Tag Archives: Sympathy Cards

Graphic 45 Botanicabella Sympathy Card

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.

Graphic 45 Botanicabella Sympathy Card Botanicabella by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 01

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

Graphic 45 Botanicabella Sympathy Card Botanicabella by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 02

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

Graphic 45 Botanicabella Sympathy Card Botanicabella by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 03

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

Graphic 45 Botanicabella Sympathy Card Botanicabella by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 04

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.

Graphic 45 Botanicabella Sympathy Card Botanicabella by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 05

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

Graphic 45 Botanicabella Sympathy Card Botanicabella by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 06

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

Graphic 45 Botanicabella Sympathy Card Botanicabella by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 07The 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

Other Products

Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog Hop: Back to Basics

Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog Hop: Back to Basics Ribbon Club Assortment

Hello, Ribbon Lovers!  It’s time for the December 2017 Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog Hop.  You should be coming here from Karen’s lovely blog.  This month we are showcasing the Back to Basics Ribbon Club Assortment.  These elegant ribbons  come in an array of neutral hues and classic prints making it a must have for your crafty stash.

The photograph really doesn’t do this lovely assortment justice.  But perhaps this soft blue sympathy card will give you a better idea of just how lovely these ribbons are.

Blue Sympathy Card New England by Kathy Clement for Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog Hop Product by Stamperia Photo 1

These pretty grey ribbons are the perfect companion for this sympathy card.

Blue Sympathy Card New England by Kathy Clement for Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog Hop Product by Stamperia Photo 2

The base layer for my bow cluster is a double loop bow tied with Shell Grey Taffeta Ribbon.  I topped this with a second double loop created from Metal Grey Mini Dots Satin. To add just a touch of shimmer, I tied a double loop bow with Silver Metallic String.

Blue Sympathy Card New England by Kathy Clement for Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog Hop Product by Stamperia Photo 3Of course, I used my trusty Bow-it-All Tool to create each layer of the bow.  And to add dimension to the card, I’ve separated the layers with foam adhesive. The gorgeous die cut layer is a Spellbinder’s Die.

Blue Sympathy Card New England by Kathy Clement for Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog Hop Product by Stamperia Photo 4The inside of the card is simply finished with designer papers and a stamped sentiment.

Blue Sympathy Card New England by Kathy Clement for Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog Hop Product by Stamperia Photo 5I added a sweet ribbon border with Shell Grey Mini Dots Satin Ribbon.  It just elevates the whole design.

Be sure to visit each of the blogs on the Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog Hop and leave some love behind.  Then hop on over to the RRR Blog and answer Bonnie’s question of the month to be entered into a drawing for your very own Back to Basics Ribbon Club Assortment.

If you haven’t signed up for the Monthly Ribbon Club yet, you can get all the information HERE.  Maybe you can tell Santa this is on the top of your Christmas Wish List!

Now, hop on over and see what paper pretties Cherry has in store for you.

Thanks for hopping!

Cheerio,

kathy

Memories Shabby Chic Sympathy Card

Memories Shabby Chic Sympathy Card with RRR Center Stitched Burlap Ribbon

Hello, Ribbon Lovers!  Sympathy cards fall into the category of cards you hope you never have to make.  Receiving cards and notes after the loss of a loved one is so meaningful and comforting that I try to make them extra special.  This Memories shabby chic sympathy card uses one of my all time favorite sympathy sentiment stamps and lovely Pink Center Stitch Burlap Ribbon.

Memories Shabby Chic Sympathy Card by Kathy Clement for Really Reasonable Ribbon Photo 1

I like to keep everything on a sympathy card soft: the colors, the textures, and even the images.  Using  a natural fiber ribbon like the burlap center stitch helps me achieve these goals.

Memories Shabby Chic Sympathy Card by Kathy Clement for Really Reasonable Ribbon Photo 2The base of this 5″ x 6″  is created from one strip of 12″ x 5″ cardstock.  First I scored the paper on the long side at 4″ and  8.75″.  Then I  folded along the score lines.  This allowed me to create a cutaway card front and an inner pocket.

Memories Shabby Chic Sympathy Card: An Easy Way to Add a Pocket

Memories Shabby Chic Sympathy Card by Kathy Clement for Really Reasonable Ribbon Photo 3

Use a punch to add a decorative edge to the pocket, then line with designer papers.  Glue just the top and bottom edges to form the pocket.

Memories Shabby Chic Sympathy Card by Kathy Clement for Really Reasonable Ribbon Photo 4

Top the tag with a simple square knot bow.  I also added a teabag and honey stick to the pocket.  For me, nothing is more comforting than a hot cup of tea.

Natural fiber ribbon can sometimes be more challenging to tie, but if you use your Zutter-Bow-it-All Tool, you’ll find it’s much easier.

I hope this Memories shabby chic sympathy card brings comfort to the friend who received it.  and I hope I’ve shared some tips and tricks that you’ll be able to use in your own crafty adventures.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

Graphic 45 Botanicabella Sympathy Card

Botanical Sympathy Card with Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts and Graphic 45 Botanicabella

Hello, Friends!  I’m so happy to be sharing another project with you as a guest designer.  While I don’t have a tutorial, I do have some great tips for working with chipboard titles and laser cut doilies.

 

This 5″ x 7″ sympathy card is made with Graphic 45’s Botanicabella Deluxe Collector’s Edition.  I kept fussing with all the layers, but the card just wasn’t coming together for me. I liked all the elements, but the composition just wasn’t working.   Then I remembered that I had a package of Words & Phrases I in my chippie stash.

