The Color Throwdown: Heartfelt Sympathy

 The challenge at The Color Throwdown came at an opportune time - my husband had just asked me to make a sympathy card. It was a bit easier to make than the usual sympathy card because I did not know the person and my husband hadn't seen him decades.  But he was very important to my husband in his youth so he wanted to make sure the family knew that he remembered and he cared.

I already knew I was going to use this soft flower and then I was drawn to The Color Throwdown colors of light blue, gray and kraft for the very odd reason that it's a real struggle for me to do leaves that aren't green!  This color scheme forced me into a gray or a kraft. (I guess I could have done gray flowers and blue leaves but that's really pushing it for me!!)

This is another flower set that uses stencils to add the color.  With my new-found passions for stencils it definitely found a home in my stash!!  This is my most-used sympathy sentiment - it has such fabulous fonts and style - but it's from the now-closed Verve.  I found the background paper in my older stash. It's a Stampin' Up dsp that's all kraft/brown with subtle shiny patterns.  I think it was for a technique but I just wanted the elegant pattern.

Thank you to The Color Throwdown for the inspiration!

SUPPLY LIST

Stamps: Pinkfresh Studio Choose Hope, Verve New Mercies (the company is no longer)

Dies: Pinkfresh Studio Choose Hope die and Ornate Banner

Cardstock: Stampin' Up

Ink: Blues from the Altenew Lapis Lazuli set, Grays are Simon Says Fog and Stone

Other: Studio Katia Bluebell Pearls

Freshly Made Sketches: Sympathy with Floral Doodles

It's time for a new sketch at Freshly Made Sketches! Today we have a sketch by Judy and here’s what I did with it!

   

I pulled the colors from the washi tape. I had already added texture to the background and like it before I realized the sketch showed the sentiment directly on the background. I simply added a black sentiment strip which made the sentiment pop so ended up working out well. Obviously I branched out from the square on the sketch. I had planned on putting a square behind the flowers, but as I added the leaves and the tulip, the square would have just been too big. 

The flower dies are gorgeous.  I love the layers.  I went with white on the top layer to keep the card very fresh and clean - but could easily add coordinating colors. There are other options in the die set so I definitely will be doing an even bigger bouquet in the future.

I hope to see you playing along with us this week at Freshly Made Sketches.

SUPPLY LIST

Stamps: Papertrey Ink Round & Round

Dies: Altenew Floral Doodles Die Set, Altenew Featured Sentiments die set

Cardstock: Stampin' Up Cherry Cobbler, Blushing Bride, Crumb Cake

Other: Stampin' Up Tasteful Textiles embossing folder, Carpe Diem washi tape, Pretty Pink Posh Seaglass

Freshly Made Sketches: In Sympathy & Friendship

It's time for a new sketch at Freshly Made Sketches! Today we have a sketch by Judy and here’s what I did with it!

  

 

This card was not my original plan but I had an unexpected need for a sympathy card.  A friend's father-in-law passed and now there are so many complications.  Dealing with his death and an elderly mother and travelling the 700 miles there during this time of COVID with high-risk factors themselves - they need prayers for strength.  The sentiment is a very old sentiment from My Sentiments Exactly. It was just what I needed for my friends, plus the coordinating inside says "Our hearts, our prayers and our love are with you."  I wish I knew how to send it where they are right now - but I am sending prayers. 

I hope to see you playing along with us this week at Freshly Made Sketches.

SUPPLY LIST

Stamps: My Sentiments Exactly

Dies: Memory Box Jovial Wreath, Birch Press Genevieve Butterfly Layers A, B and C

Other: Studio Katia Magnolia Flowers, Stampin' Up Subtle Embossing Folder

Freshly Made Sketches: Beloved Friend

It's time for a new sketch at Freshly Made Sketches! Today we have a sketch by Judy and here’s what I did with it!

In the midst of everything going on right now, a sweet lady at work lost her dog. It was a long illness, so not unexpected but that doesn't make it any easier. She's working from home right now so feels the loss of her companion all day long.

Here's the sketch. I hope to see you playing along. Making cards is a fabulous escape from our current lives, plus it's a much-needed bright spot in someone's day when they go to the mailbox to see that you thought of them!

SUPPLY LIST
Stamps: Taylored Expressions Care & Comfort - Pets
Dies: Simon Says Stamp Paws, Stampin' Up Layering Circles Framelits, Sweet 'n Sassy Hearts, Lil' Inkers Stitched Squares
Paper: Stampin' Up Smoky Slate, Honey Bee Stamps Sweet on You (the coral patterns), Sunny Studio Classic Gingham
Ink: Stampin' Up Smoky Slate
Other: Stampin' Up Glitter and Clear Epoxy Shapes (the tears)

Happy Valentine's Day: Memory Box Hearts x 3

Happy Valentine's Day!  I have one last Valentine this year.


I adore this Butterfly Heart Frame by Memory Box.  I love products that can be used for multiple situations.  I had so much fun with those little butterflies on my Valentine, I kept going and added to my card stash.
Here's birthday (on the next two cards the sentiments are also by Memory Box - Big and Little Words.)

