Flying Home

I have a sympathy card to share with you tonight that my hubby asked me to make. I'm not sure if you can see in the picture, but that's a Cessna (4-seater) airplane flying over the clouds, into the sunset. I thought it would be appropriate to give to the wife of a Cessna pilot, who just passed away.

I used a free image I found on the internet, and for the background, I used the Provocraft 'Diamonds in the Rough' embossing folder to add some extra dimension. For the inside of the card, I used one of my favourite sympathy sentiments by Impression Obsession.

May we all have a peaceful flight home, like in this picture.

Rest in peace, Bill.

In Sympathy

I have a sympathy card to share with you today. I used the Botanica plate and the 'In Sympathy' sentiment is from the Say it Like it Is stamp plate, these are both by The Stampsmith.

I cropped my flowers, so here's a view of the entire Botanica plate so you can see all the gorgeous flowers in full.
I'm heading out for some crafty fun with my local stamping friends tonight, so I'll have another new project to share with you soon!

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)

Peaceful Sunset

I have a sympathy card to share with you today. For the main focal image, I used a free, downloadable image from freefoto.com. They have lots of beautiful images. I found this one by searching for 'sunset.' As long as you link back to their website, you're free to use them on your non-commercial projects.

This is the inside of the card.
Thanks for stoppin' by! :)

With Sympathy

Sadly, I had to make a sympathy card tonight for a friend who just lost his Dad to a battle with cancer. Sympathy cards aren't my favourite type of card to make for obvious reasons, but it's my hope that the recipient will know that I put my heart into making it and that my thoughts are with them during this difficult time.


Supplies:
Stamps: Natural Beauty (SU), Sympathy Sentiments (Impression Obsession)
Cardstock: Flat Black (CRS), Goldenrod Linen (CRS)
Patterned Paper: Beau Jardin Harvest (Bo Bunny)
Ink: Onyx Black Versafine (Tsukineko), Marigold Morning (SU)
Tools: Oval Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Cuttlebug, Sponge (SU), Scissors
Embellishments: Marigold Brads (EK Success)

Eskimo Proverb Sympathy Card

***Edited to Add***
FroggieTalks left a comment wondering where this Eskimo Proverb stamp is from - it's from the clear stamp set, "Sympathy Sentiments (CL114)" made by Impression Obsession.   If you click on the CL114 link, it'll take you right to the Impression Obsession website where you can see the whole stamp set and order from there if you'd like, too.  Happy Shopping!  :)

This sympathy verse is one of my favourite sayings for this occasion.  This Eskimo proverb is such a lovely way to think of those who we've lost.  I tend to use it a lot for sympathy cards that I make and I like to keep a few extra cards like these on hand, just to have ready when the unfortunate time comes, that you do need one.

A close up of the bow, simple but elegant in keeping with the theme of the card.

Here's a close up to show you the flourish that I stamped using white craft ink, then over-stamped the sympathy verse in rich cocoa.

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)

Supplies:
Stamps: Sympathy Sentiments (Impression Obsession), Flourishes (Stampabilities)
Cardstock: Soft Sky (SU), Chocolate (CRS), Flat White (Staples)
Ink: Soft Sky (SU), Memento - Rich Cocoa (Tsukineko), Whisper White Pigment Ink (SU)
Tools: 1/8" Dimensional Squares (EK Success), Scissors, Cuttlebug, Fancy Scalloped Border Piercerabilities (Spellbinders)
Embellishments: Decorative Satin Ribbon (Michaels), Jumbo White Brad (Dollarama)

Crafty Fun with Val

I had a wonderful night last night. My friend, Val Wilson, came over to have a crafty night with me. Val is such a great friend and she's such a hoot to be around. Full of some much fun and laughter, it's contagious! Just wish I wasn't so tired last night. I was up til 3 AM the night before finishing up Teacher's Xmas gifts and then had to get up yesterday morning to go in the office a bit early, so I was pretty sleepy all day. Just 2 1/2 more working days left for me, though and then I'm off work til Jan 4th, 2010. Still seems weird to write 2010 doesn't it? I can remember watching movies when I was a kid about all the space suits the general public would be wearing around on a daily basis, while driving their flying cars...don't think we're any where close to that yet, but the years seem to mysteriously keep creeping closer and closer to that date...

