Mar 31 2012
Ribbon Inspiration/Stamp Simply Style – Words of Comfort
Welcome to another Saturday with our regular feature – Ribbon Inspiration/Stamp Simply Style. Today the design team was asked to create a project where the sentiment is the focal image, conveying Words of Comfort. This type of card is a long time favorite for me and I know you’ll love all the projects the design team has created. You can find the link list at the end of this post.
Here’s my card for today:
I took the opportunity with today’s challenge to make a sympathy card for my stash. I can never seem to get ahead on sympathy cards, try as I might.
And just a word about sympathy cards in general. I often get comments from readers that they are surprised to see my sympathy cards with either a fair amount of color or highly embellished. Many feel sympathy cards should be more plain and somber, considering the circumstances. Well, I certainly do make those type of sympathy cards as well, but I see nothing wrong with putting a bit of extra time, effort, love and embellishment into a sympathy card — especially when I know the receipient will truly appreciate a hand made card. If it puts a little smile on their face for only the few seconds it takes them to read it, then my mission was accomplished!
Unbeknown to me until I started writing this description, I used two different paper pads for my card front. I had two new pads by Lily Bee Design opened in front of me, trying to decide which to use. Well, I apparently pulled one sheet from each pad, but it works for me! The top damask type sheet is from Victoria Park and the lower dotted sheet is from Buttercup. I love both those pads and had a hard time deciding, so I guess this is a good trade-off — LOL!!!
All Lily Bee Design pads can be seen here.
The sentiment I used today is from JustRite’s With Sympathy clear set – certainly a go-to set for sympathy cards and more. There is a Spellbinders die made for JustRite specifically to go with With Sympathy and other JustRite sets — Nested Oval Medallion Labels Die — but I didn’t use that die set today. I opted to use Romantic Rectangles — a new Spelbinders release that I am really loving. I used the same stamp set and same die set on the card inside as well, shown further down.
One little word about Romantic Rectangles — I have both a Cuttlebug and a Grand Calibur Wizard. When using this die, no matter which machine I use, I have to run it through a few times to get it to cut all the way through and around. I’m assuming it is only because of all the intricate detail, or perhaps my machines are loose? Whatever the reason, I love this die and it is certainly no problem to crank it through an extra time or two — just wanted to point that out in case anyone else is experiencing the same — not sure, maybe it’s only me.
I like to use Versa Fine Onyx Black ink for crisp, clear sentiments. And these pads seem to last almost forever, truly!
I adorned the sentiment rectangle with Lippy Red Kaisercraft Rhinestones and it is elevated using 3D Foam Squares. I like this brand because the paper topping peels off very easily.
This was a fun ribbon treatment. I’ll give you a quick how-to with links to the supplies.
Using a length of 1.5″ Satin Pleats run 1/4″ Scor Tape along the center seam line.
Adhere 1/4″ Grosgrain with Picot Edge on top of the 1/4″ Scor Tape.
Run 1/2″ Scor Tape along the seam on your card panel where the two papers meet.
Slowly adhere the ribbon strip (pleats with grosgrain attached) over the 1/2″ Scor Tape, pleating as you go. I use my finger as a measurement to get the pleats evenly spaced. Pre-plan where you want to place your flower cluster and apply the ribbon flat in that spot (no pleats), then resume pleats until you reach the end of the panel.
Make a fairly large bow of 5/8″ Crochet Lace (black) and leave long tails that you will trim when done.
Being very generous with your glue (I use Aleene’s glues from superstores), glue on your lace bow and then layer the embellishments as follows:
Glue on two leaves from Prima’s Laraine flower package — I used Black Tie
Position and glue on two of Prima’s Petal Pins – I used Beads (yes, you could push the pins through, but once I’m gluing I add them to glued layers)
Glue on flowers — I used the larger black flower from Prima’s Laraine Black Tie and two Fairytale Roses in Coral.
Press and hold with your fingers for a bit until the glue takes hold. Once it dries, these are on tight and for good!
I always like to use the left over pieces from cutting the card front for the inside and that’s what I did here.
The inside sentiment is from the same set used on the card front, JustRite’s With Sympathy clear set.
This was fun! The pretty little strip of trim was made of black cardstock using the largest die in the Romantic Rectangles set that I used for the focal image sentiment. Just another way to get a bit more use out of a die set. I am totally delighted with the pretty little border and will ceratinly use this die for borders again!
And here’s my finished card in its A6 Clear Box. This is one of the cards in a bit larger size that I’ve been enjoying of late. The card is 6.5″ x 4.75″, made this size so it perfectly fits inside an A6 Clear Box. Whenever I make a card with dimension, I put it into a Clear Box for protection as soon as I am done. These boxes also make for a really WOW impression. People love getting a card in a clear box — it’s universal — LOL!!!
All items used are available at The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store, as linked above.