And then an entirely direction ...sympathy. 

Memory Box is having a "heart" challenge right now which seemed like a very good excuse to buy this die that I had had on my wishlist.  You probably know how it is - the not-yet-used stash becomes too big and it's hard to justify buying more until you get that sign that it's meant-to-be!!  Sadly for my bank account, a simple challenge can do that for me.  See yesterday for exactly the same story with animal dies!!

Hmmm...I'm thinking I need an Easter card before I put this die away!

Freshly Made Sketches: Sharing in Your Sorrow

It's time for a new sketch at Freshly Made Sketches! Today we have a sketch by Cécile

I had intended to follow the sketch exactly with banners.  I love the celebratory look.  But at the last minute, I needed a sympathy card for the death of a friend's mother.  I didn't know her and it was expected, but it doesn't matter what age or the reason, the loss of a mother is difficult. I was flipping through my stash and found this bird die with three little birds and knew it would be my sympathy card and work for the sketch with the three little tails!


The sketch inspired me to add a leafy branch in a soft green. Then I decided to go monochromatic using the soft green in the background also. I 'floated' the die cut with some dimensional adhesive to keep it very dainty.  Usually I layer up dies to give it the dimension because it's sturdier that way, but I'll be hand-delivering this one so figured I could just add a few pieces of adhesive and let it float.

I hope to see you playing along this week.  I always browse that gallery and I am always inspired!

SUPPLY LIST
Stamps: Hero Arts Remember
Dies: Cutplorations For the Birds (Stamplorations), Verve Sprightly Sprigs
Cardstock: Stampin' Up Mint Macaron
Ink: Stampin' Up Mint Macaron and Tranquil Tide
Accessories: Cartwright Pale Leaf Sequins.

Taylored Expressions Zinnias and Sympathy

After all of these years of watching me create cards, I think my husband still thinks it is instant.  He has a tendency to tell me as I am heading to bed that he needs a card the next day.  I'm never quite sure when he thinks I'll do it given weekday mornings are spent getting ready for work!  In fairness, I do tend to obsess over each card and sometimes I really should just let go and let it happen!

So when he mentioned that a family friend from his youth had passed and he needed a sympathy card, I had to rely on products that came together quickly.  His family is from Virginia so I figured flowers on the card would be the right answer.  I pulled out the Taylored Exprssions Big Blooms - Zinnia then realized I didn't have time to color it all. So I added a sweet frame and just colored a small portion.


I backed the frame with black to give it a bit of dimension.  Then I added a few sequins as teardrops.  I'm happy with it.  I guess with all of the time in the world, I would have colored the entire flower - but I'm glad I didn't have that time.  I think the detail in the image can stand alone in black and white!


At this point, I'm kind of laughing at myself.  I like this card.  Maybe I need to stop obsessing and "let go and let it happen" more often!  But I probably won't.  In truth, I like the process of creating cards even more than the final product, so I'm sure I'll continue to obsess and I'll enjoy every minute of it.

SUPPLY LIST

Freshly Made Sketches: Butterfly Sympathy

It's time for a new sketch at Freshly Made Sketches! Today we have a sketch by Linda.

This sketch has so many possibilities!  I couldn't decide whether to stamp or use a die cut - but I did know that I wanted to keep the diamond shape - love the look!!  I wasn't finding much in my stamp stash to fit a diamond (although you'll have to check out the rest of the design team to see how Linda used stamps to fit!).  I started flipping through my die binders and saw this quilt!  I make no claims of creativity - and this is going to seem really minor to most of you - but the light bulb came on and I realized I could flip it to look like a little window.  I was quite proud of my little light bulb moment!!


That part of my card was pretty basic so I pulled out this beautiful layered butterfly die and I added a focal point sentiment.  The church card ministry is so often in need of sympathy cards so this direction made sense.
I hope to see you playing along with our sketch this week!
SUPPLY LIST
Dies: Birch Press Genevieve Butterfly Layers A,B and C, WPlus9 Quilt Cuts 2, MFT Blueprints 13 (the stitched edge)
Patterned Paper: Pink Paislee Indigo Bleu
Cardstock: Stampin' Up Summer Starfruit and Lost Lagoon, Papertrey Ink Smokey Shadow

Freshly Made Sketches: Nautical Sympathy

It's time for a new sketch at Freshly Made Sketches! Today we have a sketch by Linda.

As soon as I saw this sketch, I also saw the card in my mind's eye.  A dear friend recently lost her father.  In a tribute to him, she posted a beautiful picture of him on a boat which she said had been his happy place.  I had all of this in my mind when I saw the sketch and I knew I could put together nautical images on a clean and fresh card to send her my sympathy.



The nautical set is Strong Anchor from Verve stamps.  It didn't have a sympathy stamp so I used a sentiment from New Mercies.  However, it has a lovely stamp for the inside "This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. Hebrews 16:9".   He is the anchor!