Val spent her night making beautiful little lumiere's. She was commissioned to make several for a co-worker for Xmas gifts and she made me this stunning black and white one sown above. I love it! Thanks so much, Val! :)

Here's a pic to show you when it's lit. They're so pretty! :)

OK, on to crafty projects. The card above is a sympathy card that I made last night for a friend that I work with who sadly lost her husband yesterday. So sad to lose someone anytime, but for it to be a week before Christmas makes it that much more difficult, I think. My prayers go out to her and her family during this time.

This is a card that Val showed me how to make last night. Such a neat idea and cool use of the Martha Stewart branch punch. It's a bit time consuming as you need to punch out about 50 branches, but it makes for a cool effect when you attach them all to the double sided tape that you've added to the triangle shaped tree in the background. Thanks for showing me this technique, Val!
Here's a close up of the branches to show you the dimension.
OK, I've gotta go do some housework and then brave the line ups at the mall to finish my Xmas shopping. I'll be back soon!

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)

In Time of Loss

Tonight's sympathy card is one that I made just to have on hand. Most times when a sympathy card is needed, it's not a time that you feel like being crafty. But, I think these cards are appreciated so much during the loss of a loved one, that you took the time to make the card yourself.

Here's an angle shot to show you how I curled the flowers to give them some dimension.
I used last week's sketch from Card Positioning Systems for this one, although I opted to make mine a square card instead of standard A2 Style card.

This is the sketch that I followed - CPS110
Thanks for stoppin' by! :)

Supplies:
Stamps: CL114 Sympathy Sentiments (Impression Obsession), Baroque Motifs (SU), Natural Beauty (SU)
Cardstock: Flat Lime (Staples), Blue Bayou (SU)
Patterned Paper: Classic K McKenna (K&Company)
Ink: Blue Bayou (SU)
Tools: Oval Custom Cutting System (Creative Memories), Scissors, 1/8" Dimensional Squares (EK Success)
Embellishments: Blue Brads (Making Memories)

Over the Rainbow Challenge

The colours in this card were inspired by a colour challenge over on Capture the Moment. Nichole's company, PaperTrey Ink has the most beautiful colours of cardstock, however, I don't own any. I guess I've always looked at them in awe, but thought, oh, it would probably cost an arm and a leg for shipping, so I tend to buy my cardstock locally. I'd love to get my crafty fingers on some of their colours, though! lol :) The winner of this colour challenge will win a year supply (510 sheets in total) of PTI cardstock! Can you imagine the excitement! OMG, I'd be ecstatic! I can dream, can't I? lol :)

Dang scanner again. Can anyone tell me why it's making my top layer of cardstock a different, brighter shade of yellow than the other layers? Is there something that I'm doing wrong with the scanning? Please, shed some light to a scanner virgin! lol :)

Ok, crafty time is up for tonight. Gotta get some rest. :)

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)

Supplies:
Stamps: Sympathy Sentiments (Impression Obsession), Wild Vines (Technique Tuesday)
Cardstock: Sage & Avocado Flat, China Red Linen & Goldenrod Linen (CRS)
Tools: 1/8" Dimensional Squares (EK Success)
Embellishments: Sage Brads (EK Success), Sage Flourish Satin Ribbon (Michaels)

In Time of Sorrow

I thought I'd play with these beautiful Bold Carnations today from Inque Boutique along with a sympathy sentiment from Impression Obsession. These are the kind of cards that I like to have on hand, in case you're in need of one. Normally, don't feel like making one when I need one or my mind's just not in to card making, but I know the person would appreciate a card truly from the heart and they know that you took the time to make it yourself.

