Plum Sympathy
I need a sympathy card. I won't tell you how many versions of this card I went through before I settled for this. I think sympathy cards are the most difficult to make. So, yes I settled for this one. I've got to get this card in the mail today. I'm not thrilled with the results, but I think it is appropriate and just barely blog worthy!! Any suggestions on how this card can be improved will be most gratefully accepted -- will use your tips in future papercrafting.
By the way, as I describe below, I used the Cuttlebug to emboss the light strip of paper under the mounted phrase. Can you see how the Cuttlebug appears to have changed the color of the paper? There is something about the flattening process the 'bug uses that results in a slightly brighter finish to the paper. Another development to ponder...
How I made this card: Using Stampin Up's Perfect Plum Classic Ink, I stamped images from SU's Toile Blossoms on Pale Plum and Perfect Plum cardstock. (Can I digress to say how much I love Toile Blossoms??).
I also stamped a sympathy phrase from a retired SU set (name not available to me!) on Pale Plum and mounted it on Perfect Plum and set it aside. I cut out flowers and using a Sakura tiny glue pen (purchased from Starlitstudio -- link on right), placed a few dots of glue on the flowers. I dipped the flowers in Dazzling Diamonds (a fine glitter -- Art Institute or other fine glitter would work just as well) and let the flowers dry. This little glue pen is awesome!!!
The dark strip under the word image is Perfect Plum cardstock stamped with the Toile Blossoms. I wanted a piece of Pale Plum organdy ribbon, but I didn't have one, so I took some SU wide White organdy ribbon and put it on top of a piece of Pale Plum cardstock, which I had embossed using the Textile A2 Embossing Folder and the Cuttlebug. Sometimes placing the white organdy ribbon on darker cardstock will create a "faux" color ribbon of the darker cardstock. I put the card together and added a piece of SU Eggplant grosgrain ribbon to balance the card. Finally, I mounted the whole card on Perfect Plum cardstock.
Tomorrow's post will contain the details on how one lucky bloggett can win a $50 gift certificate for SU products! Now, there's a tease!!! (Hint: think black and white).
Joan
ReplyDeleteLove the card there isn't anything I would change. I love Toile Blossoms too!!!
Fabulous card. Sympathy cards are some of the most difficult for me to create. Thanks for the inspiration.
ReplyDeleteThis is my first visit to your blog, but it won't be my last. I love that sympathy card and I'm going to have a good look around now.
ReplyDeleteI think this is beautiful. I love Toile Blossom and wish I had gotten it before it retired. I don't think I would change anything on it, honestly.
ReplyDeleteJoan, it's a beautiful card and very appropriate for the occasion.
ReplyDeleteJoan, I like it the way it is. However you asked for opinions, so here goes. I think Sympathy cards should be simple and elegant with not too much "fluff". If it were me...I'd remove the small pieces of ribbon on the right and just have the flowers (gorgeous BTW)with the sentiment (Is it Hope for Comfort?) on top of the wide ribbon. Still a beautiful, appropriate card just as it is.
ReplyDeletesuper card Joan! Is that verse a stamp? I think you've already popped the verse up a little bit, right? maybe a little paper piercing, or sewing around the edge or in the corners. You've got a great card here just the way it is, it's sooo much easier to play armchair cardmaker than to sit right down and come up with something on my own. ;)
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry that you have a need for this type of card. Rubber hugs, Adelle
This is beautiful. I can't imagine what you would change!
ReplyDeleteThis is so very nice...I think you need to be subtle with these cards so any more additions is simply not necessary. Awesome composition!
ReplyDeleteIt is absolutely beautiful....
ReplyDeletesympathy cards are so hard, I find them very challenging. You did a great job on this one...You are a perfectionist, face it....that is the reason for all the re-makes!
Your card is lovely... I wouldn't change a thing. Sympathy cards are usually difficult to create, with it being such a sad time.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, let me say that I like your card. It has just enough of everything in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteA couple of years ago, I received a few handmade sympathy cards when my father passed away. I remember that time as one of the saddest times in my life and no words could actually comfort me. (It was comforting, however, to receive cards from people who cared about me) Maybe it's just me, but I enjoyed the soft pastel colored cards. Color is known to affect mood, so I don't think you need to choose dark and somber colors when making a sympathy card.
I was going to say exactly what Liz-redapron said, only because you asked for opinions. I also think it's lovely as is. Love the embossed strip. I'm sorry you have a need for the card as well.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this card, Joan!! Sorry you need it, but I wouldn't change a thing! Consider it CASE'd (with a different sentiment, maybe for a different occasion - I don't have that sentiment, but it's perfect for a sympathy card).
ReplyDeleteSusan
I agree, sympathy cards ARE the most difficult to make. I enjoy making cards and for me its fun. So to make one that is for an occasion of great sadness, it's very difficult.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful card.