Long time no see! This is probably the hardest card I have ever created in my life and not because of the theme. It has been well over a year since I have had the joy of creating a card. I can’t begin to explain the huge losses I have endured. In 2023, I would have told you 2023 was the worst year of my life. I had a health crisis and just as I was coming to terms with that, I lost my best friend, my heart and soul dog to cancer at the very young age of 4. So, 2023 was brutal. I began to regroup and was planning to start 2024 by creating a scrapbook in honor of his memory. Sadly, my losses would continue in 2024. Close To My Heart, which had been a huge part of my life, my passion for the last 28 years, closed their doors. I decided I had enough craft supplies to last a few years and would just take a step back until I decided where I wanted to go in my crafting future. On March 20, 2024, my home burned to the ground. We sadly lost everything including the lives of additional family pets. My thirty year craft collection was no longer. Which is in part, why this card was so incredibly hard to create. When you are used to having a fully stocked craft room, it is especially hard to start over from ground zero. Crafting has always brought me joy and I am determined to once again have joy in my life.
My card is based on the sketch challenge at Freshly Made Sketches–
Unfortunately, my need for sympathy cards is great. I would have loved to have started back into my card making with a joyous occasion, but could not bring myself to buy a sympathy card. Thankfully the sketch made the design part easy. I started with a Very Vanilla base and added rectangles of pattern paper from the Sweater Weather paper collection by Echo Park. I stamped my sentiment in Memento Tuxedo Black ink and then embossed the whole panel with the Changing Leaves embossing folder. A few leaf stems were die cut from the same papers. A bit of extra texture was added with a strip of burlap twine.
My card was created with the following supplies:
- Inside Out Sympathy Sentiments Stamps-Catherine Pooler
- Sweater Weather Pattern Paper-Echo Park
- Very Vanilla Cardstock-Stampin Up
- Tuxedo Black Ink-Memento
- Changing Leaves Embossing Folder-Stampin Up
- Lush Leaves Die-MFT
- Burlap Twine-Close To My Heart
I have also entered my card in the following challenges:
- As You Like It Challenge-Ribbon or Twine (My go to is twine, I love the added texture it brings without overwhelming the card design)
- Creative Knockouts-Use Your Favorite Embellie (Burlap)
- Simon Says Stamp-Fall Mood Board
Thanks so much for stopping by!
A beautiful take on the sketch! I love the embossed panels and color combo.
Wow, that’s been a very stressful 2 years for you! Praying that you are able to find little bits of joy during the remainder of the year.
I can’t imagine what you’ve been through!
But blessings upon you 🙏🏻
I am so deeply sorry for your many losses!! Praying for you!!
Goodness! You have been through a lot lately. Your card is a wonderful take on the sketch and I love the colours. Thank you for sharing at AYLI. Lynne DT
This is so pretty! I love the leaves embossed right over the background! Thank you for playing along with us at Freshly Made Sketches.
Such a beautiful card! I love this rich color palette, perfect for fall, and the texture is just amazing! Thanks for joining us at FMS this week.
So sorry to read of your losses over the past few years. Thank you for sharing your creativity with us at AYLI. The twine is a lovely touch. Sarah
Oh, I loved the card and my heart goes out to you regarding your tough years! I hope it goes well for you beginning again with this craft that gives you so much joy. Your sharing after such difficulties makes me smile today. Saying a prayer for you and sending hugs.