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