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Store News
The section of Prima Flowers is filled to overflowing with sweet, lush goodness!
There is a lot of new paper with olders pads at reduced priced — search by the size you prefer (6×6, A4, 8×8, 12×12) and then you can narrow it down by manufacturer.
There are a lot of NEW Spellbinders dies, with much of the older supply at reduced prices.
Spellbinders double embossing folders, M-Bossabilities, are in stock! Fabulous idea by Spellbinders — you get 2 embossing folder designs for the price of one!
You can scan all new product under What’s New?
You can see all reduced items under Specials.
You can also find reduced items in the Sale Bins.
Check out the Categories on the left sidebar of the store for easy browsing.
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Blog Candy
Today’s Blog Candy consists of the following:
6×6 pad of Enchanted by Bo Bunny (a luscious black and white pad in elegant/classic designs)
Stamp Simply Basics Embellishment Kit in Hot Pink (contains 1/2″ Wrinkled Ribbon, Fairytales Roses, Rhinestones)
1.5″ Satin Pleats in White
5/8″ Crochet Lace in Black and White
1/4″ Grosgrain with Picot Edge in Black
As always, this is a Mystery Blog Candy, meaning the winner will be drawn from comments on one of today’s participating blogs, so leaving a comment on each blog will greatly increase your chances of winning, but only one comment per blog, please. The winner will be selected at 6 p.m. Eastern time on Tuesday, April 3 and will be posted here on my blog on Wednesday or thereafter.
You must check back to claim your prize if you are the lucky winner!
Good luck!
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Please enjoy your hop around the blogs of these fabulous designers. I know you’ll love their projects!
Sharon Johnson – The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store
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I am so glad you stopped in today and joined our hop. I hope you enjoyed it! We love having you visit us and we enjoy hearing your comments. Many thanks!
Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!
See you soon!
67 responses so far
Gorgeous design Sharon! The satin pleated ribbon adds such a luxurious touch, along with all of the extra pretties! Loving the new paper too!
Sharon, this card is creative and absolutely wonderful for the sentiment it portrays. The ribbon treatment is so beautiful. I agree; in a time of despair, any touch of color will bring a moment of joy to the recipient. Beautiful work!
Beautiful card. I love the details with the ribbon and lace. I too like to bring in some color on sympathy cards.
I love your card….it just so happens I have to make a sympathy card for someone hubby works with and this gives me inspiration to do that….these are the most difficult cards for me to make.
Love the blog candy items….so rich and exquisite.
What a beautiful card, thank you for sharing and the chance to win.
I love the black and white and those red roses just pop right out at you. Such a lovely card.
theres nothing more elegant than the black and white.. so beautiful for many occasions..
and the color roses you chose is perfect.. i adore the verse also…
thanks so much for sharing
lynn l
Such a gorgeous card and done in all my favorite colors.
Love how you done the ribbon and roses layout. Really elegant looking and I agree, the red roses really makes it pop. Nice added touch
ColleenB.
This card is absolutely gorgeous! I love that dp and the roses and lace are spectacular!
I love the card- especially the flower bouquet. Thanks for taking the time to explain the pleating.
Love the black and white. Beautiful Card Sharon!
This is so elegant and pretty. Sure to give comfort to the receiver. Love the little red roses on the black and white.
Sharon, I love this card. In fact, your cards are the reason I make purchases from your store! I love black and white….so classy. And using this color scheme for a sympathy card works so well. Thanks for all the inspiration and the chance to win!
Beautiful card so elegant. Thanks for your inspiration
Marilyn
love the paper and the great flowers! these colors work so well together with the verse
Such an elegant card and awesome prize package.
Simply beautiful! I agree that for someone who appreciates handmade cards a special effort is made. This is certain to bring a fleeting smile to those in need of one.
This is such a beautiful card! I love the layered ribbons and flower cluster. It’s beautiful and very appropriate for a sympathy card.
WOW, how bizarre is this… it is 1 year ago today that my Aunt and best friend in the world passed away from cancer. She was only 4 yrs older than me. I miss her more than I can say and then I opened you’re email and saw that card. I cannot believe how comforting that was for me as I sit here crying my eyes out. Your latest creation is gorgeous. Thank you Sharon.
Gorgeous creation and wonderful sentiments. Hand made sympathy cards are always so special.
Gorgeous! Love the black and white with a touch of red! Awesome blog candy too!
Sharon, oh my word, what a gorgeous card…inside and out! I absolutely love the touch of color with the roses and amazing stick pins. I love it! Hugs and blessings, Sabrina
Such a Lovely Sympathy card, these are always the hardest to make for me… but you did a wonderful job on this one!!! Love both papers, they look like they should be from the same pad to me… very pretty!!! And then all the extra detail work too!
Lovely sympathy card–inside and out.
Absolutely GORGEOUS!!!
love the black and white!
