Here’s hoping your Monday is off to a great start so far! For my Monday with Melissa today, I’ve created a really simple but fun card to share…made me happy the whole time creating it.
Sympathy cards aren’t the type I create very often, but certainly have found that they are needed quite often.
And, this easy technique is one I’ll be using again and again….I’ll show you what I mean below!
I started with Stamper’s Select White cardstock and the Mix & Mat: Pretty Brackets die.
I then used the circle die from the Tag Sale #12 die collection to cut a window from the center of my Pretty Brackets die cut.
I started framing in my window by using images from the Bitty Bouquets stamp set. My stems were stamped in Spring Moss and Prairie Grass.
My blooms were stamped in Sweet Blush and Hibiscus Burst with the centers stamped in Summer Sunrise.
I added more blooms to build more fulness around my window using different images from Bitty Bouquets. I stamped in Spring Rain and Lavender Moon.
Lavender Moon, Aqua Mist, and a bit of Summer Sunrise ink were used on this final bit of stamping.
Lastly, I added a bit of Aqua Mist ink, sponging it over my florals. I love the soft, dreamy effect this adds.
To build my card, I began with a white cardstock base, rounding the bottom corners. I added a strip of Bitty Big Lilac Grace paper across the top. I stamped my sentiment from the Expressions of Empathy stamp set on the die cut circle left from die cutting the window from the center of the Mix & Mat: Pretty Brackets die cut.
Using dimensional adhesive, I added my floral stamped layer. Dimensional adhesive is one of my must have craft supplies. I love creating depth, and for this particular technique, in order to show off your window, dimensional adhesive is essential.
Lastly, I added a few sequins to finish and add a little sparkle and shine.
Supplies:
- STAMPS: Expressions of Empathy and Bitty Bouquet
- INK: Aqua Mist, Lilac Grace, Lavender Moon, Sweet Blush, Hibiscus Burst, Spring Moss, Prairie Grass, Summer Sunrise, Spring Rain
- CARDSTOCK: Stamper’s Select White, Bitty Big Lilac Grace
- DIES: Mix & Mat: Pretty Brackets, Tag Sale: #12
- OTHER: sequins, seam binding
I hope you’ll give this a try! Think of all of the fun possibilities using different dies and stamp sets…enjoy!
Christine Nixon says
Really beautiful card, Melissa – great technique!
Sue says
I love this series. You have inspired me to use my frames in a new way.
Alison says
Love how you used the Mix & Mat: Pretty Brackets and the Bitty Bouquet stamps ! The Bitty Bouquet stamps are becoming one of my favorites.
Beeba kapoor says
Beautiful card . Would love to make this following your instructions.
Melanie Ann MacKenzie says
Really beautiful card and although I do love lots of layers, this one is very mail friendly. Thanks for sharing. Cheers.
Jan Metcalf says
Love how you made the Bitty Bouquets come to life, and on one of my favorite Mix and Mats!
Carol Sturgess says
Levi’s card. The best part is I have bitty bouquets and all the inks ! Think I will try this card this afternoon.
Thanks Melissa
Becky Green says
SO GORGEOUS, Melissa!!! 😉 LOVE this floral matted piece! The colors, dies & stamps you’ve used make this come alive!!! 😉
Cindy H. says
Melissa, your card is soooo beautiful! I am truly inspired. Thank you.
christal mclean says
With a change of sentiments, this would be suitable for any occasion. Melissa’s attention to details is always stunning and it begs the eye to observe every little nuance of this card and each card she creates! I love her style! We all win with “Mondays with Melissa”!
Kristen says
So beautiful! This would bless anyone going through a difficult time.
Pat Ackley says
Melissa, this card is so soft and pretty. I love this series and I love your style!
Sue says
This card is absolutely stunning! Love the choice of florals and colors used. Melis, how did you create the color variance in some of the blooms? Thank you for sharing!
Karen F. says
I have a hard time making appropriate sympathy cards, but, your card would be a beautiful and thoughtful card to receive!
Denise P says
So nice to see the steps to your creation. Love this soft and beautiful card, Melissa.
Charlotte Hutcheson says
Thanks for the step by step…you make it so easy to do a Michelle card. I love love Love your style. Thanks for sharing.
BeverlyBL says
I just love this. So pretty. Gonna have to get the supplies for this one!
Victoria Coyne says
Just love this card! It is so pretty, yet sophisticated. Would definitely like to have those stamps and dies .
Sandy Dayhoff says
Melissa, this is so pretty! I think I can duplicate it somewhat with your detailed instructions! Thanks so much for sharing the process!
Cindy Otto says
Beautiful! I love the idea of making the Mix and Mat dies into frames! Bitty Bouquet is a favorite of mine. Love “Mondays with Melissa”. Thanks for sharing!
Sherri says
Bitty Bouquets is one of my old time favorites, glad for the reminder to get it out again. I could not find any “hot” links for the products used. I wanted to find out more about the empathy stamp set. I wanted to click on something to take me to the PTI store… great job on all the daily ideas from you guys, though.
Melissa Phillips says
Hi! Thank you for the kind comment. I have links on my blog that can help you find the products you’re looking for if you want to visit there.
Greta H says
Oh Melissa–I absolutely love your style & this is one of my favorite cards! I know, I keep saying that, but it’s true! Your color choices always inspire me & this design is so fabulous! I already had Bitty Bouquet on my wishlist because of you & know I “need” to add Pretty Brackets to my Mix & Mat stash! Great start to my wintry Monday!
Chris Lawlor says
Beautiful card Melissa! I love how you die cut the circle for the sentiment. Thank you for Monday’s with Melissa!
Martha Gordin says
Beautiful layout that can be used with so many different stamp sets and occasions. Love the soft feel of your card
Christine Kiehl says
Beautiful card and I appreciate the step by step!
Cindy Beach says
I am so loving this series, Melissa! It’s great seeing the process step by step. Today’s card is so soft and beautiful. Makes me want to stamp!
Carmela Hubler says
Gorgeous card, Melissa! I love your style.
Jane Rakonczay says
Another beautiful card. I had never thought to cut a circle in the middle of the die. Great idea. I do not have the specific floral stamps you used but have some that will work. I’m anxious to try to make it. Can you mail this card in a regular envelope with the bow?
BarbaraMae says
Another great tutorial!
Nancy Ward says
Oh this is just so pretty, Melissa!
merryf says
gorgeous! Your step-by-step tutorials are so helpful!
Andre M. says
The colors are so delicate and such a pretty design.