For the carnations, I stamped once with black ink and then moved the stamp over so little to the side and stamped again, giving the flowers an appearance of a slight highlight of gray. This is one very large unmounted rubber stamp, and I didn't have a clear acrylic block big enough for it. So, I actually used half of the clear case that it came in for a stamping block. You just have to be careful to press all over the stamp to be sure you get a clear impression as the case is a bit flimsy. But, work with what you've got, eh? lol :)

Well, I'm going to try to get in some crafty time later tonight. Gotta go grab some lunch before I have to pick up the kiddies from school. :)

Thanks for stopppin' by! :)



Supplies:
Stamps: Sympathy Sentiments (Impression Obsession), Bold Carnations (Inque Boutique)
Cardstock: Jet Black Linen & Goldenrod Linen (CRS), White Flat & Avocado Flat (CRS)
Ink: Black Onyx (VersaFine)

Cherry Blossom Sympathy

I thought I'd play with some two step stamping today however my branch is still a bit off, but not too bad, I guess. This is an unmounted stamp, but it's rubber not clear. I kinda wish it was clear, though as it would have been a lot easier to line them up. Oh well, can't have everything! lol :)

For the rose layer underneath my stamped image, I used a beautiful ornate flourish stamp that I have. Unfortunately, I can't remember the name of the patterned paper that I stamped it on. It looks just like a solid rose colour from a distance, but if you look at it up close, you can see a lot of fine detail. I think I got it at Michaels, but my memory is escaping me...can anyone tell me where I can get a new memory? lol :)

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)



Supplies:
Stamps: Cherry Blossom, Solid Cherry Blossom Branch & Ornate Flourish (Impression Obsession), 'With Sympathy' - Sympathy Sentiments (Impression Obsession)
Cardstock: Rose Weave (CRS), Chocolate Chip (Bazzill), Cream (Staples)
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Rose Romance & Baroque Burgundy (SU)
Patterned Paper: Dusty Rose (?) Sorry, I can't remember who makes this.
Tools: Oval Custom Cutting Templates (Creative Memories), Edge Distressor Tool (CTMH)
Embellishments: Chocolate Satin Ribbon (Michaels)

With Sympathy Dove

This is one of the sympathy cards that I made for each of the three brothers of my friend who just passed away. We'll be leaving Wednesday morning to go to Cape Breton for his funeral. From here, it's about a 5 hour drive one way, so it's going to be a long day as we have to drive all the way back home that night...it'll certainly allow for a lot of time to think. Seems as though I've done a lot of that over the past few days. I keep breaking down and crying. I thought I could deal with working tonight with the public, but apparently I wasn't ready... I tired to put on a happy face for everyone asking me how I was doing, each time I rang in their order. But, then I looked up at my next customer and he looked like he could have been a twin to my friend who just passed away. Needless to say, I lost it, I tried to maintain some sort of composure while I quickly rang in his small order, but thank god I was working on the speedy line tonight, and there wasn't anyone else in line after him. Then, as I was crying, I told my supervisor that I needed to go home. I'm sure they all think I'm crazy. Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day. Thanks for listening.



Supplies:
Stamps: Nightingale (Inque Boutique), 'With Sympathy' - Greetings Galore (Impression Obsession)
Cardstock: Blue Bayou and River Rock (SU)
Tools: Corner Rounder Punch (SU)
Embellishments: Blue Brads (Making Memories)

Watercoloured Vellum Flowers

I spent all afternoon making this card for someone special while my daughter's rushed around me showing me things and having some crafty time themselves. Unfortunately, their darn fevers are back for both of them and I have to take my oldest to the clinic in the morning, I think she's got an ear infection. It's been quite a while since she's had one of those, but the pain is really bad and she's just not herself. Poor girl. :( At least they aren't scheduled to have school tomorrow, it's an Evaluation Assessment Day for them. She hates to miss school and I don't like keeping her home, she doesn't like to miss anything! Such a keener to learn...hope the enthusiasm keeps up! lol :)

I decided to play with some of my Vellum cardstock to make the pretty flowers for this card...my girls absolutely fell in love with them and they want me to make them a whole bunch of them! I don't think they realize how long it takes to make just one, let alone a whole bouquet of them as they would like to have, though! lol :) First, I stamped the flower image, and set the dye ink with my heat tool. Then, I cut out the flower carefully with sharp scissors, being careful not to crack the vellum. I watercoloured the back, letting it dry between layers and then coloured in the stamens with a gold gel pen on the front to add dimension. I love the way the petals curl when you add colour to them. It gives such a soft, delicate look to them.

