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Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Sending Prayers

 Hello, I'm especially happy that you've come back to my blog today. I'm sharing a sympathy card for a friend. It's always sad to need one of these. I don't usually have a stash of them but I may fix that now that I've made this one. 

I used a stamp from Penny Black from my stash ( 40-744 Garden Variety) and tried a new layout idea which has been shared often by a fabulous artist. I've been watching amazing videos by Micheline Jourdain and I gave one of her techniques a try. 

It worked well for a sympathy card. I can't wait to try it again using more of my stamps. 


Beginning with masking and a watercolor wash, I inked the stamp with Distress inks and stamped onto watercolor paper. Removing the mask, I added some bits of the image outside of the masked area, adding details and shading. 

The sentiment was partially heat embossed with gold and the smaller text in gold ink. I like the way the sentiment is the focal point. Spatters in orange and gold were the last touch. I may have added a bit too much - but I was having fun! And motivated to get on my way to other tasks, lol! 


I know this post is pretty long already but I want to let you know what I've been up to. I've had need to go to physical therapy for the last months, and you know, that takes time but my sciatica and medial epicondylitis (called golfers' or tennis elbow, but I might add, crafters get it too!) are improving. 

I also spent the last month doing a HUGE down-size to my craft supplies. I have been long overwhelmed with TOO MANY CHOICES and not finding where things were in the craft room -- so getting rid of MANY older  and some current stamps, inks, dies, and some even much older STUFF, has helped immensely. I also regrouped many of my stamps by theme instead of by companies, thinking this will make it easier for me to combine supplies from various companies and use what I have. How will this affect you? 

I'm going to stop listing all my supplies except the stamps or dies that are current. If you really want to know a certain supply, please just shoot me a reply to the post. I am also trying to keep my cards more simple.

I hope to be enjoying my streamlined space more often and kudos to you for sticking with me through this long post! I will end it here and send you a quick hug!

Be yourself

          Have delight in your craft 

               Make something beautiful!  





Challenges: 

4 seasons - Anything goes Spring

Krafty Chicks - All Occasions 

Beautiful Blossoms Challenge - Florals

Penny Black Saturday Challenge 

8 comments:

The Crafty Den said...

What a beautiful sympathy card Cindy. I love the soft watercoloured image and your CAS design looks fantastic. Thanks for sharing with us at Krafty Chicks challenge. Hugs, Denise x

Karen Letchworth said...

This is far beyond just pretty....it's stunning. I love the gold embossing and the splatters of pink and gold. Thanks so much for sharing with us at The Four Seasons.

Leslie Miller said...

Oh, Cindy, we are so on the same page again. First I must say your card is simply beautiful and the splatters are not too much at all. I love the colors, nice and gentle for a sympathy card. A lovely stamp as well. I, too, have been watching Mimi's videos in the evenings. It's so relaxing how she conveys every detail of the process without a single word and only the music in the background. I do love her choice of music also. She's amazing. I'm sorry about your sciatica and golfer's elbow. I've had both and it's no picnic. Life outside the craft room takes a lot of time. I'm right there with you about downsizing and the streamlining of the supply list. I group the same way but keep Penny Black and Lavinia in their own bins. I'm trying out some other ideas for limiting choices when I shop. Simplify. I will be watching to see how this pans out for you. Thank you for sharing your ideas, Cindy!

Anke said...

WOW your card is so beautiful ...

Donna Walls said...

Beautiful card and technique. I love the "artsy" look of the stamped image. Thanks for joining us at The Beautiful Blossoms Challenge and we look forward to seeing more of your lovely cards soon.
Donna xx
The Beautiful Blossoms Challenge
The Paper Funday Challenges
The Inspiration Station Challenge Blog

Stephanie Lanzalotto said...

Your card is gorgeous, Cindy. I love the masked strip with the watercolor wash with the floral image atop and over the edge. I am going over to check out Micheline Jourdain right after this. I am glad you are feeling better, and I can so relate to the changes you needed and noted. I always enjoy your work. Thanks so much for joining us in our April challenge at The Four Seasons.

stampinwithanita said...

I love Penny Black's stamps and this is a great technique to showcase this stamp. Lovely card for a sad occasion. Best wishes for a speedy recovery and I need to clean out stamps, too! Thank you for joining us at The Beautiful Blossoms Challenge!

Helen said...

Beautiful design and sentiment - love it.

And well done on your reorganisation - hope it helps you to enjoy your crafting more.

Thanks for joining us at the Beautiful Blossoms Challenge.

Helen x
DT