Not The Usual Sympathy Card

Once again I forgot to write the post after I uploaded the pictures! Thank goodness I'm able to go back and edit.

One type of card I don't make a lot of is sympathy cards. I think it is because I remember when my parents died we received cards and I read who sent it but never paid much attention to the card. They all seem to be the same, very monochromatic very neutral...just pretty much bland. If we are to rejoice a life then why are the colors so bland? For this card, which I did make 6 of because I needed 2 right away, I decided to go with brighter colors. I also made this card much larger than what I usually make and it was a bit of a challenge for me but I really liked how it turned out. I need to start making some larger cards because my friend Linda got me a deal on some A9 envelopes, which you use a full sheet of cardstock for one card.

The paper is American Craft Botanique. The following Stampin Up stamps were used: Simply Sketched sentiment, Petite Petals, Flower Shoppe, Mixed Blossom, along with their coordinating punches. I used the Stampin Up Bird punch for leaves and the oval frame was cut with my Pazzles.

I decided to get out my Janome Sew Mini and do a little sewing on the card and ended up sewing quite a bit. I always like how it seems to add interest to a card but most of the time I am too lazy to get it out *okie won't mention that the sewing machine is right under her desk where she works*.  It was a little tricky sewing around the oval but I still pleased with the overall effect. I really need to use that baby a little more often! I do highly recommend the Janome Sew Mini to anyone who likes to sew on their papercrafting projects.

I used some of the paper I have that is "Clear Translucent Sheets" to stamp the sentiment and overlay it on pink paper which was the back side of one of the other sheets. The same paper was used to stamp the small flowers on and then punched out. I got the paper at the bargain store here in town a few years ago and I absolutely love it. It was made by The Paper Company, which is out of business now. It is much like vellum but so much better! I am able to print on it with my printer and stamp on it with Memento Ink and it doesn't take forever to dry. Of course I am hoarding the few packages I have since I can't find the stuff anymore *okie is so regretting giving her friends pack of this awesome paper because she knows they won't use it*.

I'll try to remember to finish writing my posts after uploading the pictures but I can't make any promises...after all, y'all know I got a squirrel problem!