Adding this elegant chipboard title was the key to making this composition work.  I painted the chipboard with Black Soot Distress ink, and sprinkled it with Stampendous Aged Black Embossing Enamel while the paint was still wet.  In no time flat the chipboard was transformed into a thing of beauty.

 

I think it looks like metal, and I love the dimension that embossing with enamel lends to chipboard.  I backed the title with paper from the collection, then trimmed away the excess.    Magic!  I also cut a gorgeous GSL laser cut doily in half and tucked it behind my fussy cut bird.  This helped the image stand out from the background.  These are not currently in the shop, but Gina assures me that more are on the way, so keep your eyes open for them!

 

 
The interior of the card has a pocket with a hand made notecard.
I’m making this card for my cousin, and I wanted to tuck in some old family photos of her mom in with the card.  The pocket will keep them safe.
The lower half of the card has more paper layers and a hand stamped sentiment.
It never fails to amaze me how a little bit of chipboard can take a project from so-so to superb!  I hope I’ve shared some new ideas with you here today.  Thanks so much for stopping by!
 

Cheerio,

kathy

 

Product links:

 

Save

Balmy Breeze Sympathy Card Tutorial

Heartfelt Creations December Alumni Hop: Sympathy Card

Hello, Friends! Welcome to the Heartfelt Creations December Alumni Hop. You should be coming here from the very lovely Regina Hamilton’s beautiful blog. I’ve prepared a Balmy Breeze Sympathy Card tutorial to share with you here today.

This has been a hard couple of weeks for the Heartfelt Creations family as we lost one of our very dear members. Penny O’Dell went home to be with the Lord quite suddenly on December 14th. Penny and I were teammates together and she had such a lovely, giving spirit, incredible creativity and eye for beauty. We are all stunned and saddened at her loss, and pray that her family and close friends will be comforted at this difficult time. This blog hop is dedicated to her memory, and in that vein, I created this Balmy Breeze Sympathy Card.

Kathy by Design/Balmy Breeze Sympathy Card 01The color palette of this collection is just right for a sympathy card.  And I love the serenity of this image.  Lighthouses help to guide us out of life’s storms and lead us into safe harbor.  I pray that for Penny’s family.  There is a tutorial below that you can follow to re-create this card.

Kathy by Design/Balmy Breeze Sympathy Card 02I framed the lighthouse image in a chipboard frame, then framed it again with the elegant Lattice Swirl Dies.  My small flowers are made with the Mini Vintage Floret stamps and dies.  I created the banner sentiment by cutting down one of the journal note cards and then stamping with the Sympathy Sentiment Stamps.  The bow cluster is made with  grey plaid ribbon topped with Iridescent Metallic String, a Vintage Floret rosebud and a sand dollar charm that I painted with Picket Fence Distress Paint.

Kathy by Design/Balmy Breeze Sympathy Card 03The interior is finished with layered papers from the collection and another of the beautiful sympathy sentiment stamps.

From here, you should hop on over to visit the one and only Gloria Stengel.  I know she will have something inspiring to share with you.

The hop will remain open until midnight January 1st.  Be sure to visit all the blogs and leave a comment, as one of you will be randomly chosen to win a $25 gift card to Heartfelt Creations from one of the blogs. The winner will be announced on our blogs on Saturday, January 2nd.  You will then have 72 hours to claim your prize, or a new name will be randomly chosen.

Thank you so much for stopping by.

Cheerio,

kathy

Balmy Breeze Sympathy Card TUTORIAL

Supplies for Balmy Breeze Sympathy Card:
Directions for making a Balmy Breeze Sympathy Card:
  • Create a 6″ x 5.25″ side fold card base. I did this by cutting a 5.25″ x 12″ rectangle from a  12″ x 12″ sheet of brown cardstock. Score at 6″ and crease so that the fold is on the left and the card is wider than it is tall.
  • Cut a 5.5″ x 5″ rectangle from tan paper in the collection.  Mat on a slightly larger piece of teal cardstock and glue onto the card base.
  • Cut a 5 3/8″ x 3 3/8″ rectangle of the ship’s wheel paper.  Mat with a slightly larger piece of both teal and brown cardstock.  Glue to the upper third of the  card base, about 1/4″ from the top edge of the card base.
  • Find the lighthouse paper in the collection.  Trace around the outside of a 3.5″ x 4.5″ rectangular chipboard frame.  My frame was pre-finished with a grey plaid design, but you could use any chipboard frame.  Trim out the image and glue to the back of the frame, trimming away any excess around the edges.  Sand the edges and ink with Vintage Photo Distress Ink.  Tap with Picket Fence Distress Paint to soften the color a bit. Glue to the card base so that the bottom edge of the frame is about 3/4″ from the bottom of the card base.
  • Die cut the lattice swirls from the cream pearlized cardstock and glue on either side of the framed image.
  • Stamp the mini vintage florets onto teal designer paper from the collection and heat emboss with white embossing powder.  Shape and stack.  Fill the centers with grey pearls. Brush the petals with Diamond Stickles. Set aside to dry.
  • Tie a double layer bow with the grey gingham.  Top with an Iridescent Metallic String Bow and the painted sand dollar charm.  Use the glue gun to secure to the card base.
  • Cut one of the journal cards into a fishtail banner shape.  Mat with teal and brown cardstock.  Stamp “In Sympathy” onto the tag.  Use hot glue to put in place.
  • Glue prepared flowers onto the card.
  • For the interior: Layer papers from the collection as shown, using the dark script paper on the top.  Stamp the sentiment onto a light teal designer paper and mat with teal cardstock.  Glue into place.