Close as a Memory

Sympathy cards are not what we would prefer to have the occasion to send, but when you need one, it's nice to have a good stamp set to use to make it.  Close As A Memory is just such a set.  A set of four images with three sentiments accompanying the watercolor-style floral image comprise this set.

I've actually made two versions of this card with just a couple of differences.  A soft color scheme of Pale Plus and Perfect Plum conveys a sense of serenity and warmth on both.  The flower images were colored with Stampin' Write Markers in Perfect Plum and Old Olive; the texture of the stamp gives the variance in how the colors look. 

For the first card, the greeting was stamped at the bottom in Elegant Eggplant.  I used Whisper White cardstock for this layer but one could also use Watercolor Paper and mist it lightly which would give a lovely watercolored appearance to the flowers.  The corners were punched with the Ticket Corner Punch and a length of Old Olive Mistletoe Ribbon (from the Holiday Mini, not currently available, but perfect for this card) was softly knotted in the center and wrapped around.

The Pale Plum cardstock was run through the Big Shot with the Finial Press Embossing Folder to give it this wonderful dimension!  The corners were treated with the Ticket Corner Punch and then the layer was adhered to the Perfect Plum card to complete it.

The second card starts out the same way but the sentiment is separate.  A saying from the Thoughts and Prayers set was stamped on Whisper White in Elegant Eggplant then punched out with the Scallop Oval punch and the edges lightly sponged with Perfect Plum Ink. 

Another difference on this second card is the background which was stamped with the Bella Toile background stamp in the same color as the cardstock, Pale Plum, for a subtle look ( you may need to click on the picture for a closer view to see it although it is easily visible IRl.)

Both of these cards convey the message with softness and an understated loveliness.  I'm so glad I have this set when I need it; of course, the flowers can be used for many other types of card for happier occasions too!

The insides of both cards are stamped with the verses that come in the set, and they are very nice and appropriate.

The top card was one of the cards I designed for a recent card class for sympathy, get well and thinking of you cards, the kind we seem to always need to have on hand.

Thanks for visiting today!  I appreciate your time and any comments you may leave. {smiles}

Margaret