Sympathy Card

Happy Tuesday, my cherished friends! I hope you're having a beautiful day. :o)

Today I have a card to share with you for the second part of this month's I Feel the Love Project. One of the hardest aspects of tragedies from afar is the helpless feeling that can overwhelm you. That's what I was experiencing upon learning of the horrific event at Sandy Hook Elementary last month. But thanks to this incredible cause, enabling us to craft for a far higher purpose, I'm able to do a tiny bit to help some who were impacted.

This is my sympathy/encouragement card for the family of Vicki Soto, the 27-year-old first grade teacher who sacrificed her life to save some of her students that day:

This was difficult to properly photograph... the shades of green are earthy, not super bright. Because it was her favorite color, many of her family members wore green clothing to her funeral and everyone wore a green ribbon. Rather than having touches of green like the Valentines I've been making for her surviving students, I want her parents and siblings to see her in this card by immersing it in that beautiful color.

The paper is from Susan Winget's K and Company Botanical collection. When I saw the sparkling monochromatic green botanical pattern, I knew I needed it for this purpose. It peacefully rests behind a swirly frame, which is a cut file from Bird's Cards. The Scriptures are from K Andrew Designs Scripture Sayings stamp set, which I stamped atop more of the same paper and mounted it on a Spellbinders Fleur de Lis square. The square is popped up with foam tape for dimension and separation from the frame base.

I used a flat-back pearl strand and roses and rosebuds from Wild Orchid Crafts to frame the vital sentiments. A double-bow of vanilla bean crinkle ribbon from My Craft Spot adds a touch of softness. I sprinkled five heart-shaped rhinestones along the outskirts of the flower cluster to tell the Soto family how much they are loved.

Inexplicably, I forgot to take a close-up photograph of the Cheery Lynn Designs butterfly. If you click on the pictures, at least you'll see it much bigger. Originally I planned to make it cream, but at the last moment inspiration arose. I wanted to make the entire butterfly shades of green to fully represent their beloved daughter and sister. I cut it from the same paper as the base and centered it with bright green rhinestones. Her selfless heart continues to sparkle as she inspires the entire world... or at least those who take the time to see and feel it. It hurt to learn so much about her after she was gone, but I knew it would guide me to create in her honor this month. I'll carry her with me always. And this green butterfly will remind her family that she is very much still with them, too.

The coordinating interior... and a view of Vicki's protective heart in flight:

It's a tiny gesture, but one that I hope will bring comfort to her family and encourage them to receive their strength from our dear Father. I cannot image their horror that tragic day or the depth of their continued grieving... but I hope they seek heavenly peace. Their heroic daughter saved young lives that day... and at least she is safe with our Lord, where evil will never again touch her.

Challenges entered:
 *Anything Goes Challenge Blog~ Monochrome
 *Craft-Room Challenge~ Monochrome
 *Little Miss Muffet~ Hearts and Flowers (five rhinestone hearts sprinkled alongside the flowers)
 *Make It Monday~ Anything Goes
 *Stampin' for the Weekend~ Something Girlie