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)

Supplies:
Stamps: With Sympathy - Greetings Galore (Impression Obsession), Embrace Life -Flower (SU)
Cardstock: Chocolate Brown (Bazzill), Soft Sky (SU), White Vellum Cardstock
Patterned Paper: Blue Raspberry Stripes (Déjà Views), Blue Raspberry Blossoms - Fresh Print (Déjà Views)
Ink: Blue Bayou (SU), Pale Plum (SU)
Watercolour Wonder Crayons: Perfect Plum (SU), Lavender Lace (SU)
Embellishments: Perfect Plum Brads (SU), Chocolate Brown Satin Ribbon (Michaels)
Tools: Gold Glitter Gel Pen (Marvy Uchida), Ticket Corner Punch (SU), Scissors, 1/8" Dimensional Squares

With Sympathy Dove

I dropped off my daughter at school this morning to learn some sad news, the only Secretary at her school suddenly passed away on the weekend, so I wanted to make a card to give to her family. She'll certainly be missed at school as she did so much to make everything run smoothly. All the children thought very fondly of her, so I know things will be a little quiet over there for a while. May she rest in peace.

Supplies:
Stamps: Nightingale (Inque Boutique), Greetings Galore (Impression Obsession)
Cardstock: Sky Blue (Bazzill), Teal (Bazzill)
Patterned Paper: Bohemia - Bluebird "All Boy" Dragonfly/Blue (My Mind's Eye)
Tools: Scalloped Circle (Marvy Uchida), Circle Custom Cutting System (Creative Memories), Corner Rounder Punch (SU), Scissors
Embellishments: Sky Blue Wired Ribbon (Michaels)

Full Bloom Criss Cross Card

I decided to quickly finish this card before I got ready for work. I found this gorgeous double-sided patterned paper the other day, as well, at our lss, Loomis Art Supplies. I thought the flowers were so pretty, again, I couldn't resist! :)

So, this is sympathy card #2 of 4 that I need to make. My friend Kim was joking that it seems that all her cards seem to pink and purple. I said, come to think of it I've noticed that a lot of mine seem to be blue and green. So, I promised Kim that I would try stay away from these colours for a while, but I couldn't help it...Sorry, Kim! I loved the patterned paper and these are the cardstock colours that I had to use with it. lol :)

OK, I really need to go make supper and get ready for work! Hope everyone is having a great weekend! :)

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)

Supplies:
Stamps: True Friend (SU), 'With Sympathy' is from Greetings Galore (Impression Obsession)
Patterned Paper: Full Bloom (Chatterboxinc)
Cardstock: Whirlpool (Bazzill), Chocolate Weave (Bazzill), Key Lime Flat (CRS)
Ink: Blue Bayou (SU), Certainly Celery (SU)
Embellishments: Antique Cooper Brad (Makin Memories)
Tools: 1 1/2" and 1 1/4" Circle Punchs (Creative Memories), Corner Rounder Punch (SU), small artist paint brush to apply ink to flowers on insert to make stems green and the petals blue.

Fire Blossom Meets Best Blossoms

I have a few sympathy cards to make, this is the 1st of 4 that I have done. Not the most pleasant cards to make, but I know they'll all be appreciated and they'll know that I'm thinking of them during a difficult time.

I found this gorgeous patterned paper the other day at our lss, Loomis Art Supplies. I couldn't resist, as it reminded me of some of the new dsp that SU has, called Ginger Blossoms...that I also need to get my hands on! It's so pretty! Yes, I'm a sucker for pretty paper indeed! lol :)

Today is my hubby, Jim's birthday! We got up this morning and had a pancake breakfast...the girls helped make them and they were a bit heavy...but I think Daddy was happy that they were so happy to help me with them. We gave Jim his birthday presents and I so need to CASE a card that came from a friend of our, Michele! I'll share that with you after I finish up my sympathy cards. Anyway, I have some things to do around the house today, and I go to work tonight. I'm gonna try to finish another card that I started last night, and I'll try to post it later tonight.

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)

Supplies:
Stamps: Best Blossoms (SU), 'With Sympathy' is from Greetings Galore (Impression Obsession)
Patterned Paper: Far East Print - Fire Blossom (DCVW)
Cardstock: Red Rock (Bazzill), Caramel (Bazzill), Beige (The Paper Company), White (The Paper Company)
Ink: Creamy Caramel (SU), Cameo Coral (SU)
Tools: Round Tab Punch (SU), Corner Punch (SU), Sea Sponge for stippling the Round pull Tab, scissors to cut out blossoms and mask for blossoms, 2-way glue to make back side of the blossom mask tacky.

