Now that 2010 is here, I’ve been thinking about what I want to accomplish this year. I’m trying to take a more balanced approach to goal-setting than I have in years past. I want to set great goals yet remain flexible with them. I want to examine my goals closely and not make easily broken resolutions. I want to prioritize my goals so I accomplish the things that matter to me the most. I want to enjoy the journey while remaining focused on the destination.
One goal I’ve set is to creatively stretch myself by participating in design challenges that inspire me. So, I’m excited to share today’s card – Heartfelt – because it represents my first step towards that goal!
I created Heartfelt to express what I felt for my dear friend Carla, who recently lost her mom. I designed the card with Gingersnap Creations Spicy Challenge – GC #34: Sandpaper in mind. The rules for this challenge are simple:
Use sandpaper to distress, to accent dry embossing,
or as a design element in itself.
or as a design element in itself.
Because this was a sympathy card, I chose one of my favorite color combos, blue, purple, and white, as a soothing balm. I used a DCWV card as the base and layered a piece of Sizzix-embossed Core’dinations cardstock, that I sanded and tore so the underlying purple showed through. If you’re not a fan of manly sandpaper, do what I did – use CTMH sandpaper instead (it looks like pretty pink patterned paper!) And, if you don’t own a Sizzix machine, pick up the Feb 2010 Scrapbook Etc. magazine – I pulled my paper from an ad!
I covered the embossed flowers with CTMH flowers, which I lightly brushed with Tim Holtz’s Dusty Concord Distress Ink and CTMH’s Lilac Blue Dye Ink, added jeweled brads in blue, purple, and white to reflect the card’s colors, and added Stampin Up Organdy Ribbon in shades of blue and purple. I used CTMH Daisy White Archival Ink and CTMH stamps to stamp the exterior and inside of the card.
The Heartfelt stamp is from Say It In Style. The verse is from Comforting Thoughts and reads as follows:
May the Lord’s arms comfort you in your time of need.
The challenge is open until January 9th if you’d like to give it a try! You can learn more about the group at Gingersnap Creations and the challenges at the Gingersnap Creations blog.
This card is gorgeous, Ramona! Great use of the sandpaper technique for the challenge, and I love how beautifully the flowers coordinate. I'm sure it will mean a lot to your friend.
Gorgeous card and I love the 'in process' photos. Thanks!
I love the card and how you made it. Your goals sound really good. More power to you with following through.
Looks Wonderful, so glad you decide to join in, Gingersnaps is the Greatest!
Beautiful card! I like the color combo.
This is just simply beautiful.
Great card! I love that color combo too! Thanks for playing the Gingersnap Creations Sandpaper Challenge!
This is beautiful!
What an interesting concept for a sympathy card and the combination of colors for Carla. I'm sure it provided great comfort just knowing how much you cared!
Reta
Positively lovely!
Thank you all for your wonderful comments regarding this card! Although it is always sad when one needs to send send a sympathy card, to me, they are the most important cards you can create, because they have the potential to minister more to the recipient than any other type of card. I know my friend loves cards, so I'm sure she will appreciate the love behind it too!
I saw your card on MIM and instantly loved it! Your verse inside will be so comforting!
Hi
Yes it is true, these cards are always the hardest to make. This beautiful card was undoubtedly well received and appreciated. Such a pretty card.
Thank you for sharing with us at Make It Monday this week.
Michelle :o)
Such a sad occasion for creating this card, but I’m sure the beauty and sentiment within your gorgeous creation will most definitely bring comfort and love to your friend.
Thank you for playing along with us at Make It Monday!
Remember, for a chance to win the prize from our sponsor, leave a comment for another entry and mention that you saw them on Make It Monday.
Lisa xx
This is so lovely, sure would be appreciated!!
Saw this on MIM.
lotsa luv
That brushed distress ink really makes a difference. Saw your project on Make it Monday and had to come over and take a closer look.
TFS
Paul
Crafty Blogocks
DT Member for Catch The Bug