caardvarks challenge: Depth Perception

The current challenge at caardvarks is Depth Perception! We are asked to create a paper crafting project that is 3D, whether a card, gift wrapping, home decor -- anything goes!

[You can skip the story and just look at the pictures... it is a little lengthy.]

My project this week is inspired by my Gram (she's really my GIL, but like my own Gram in many ways). She told once told me this story: Who's Packing Your Parachute [adapted from this website]? Captain Charles Plumb was a US Navy jet pilot during the Vietnam War. On a mission, his plane was shot down, he ejected from his jet and fell into enemy hands. He survived imprisonment for 6 years. He survived and frequently spoke about the lessons that he learned.

One day, he was approached by a strange man who said: "You're Captain Plumb!" Yet, Plumb did not recognize him. The man said, "You were shot down. I packed your parachute. I guess it worked." And Captain Plumb agreed, "If the chute didn't work, I wouldn't be here today."

Now as Captain Plumb lectures, he asks to think of those who pack our parachutes. Those who you may not say Thank You to everyday, yet who save our lives in small gestures or in big ways. When Gram told me this story, we discussed how we all need to pack each others parachutes. And thus the inspiration for this card.

I Packed Your Parachute

I made the "parachute design" by cutting out white card stock with tabs on the side (for gluing together during assembly). I made the parachute a little thicker than my note so that she could place notes, affirmations, or prayers inside of it. I covered the front and back in the polka dot patterned paper, drawing in the stitching on the borders with markers. On the reverse side, I added two pieces of ribbon to represent the straps for the parachute, and I used the same ribbon (bought for only $1 at Michaels!) to make a tab on the front pocket and the tab on the note inside. I used a matching striped pattern for the sides of the parachute and for the front panel. A few buttons details and this is ready to ship to Gram!