Sympathy Window Card

My dear friend, Catherine phoned me tonight to tell me that her grandmother had just passed away. So, this special sympathy card is for her and I also made one for her Dad and Mum.

Catherine's parents are very kind souls. Her Mum is such a sweetheart, when I was sick and my husband was away with the Navy, she made me a big pot of beef stew so I wouldn't have to cook. How thoughtful is that? This was Catherine's Dad's Mother that has just passed away. He is still recovering from a heart attack and my heart goes out to him at this time, especially when he's still not up to par himself.

May his Mom be at peace now and those who loved her, remember her always.

Supplies: (All Stampin' Up, unless otherwise noted)
Stamps: Garden Silhouettes
Ink: Cranberry Crisp
Cardstock: Cranberry (Bazzill), Celery (Bazzill), Taupe and Flat White (CRS)
Patterned Paper: Bohemia - Backyard "My Journey" Brocade/Brown (My Mind's Eye)
Embellishments: Wine Velvet Ribbon (Michaels)
Tools: Double Rectangle Punch, Sea Sponge, Double-Sided Adhesive, Oval Cutting System (Creative Memories), Cuttlebug, Stylized Flowers Embossing Folder, Verse is a Native American Proverb that I've always liked. I printed off using MS Word and 'Freebooter Script' that I downloaded from the Internet.

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)

With Sympathy

This sympathy card that I made tonight is for a dear friend of mine, whose Uncle recently passed away. May he now be at peace and be remembered always by all those who loved him.

Stamps: Greetings Galore, Solid Florals (Impression Obsession)
Ink: Certainly Celery, Eggplant Envy (SU)
Embellishments: Plum Velvet Ribbon (Dashes, Dots & Checks - Michaels)
Cardstock: Hammered Iron, Plum, Celery (Bazzill), White and Black (The Paper Company)
Tools: Paper Piercer, Foam Mat, Sea Sponge, Double Rectangle Punch (SU), Round Tab Punch (SU)

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)

With Sympathy

Another sympathy card in a couple of days, this one is in English, though. All the same supplies as earlier, except the 'With Sympathy' comes from Impression Obsession clear rubber stamp set, Greetings Galore. I also used a different stamp from the IO Bold Florals set this time.

Thanks for stoppin' by!

Not so nice cards to make

I was speaking to my good friend, Catherine and she told me that her uncle just passed away last night after a battle with Cancer. This is a very hard time for her as she was very close with him, but she's glad that he's not suffering anymore. As much as we don't like to see them go, we'd rather them be at peace than be here and suffering.

I found this Native American proverb a few years ago when my friend passed away from Breast Cancer and I was looking for a saying to use in a card to her husband. I think it's a lovely saying that I now use in all my sympathy cards.

They are
not gone
who live on
in the hearts
of others.
~Native American Proverb

Please take a moment to remember all your loved ones that have passed on and may they all live on in our hearts through fond memories.

Thanks for stopping by.

**Update**: I forgot to add what stamps were used in this card and Catherine was asking about it, so I thought I would just add on to this post to tell you all.

With Sympathy sentiment - ANM (All Night Media), bought second hand, not sure of the name of the set, it's just mixed greetings.
Flower - Hero Arts - Poetic Prints, Petal Etchings stamp set
Paisley - SU Polka Dots & Paisley stamp set
Flower Stem - SU Doodle This stamp set
Flower background - SU Floral background stamp

I used my last piece of the mystery Mellow Moss card stock for the base and stamped the paisley on it using SU Mellow Moss ink. Cream cs for the floral background piece at the top of the card, stamped using SU Elegant Eggplant ink. I attached the sheer black ribbon from Michaels to the cream tucking the edges in behind. Stamped the sentiment on the bottom using SU Elegant Eggplant and also used this ink for the flower on the white cs. For the stem, I used SU Mellow Moss. I matted this layer onto purple cs from Michaels and wrapped another piece of sheer black ribbon on and tied it in the front in a square knot.

I think that's the most stamp sets I've ever used for one card. So, there's all the stamp info for this card in case I used a stamp that you weren't familiar with.

Thanks for stopping by! :)