To my friend: I am so sorry that you are likely seeing this on my post before you receive it.  I have no excuses for not getting this in the mail.  I've enjoyed our conversations and wish we were closer for a hug and a relaxing cup of tea on your dock.  I hope you can find time to rest and refresh amidst all of the decisions.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.

SUPPLY LIST

Stamps: Verve Strong Anchor, New Mercies
Dies: Verve Nautical Die Set, Taylored Expression Rectangle Stitched Stacklets
Paper: Simon Says Fog, Taylored Expressions Toffee, MME Wood Necessities
Ink: Taylored Expression Toffee, Simon Says Cobblestone and Sparrow, Versamark (with white embossing powder)
Sequins: Cartwright Clearly Beloved (from Simon Says Stamp)

TE Sneak Peeks Day 3: Sketches and Party Favors

It's day 3 of sneak peeks for the September release from Taylored Expressions and it's a really big day!!  I have three cards to show you - all different themes - and there's three more chances at prizes and favors (read all the way to the bottom).

First, you can help Taylored Expressions celebrate nine years of sharing joy by creating a card using this fabulous sketch! Then be sure to enter for a chance to win one of nine amazing prize packs of Taylor's nine favorite crafty things each valued at over $115. Best of all, one luck winner will be chosen by Taylor to join the Creative Team as a Guest Designer for the October Release and will receive an incredible prize package of the newest TE goodies! Click here for all the details!  [The sketch is due TODAY so do not wait!!]

Here's my take on the sketch using the brand new Peek-a-Boo Birthday along with a little cheese from the previously released Little Bits - Mac & Cheese.

I was going to go with Enamel Shapes down the side but for some reason, I decided some slices of cheese made sense and would be oddly cute!


I did sneak a sneak peek of Peek-a-Boo Birthday into the sketch.  Here's the supply list, but keep reading for two more sneak peeks!!

SUPPLY LIST

Peek-a-Boo Birthday	Peek-A-Boo Birthday Dies	Stitched Circle Stacklets	Stitched Rectangle Stacklets
Little Bits - Mac & Cheese	TE Premium Cardstock - Sugar Cube	TE Premium Cardstock - Cupcake	TE Premium Cardstock - Pink Champagne
TE Premium Cardstock - Earl Grey	TE Premium Cardstock - Lemon Meringue	TE Premium Cardstock - Potato Chip	TE Premium Ink - Oreo - Full Pad
Embossing Folder - Dotted Lattice	Lemon Meringue Enamel Shapes

LinkDeli.com

One more party favor before my next peek because it wouldn't be a party without a favor! So for a limited time, when you spend $50 or more at the TE Web Store, you’ll earn this super sweet Iconic Wishes - Birthday stamp & die combo FREE!

Now I'm going to totally change directions.  I have another card that I'm using for Thanksgiving.  It's the new Big Blooms - Sunflower which would go in many directions but I also wanted to use the new Thanks Script.


To make the "thanks" die work for Thanksgiving I found an appropriately sized "give" in the Fall Florals set and I masked it off to just stamp the "give"!

I used Tim Holtz Distress Oxide Inks to watercolor my flowers.  I love how that ink works on kraft-colored paper.  I just pressed some ink onto a craft sheet and then used a water brush to add the color. The white embossing repels it so it makes it so easy to just slop it on and it still looks good!!

One more sneak peek after this supply list and it's an even bigger change in direction.

SUPPLY LIST

Big Blooms - Sunflower	Thanks Script	Fall Florals	Stitched Rectangle Stacklets
TE Premium Cardstock - Mocha	TE Premium Cardstock - Toffee	TE Premium Cardstock - Dijon	TE Premium Ink - Mocha - Full Pad
Tim Holtz Distress Oxide Ink - Wild Honey	tim holtz distress oxide ink - peeled paint	tim holtz distress oxide ink - vintage photo	VersaMark - Watermark Stamp Pad
Zing! Embossing Powder - White Opaque	TE Sequins - Wedding

LinkDeli.com

My next card uses the new Sympathy Blooms Cutting Plate.  This is an essential in any collection for those sympathy cards that can be so hard to make.  I think this is a lovely card and it has absolutely nothing to do with my creativity or abilities.  It's literally 2 colors of cardstock, the die and some enamel shapes.


There is also the option to step it up.  Another new die set called Blooms Overlay work perfectly as overlays to the flowers and leaves on the cutting plate (or they can work on their own.)  But those of you who follow me know that I don't step it up very often so you won't see it on my blog - be sure to check out the rest of the creative team.)  Here's a close-up of the cutting plate with my simple take on it.


The big day is almost here.  The full release is available tomorrow morning.  I'll have two more fall cards to show you and then it will be time to shop!

SUPPLY LIST

Sympathy Blooms Cutting Plate

TE Premium Cardstock - Earl Grey

TE Premium Cardstock - Sugar Cube

Salt Water Taffy Enamel Shapes

LinkDeli.com