Your sympathy card is absolutely gorgeous! The papers you used are beautiful, and I love the white/black ribbon treatment paired with the black crochet lace bow – along with the rich/vibrant color of the flowers. And, the inside of your card is just as beautiful as the outside. Thank you for providing such great inspiration. It seems I need too many sympathy cards these days.
Wow Sharon, this is beautiful! I love that you used the blog hop prize in your card.
The sympathy card you created for the beautiful sentiment it showcases is perfect. Love how you did the inside too.
Beautiful! A timeless, classic look. Great job!
I have been using the same background paper for my sympathy cards, but your decoration gives it so much more
as always a beautiful card
Gorgeous sympathy card! Love the ribbon & lace! Great border from the rectangle dies!
Your card is absolutely stunning! Thank you for the opportunity to win blog candy.
Another gorgeous card! I especially love the way you used the Romantic Rectangle die for the inside. Thanks for sharing the tip & for giving us a chance to win that wonderful blog candy!
I really like the black and white papers you used. Thanks for also getting us to think about using colors on sympathy cards..think outside the box. Thanks also for the chance at the drawing.
Lorrie
A beautiful sympathy card! And, I agree a pop of color can bring a brief smile and the hope that it will get better, as life does go on. We must always remember to count our blessings no matter what life might hand us. Thanks for the inspiration to rethink our making of sympathy cards and bring a bit of hope to the recipient.
This is gorgeous. I love the black and white. These papers are so pretty. I love that ribbon – beautiful and the jewellled pins. What a wonderful sentiment.
A beautiful black and white card that looks so elegant, it could be used for almost any occasion.
Sharon, Your work is always so stunning. I love the black and white with the splash of red, so elegant. Thanks for the chance to win this wonderful prize package.
Beautiful card!
Tina
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What a stunning card the colors and textures are beautiful. TFS 🙂
very beautiful card Sharon. I so love your design and color combination. Using black/white dp and colorful flowers is stunning and elegant
I find sympathy cards are the hardest to make. Yours is a beautiful inspiration. Thank you so much for sharing.
Gorgeous Card – and I agree with you – your cards in your clear boxes are an extra wow factor and a beautiful card like this would add comfort to the sorrowing just in knowing someone cared enough to make a card this gorgeous!
what a beautiful sympathy card!!
Gorgeous sympathy card, Sharon! You’ve made it so elegant with the beautiful papers, trims and flowers!
What a stunning sympathy card…
Your card is very elegant. I love the black and white. Sympathy cards are hard for me, but JustRite’s new set is making it somewhat easier. You card gives me lots of inspiration.
Lovely card as usual Sharon! The paper is gorgeous, the trim and flowers suit perfectly and the sentiment is on my “to buy” list!
Lovely card! The ribbons and trims are beautiful! Love the black/white/red color combo too!
DeniseB
Hi Sharon,
Simply gorgeous and so the sentiment is so comforting!
Loving that wide ribbon, and the embleshments sure are beautiful. Never thought of using this color combo for a sympathy card. Thank you for sharing, and a chance to win such beautiful blog candy, not to sweet, just right.
I’m such a color person, but I find myself drawn to black and white. In fact it makes up a large part of my personal wardrobe. Black and white cards always look so elegant and this one certainly does. The embellishments are jsut perfect.
Love black and white together. The red flowers just pop out at you! Beautiful design.
I love black and white! I also really like the pleated ribbon. I also love how you finish off the inside too. I have recently started doing that.
Stunning card. Love the black and white paper.
Beautiful card.
Sharon,
Once again, a stunning card. My favorite item was the pleated ribbon. I have done this using dampened paper which I then pleated in the same manner as you used.
Sharon, this is gorgeous! Black and white is so elegant and versatile-can be used for several occasions. Thank you!
Absolutely beautiful!!!!! Love the black and white which is always elegant. Thanks for a chance to win the blog candy.
gorgeous sympathy card, sharon. I liked the black and white color theme with the pop of red accent pieces. Thanks for the quick tip on pleating. Will definitely be using that one.
Glad that you agree not all sympathy cards should be one dimensional; I like to add a few embellishments on mine too. Your card is beautiful, Sharon; the ribbon is my favorite.
Very pretty card. I do agree that you can never have too many sympathy cards. Cheers!
[…] last week’s Blog Hop — Ribbon Inspiration/Stamp Simply Style — we had created projects conveying Words of Comfort if you missed it. The winner was selected this week from right here on my blog. The winner […]
This is an amazing card! I have been looking for ideas to share with my customers in conjunction with my sympathy gifts. I would love to feature this on my website if I have your permission?
Thank you so much!
This beautiful sympathy card is now featured at http://remembermegiftboutique.com/category_146/Ideas-for-Creating-Your-Own-Unique-Sympathy-Cards.htm. Thank you Sharon! Love this!