-note.
-Place circle on Basic White card front. Using Stampin’ Blends, sponges, or Sponge Daubers, add ink around the mask to create the sunrise. I used Pumpkin Pie, Crushed Curry, and Calypso Coral inks.
-Remove mask.
Add mountains and complete card:
-Die-cut mountains out of Basic Black and Smoky Slate card stock.
Don’t have the dies? Simply tear the card stock to create natural, jagged mountain peaks.
-Layer the mountains to the card front.
-Add die-cut or stamp birds to the card front.
-Finish the card by heat embossing the greeting with White Embossing Powder and a Heat Tool.
