Sympathy card, Serene scenery papers and Addicted to CAS #105

hello all

So  very sad to say I needed to send a sympathy card this week. I guess we all have need of them at one time or another.

It took me a bit of time to come up with a card - more because of what it represented rather the content itself -  I knew I wanted something a little different and did not want to use dark or sombre colours so turned instead to the fabulous Serene Scenary Designer paper stack to do my 'talking' for me.

I used one of those gorgeous papers for my background. This beautiful paper, just full of branches and leaves with sun glinting through from behind. Stunning, and to my mind so appropriate for the effect I wanted.

I deliberately placed my sentiment tag where I did, to showcase that particular part of the paper's design.

I thought I would enter it into this week's challenge over at Addicted to CAS where the prompt word for this week is WOOD.  I know that strictly,  the Clean and Simple ruling means there needs to be lots of space.. so am hoping the addition of just the tag and some thread  will count, given the very little content and minimal stamping?

I used Whisper White card stock for my card base with a matted layer of Pear Pizzaz, all topped with this beautiful, beautiful piece of paper from the pack..

I stamped the oval shaped tag from the 'That's a Tag stamp set, in Basic Grey and die cut it using the blank template die from the Timeless Tags thinlits. and it even punched out the little hole for me! 

Both the little leaf branch and the sentiment are also included in the stamp set so did not have to go far to find something suitable and I coloured the tiny flower with one of my Stampin' up write markers, stamping the sentiment in Basic Grey to match the tag.

I popped up the tag on dimensionals after sponging it slightly round the edges. A  piece of linen thread to 'tie' on my tag, adhering it with a glue dot,  so it looks like it is actually tied to that central branch.

Although it did take me some time to decide exactly what I wanted, once I had that bit sorted, it really was very quick to make..

I always like to decorate the insides of my cards as well so opted for this leaf stamp from the Birthday Blossoms stamp set as thought this particular one mirrored  the type of leaves on the front of the card. You can just see my stamping,  peeking out on the first photo but this one should hopefully give you a better idea.

I just stamped a few repeats down the right hand side and yet more of the same sponging,  to tie it all in.

I really was pleased with it and think it was just perfect for the effect I was after.

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used

Just click on the items below to easily access them in my on line store

Or if you wish me to place an order for you, or have any questions please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Whisper White A4 Cardstock	Pear Pizzazz A4 Cardstock	Serene Scenery Designer Series Paper Stack	Basic Gray Archival Stampin’ Pad	That's The Tag Photopolymer Stamp Set
Pear Pizzazz Classic Stampin' Pad	Big Shot	Magnetic Platform	Timeless Tags Thinlits Dies	Subtles Stampin' Write Markers
Stampin' Dimensionals	Stamping Sponges	Linen Thread	Mini Glue Dots	Birthday Blossoms Clear-Mount Stamp Set

.. and don't forget everyone,  it is Stampin' Up!  Sale-a-Bration time - any combined spend of £45 from now til the end of March, earns you a free item from the special Sale-a-Bration brochure and with new items to  be released in a few days time, even more lovely things to choose.

Well, as mentioned in my last missive am attending a training day on Sunday, with other members of the Stampin'Up! team I belong to. And pleased to say have finished my set of swaps using my chosen theme.  (anything from the Sale-a-Bration catalogue!)

Why not check back next week - to see what we all got up to - and will hopefully be able to share some piccies of all the lovely inspiration stands and samples on display. 

with best wishes til next time and happy Stampin' !

Jan x

I guess we all have them to do at some point...

hi all

well this week had me putting stamp to ink pad to make a sympathy card for a close friend of Mummie's.

I have to confess I have very little in the way of 'sympathy' related stamp sets but made do with a floral themed one from the to me, very sadly retired, 'Fabulous Florets' stamp set.

I stuck to  Whisper White,  teamed with Basic Black only,  and came up with this. A stamped topper, matted on a layer of Basic Black, itself,  mounted on white card stock. 

All in all quite plain, but gave me the effect I wanted and thought I would link it with the current theme of  'Anything goes' over at 'Just Us Girls.

To make my card  I stamped 2 copies of the largest image from the set, virtually side by side,   then added a couple of accented pieces by way of the free standing flower heads, which I fussy cut and popped up on dimensionals for a bit of depth.

The remaining embellishments were restricted to just a couple of partial piercing lines following the curve of the flower heads,  along with a couple of basic rhinestones and a toning candy dot!

I chose another of my favourite sets for the sentiment,  which I punched using  the modern label punch,  and then did another copy in black card stock which I cut apart to use for more layering.

Stampin' Up! supplies for this card:

Card stock:  Whisper white
Inks : Basic Black

Stamps Sets:   any suitable Floral themed set  and sentiment as required
 Punches : Modern Window Punch
 Other Essentials:  Stampin' Up! Dimensionals, Basic Rhinestones Jewel Accents
Candy dots - Neutral,  Paper Snips,  Essentials paper piercing pack

Just click on the items to easily access them in my on line store to place an order and just pay £4:95 to have  them shipped straight to your address, whatever the size of your order.

Am happy to answer any questions you may have. If you would like to find out more,  or would like me to place an order for you, you can email me or contact me on 01438 820829 if you would rather.

Well, this Wednesday we had a lovely evening as had tickets to go and see 'Dance Til Dawn'
Perhaps, lovers of 'Strictly' will be aware of  the magnificent duo 'Flavia and Vincent'  partnership. This is their  show and of course has them as  star billing.

An absolutely amazing performance  - and would thoroughly recommend it to anyone with a love of the Musicals - 'Latin' notwithstanding!

Just a small taster here - phew.. even the trailer is exhausting!

bye all - til next time and have a lovely week

Jan x