Another En Francais

I just stumbled across a photo of a card I made last year, and it uses the En Francais background stamp again.  This time it's used in the more direct sense and I think it creates an elegant backdrop for the flowers from Everything Eleanor.

Hope your week is off to a great start!
Cheers
Karen

Hope & Strength

I've read this before - and said it before - but Sympathy cards rank among the most difficult cards to make.  Even harder when it's for a loved one of your own.  Thanks to some inspiration from U.S. demonstrator Linda Gutierrez, I found a beautiful idea using the Hope & Strength set.   I've replaced the "Hope" stamp with one from Teeny Tiny Sentiments and I think it's lovely.  The words are perfect - believe, unity, love, together, strength, blessed & courage;  all things that we wish for those left behind.  And the faux mother of pearl technique gives the card an elegance while the butterfly reminds us that life goes on.

I love to read your comments, so let me know if you like it.......but remember the credit goes to Linda Gutierrez in California. 

Thanks for stopping by.
Karen

Sympathy Card using Season of Friendship

Here's another card I made yesterday, but it wouldn't photograph well - I know, I have to work on my photo skills.  A new camera is on my wish list for 2011!   Anyway, I had more success in the morning light today.

This one is very plain, and uses the stamp set directly on the card - it's almost a one layer card with just those bits of trim on the right hand side and the scallop edge.    I've put DSP onto the inside back of the card to show up against the scallop and add some interest.   The Season of Friendship stamp set is sadly retired.  It was a favourite of mine because you can do so much with the tree - it also has a flower, bird & snowflake stamp.  But why am I telling you this when it's not for sale anymore......:-(( sorry!

Pop back tomorrow for my Mojo Monday sketch.
Karen

Sympathy Cards

These are cards I struggle with - and I don't think I'm on my own here.   Anyway, I played around with a few designs today after casing a card I saw on SCS.  It seems that anything goes and you can find samples in every design and colour.

But for me, I think the best cards are simple ones when it comes to this sad occasion.   And perhaps an understated colour scheme is best too.  Tone on tone works well and you can always add depth by sponging edges to give definition without adding fussy details.

Here's the cased card - mine's a little different to the original but the idea is to get a silhouette against a sunset or early evening sky.    I quite like it.

Then there's the leaves - they are a popular one for sympathy cards and the colours in this card are lovely.   I really like this leaf punch.  It's a nice size, it layers well and I love the shape. 

I also made another card but I couldn't get a good picture so I'll photograph it again and add it tomorrow.

Thanks for looking
Karen