Graphic 45 Botanicabella Sympathy Card

Hello G45’ers!  Sympathy cards.  The hardest cards to make, but perhaps the most important and meaningful ones, too.  Having been the recipient of such kind condolences, I know how meaningful and special they are.  So when I have to make one, I put a lot of thought and heart into the design.  This Graphic 45 Botanicabella Sympathy Card uses images and colors from Nature to convey a feeling of comfort, hope and peace.

This is a 5″ x 7″ top fold card with a kraft cardstock base.  I’ve added a burlap panel in with the layers to reflect the natural feel of these papers.

Graphic 45 Botanicabella Sympathy Card: Square Tag and Clocks Die

I’m finding that the Graphic 45 Square Tag and Clock Dies are on my work table more often than not.  I’ve always loved adding a circular element to my designs, and this lacy doily and vintage clock face make a beautiful focal on a card or tag.

TIP: Die cut the clock dies twice, once from metallic gold paper, and then a second time using patterned paper from the collection.  Add dimensionals between the layers to really make things pop.

Graphic 45 Botanicabella Sympathy Card: Butterflies

Butterflies speak of new life and rebirth, so they are a wonderful symbol to use on a sympathy card.  Here’s how I gave these Botanicabella Butterflies dimension.

• First, fussy cut a pile of butterflies from the collection.  Ink the cut edges with Vintage Photo Distress Ink.
• Next, glue just the bodies of two butterflies together.
• Then, gently lift the wings of the top butterfly.  Place tiny foam tabs between the wings to keep them open.
• Finally, lightly mist with a gold mica spray, then arrange around the clock face and adhere.

Graphic 45 Botanicabella Sympathy Card: Finishing Details

Layer the clock assembly over a Staples Black Laser Cut Banner Tag that has been covered with designer paper.  Orient the tag on the card so that the pretty shaped edge faces the opening.  This gives you a perfect spot to add your flowers, a small chipboard tag, and a snippet of ribbon.  Chipboard tags and stickers like the corner elements I used come with the Deluxe Collector’s Editions.

To add extra detail to the tag, I die cut the delicate flourish from the Square Tag and Clock Dies and then adhered them in the corners.  Staples Stamped Brads add just that extra touch of elegance to the design.

Before I added my black satin bow cluster, I spattered the entire card with diluted walnut ink.  I use a long handled paintbrush with a round end for this task.  I hold the end of the brush with one hand, and tap the brush end with my other hand while moving over the paper surface. It takes a little practice, so try this technique out on magazine pages until you’re comfortable with it.

Graphic 45 Botanicabella Sympathy Card: A Peek Inside

I added a stamped sentiment panel to the card interior, along with a little note card.

The note card is blank so that I have room to write a short note of condolence.

60 Second YouTube Video Tutorial

If you’d like to see how this card came together, I’ve prepared a video tutorial for you.

I hope I’ve shared some tips, tricks and ideas that you can use in your own crafty adventures.  If so, I’d love to hear from you in the comment section below.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

Graphic 45 Botanicabella Sympathy Card Supply List

Graphic 45 Products

• Botanicabella Deluxe Collector’s Edition (includes chipboard and stickers)
• Staples Alpha Banner/Black
• Square Tag and Clock Dies

Other Products

• Burlap
• 3/4″ Black Satin Ribbon
• Gold Metallic String
• Fiskars Simple Thoughts Clear Acrylic Stamps/Memories
• Petaloo Flowers (retired)
• Vintage Button from my stash