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Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Praying for You Sympathy Card

Hello, my sparkling friends! Thank you for your incredibly sweet words on my first mini album. I was feeling some serious bloggie love. :o)

Speaking of which... a new month means a new recipient for the beloved I Feel the Love Project. For June, we are honoring a precious child, known as Baby Mason. At only six months old, he passed away from injuries sustained in a car accident. :( A drunk driver's tragic choices cut short this beautiful life.

We are creating in the name of love for Baby Mason's parents, Yvette and Santiago Villega, Jr. Any type of encouragement card is perfect. I needed a few days to settle on a direction because my mind was all over the place. Sympathy cards are innately challenging for most crafters, myself included.

I pressed on to create a tangible hug out of paper. In this time of oppressive darkness, I chose to send them sparkles. Every speck of glitter and every rhinestone is meant to be a sunbeam. All it takes is one glimmer of light to break the darkness, right? (I didn't want to risk anything, so I used five million.)
An angled view to better show the sparkly bases, foiled pattern, and dimension... if only there was a magical way to capture Shimmer Spritzed-flowers.
This card actually began with the gold. Our prayers are stored up in Heaven in golden vials, so this creation was inspired by that Truth. I wanted this card fully enveloped (embraced!) in golden prayers. The glitter paper is from Jo-Ann's, though I do not know the brand. I opted to pair it with green and peach, which is a first for me. The beautiful patterned papers are from Kaisercraft's Sweet Nothings collection, which I've been anxious to use. (The golden loopy border beneath the middle panel is a cut file from Bird's Cards.)

Rather than going my typical "100% nature" route for sympathy cards, I wanted to make every inch of this about the prayers we are saying for this grieving family. Turning to the sweet artistry of Elisabeth Bell to visually deliver my actions, I chose this adorable stamp titled "A Child's Prayer." She is colored with Copics and cut out with a Spellbinders Labels Four die. Some Star Dust may have fallen on her peachy nightgown...

Sparkles were added to the tiny bows on her braids and I couldn't resist adding a heart-shaped one to her teddy bear's paws. He's praying with all of his fuzzy little heart, too. I heat-embossed a simple flourish with gold embossing powder, providing a touch of movement: divine power swirling around us as we offer up our selfless intercessory prayers. A lightly-sponged border of Dried Marigold distress ink surrounds our prayer warrior with a heavenly glow.

The butterflies are a We R Memory Keeper's cut file from the Silhouette Online Store. I made them solid instead of designed so they could properly sing their praises. It is so vital to praise in all things. These singing butterflies are hovering above their golden shadows, encouraging the precious parents to lift up their hearts in song.

A collection of peach and white Wild Orchid Crafts flowers provide a touch of nature's beauty. Lilies, hip rosebuds, and tiny rosebuds are extra sparkly from Shimmer Spritz. A sprinkling of rhinestones and a pearly heart stick pin complete the arrangement.

Lastly, I turned to my beloved Tiny Tags 2 and matching metal dies from My Craft Spot for the perfect sentiment. I adhered it with a heart rhinestone because you can never put too much love onto (or into) a card. The shiny gold ribbon that it rests upon is from my stash.

Sweet Baby Mason is safe in Heaven, but his parents desperately need our love.
Thank you for fluttering on by! I pray your day abounds in hope. :o)

Challenges entered:
 *A Gem of a Challenge~ Emboss It (Heat-embossed flourish alongside image)
 *Charisma Cardz~ Tons of Layers
 *Created With Love~ Anything Goes
 *DL.Art~ Thankful Thursday Linky Party (Anything Goes)
 *Make It Monday~ Anything Goes
 *No Matter Which~ Bingo (Die Cuts-Flowers-Sparkle/Glitter)
 *Paper Playtime~ Anything Goes
 *Sarah Hurley Challenge~ All That Glitters is Gold


27 comments:

  1. Oh Karen what a tragic story, Your card is filled with so much warmth and beauty and the gold representing golden prayers is so touching... I love how discriptive you can be , ever consider writing? The family will surley feel the love that went into making this card, you are beautiful and my prayers are with them all. hugs

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  2. Oh, how heart-breaking to hear about baby Mason. I cannot begin to imagine the pain his parents must be going through.
    Your card is beautiful in every way Karen. It is clear to see that It is filled with so much love. You always give so much thought and attention to every single detail that you add. Such a beautiful colour scheme, a gorgeous image and the sparkle is wonderful.
    It's so lovely that you can put your amazing talents into making something so special and worthwhile.
    Take care, I hope you have a blessed and sparkly week and thank you again, my kind friend, for the encouraging comments you always take the time to leave for me.
    hugs Sue xx

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  3. Such a lovely card. Love the colors. Sympathy cards are so hard to make. Thanks for joining our Anything Goes challenge at Created with Love Challenges.

    ~~Chris

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  4. This is just beautiful and perfect for the purpose.

    Thanks for joining us at A Gem of a Challenge.

    Helen x

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  5. Such a sad story :(
    Lovely card!
    Thank you for joining us at charisma!

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  6. Where do I begin! Wow, this is so gorgeous down to every detail! We can all feel the love pouring out of this creation! Your details are so fabulous! The sweet little girl is so darling and just love the way you framed her out! The butterflies are simply beautiful and love the gorgeous flowers:) Wow! This is truly a fantastic piece-should be framed! LOVE IT!
    Have a great day my friend!
    Sherrie K
    http://sherriescraps.blogspot.com

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  7. Hello my sweet friend Karen~
    Once again you have made someone put a touch a smile upon their faces. This is just as beautiful as it can get, love the color combos, the special touches to your creation and the perfect image. It's such a tragic loss being at the wrong place and timing for this precious little guy.
    My prayers and thoughts go out to them! Hope this will enlighten their spirits a bit.
    You are such a fantastic giver at heart, TFS this beautiful card and enjoy your wonderful week ahead....
    Sweet huggies~

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  8. My sweetest friend, this is simply stunning!! It is one of the most beautiful cards I've seen!! I wouldn't have thought to pair green and peach and it looks beautiful!! Every single detail is gorgeous...from the sparkly paper to the sweet image to the fluttery butterflies, it is amazing - just like you my dear friend!! Your love and heart shine through every touch you've added to this masterpiece!! It will be treasured!! How wonderful you are to bring light into the lives of people who have suffered so greatly. You are an angel!! Have a fabulous day!! Huge HUGS :)

    Lisa
    A Mermaid's Crafts

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  9. Hi my sweet angelic friend,
    Where do I begin....The butterflies add a special touch of sparkle and peace. I believe that they are covering baby Mason in heaven as well as comforting his parents. The gold adds a Beautiful effect to this Sweet card which fills my heart with such joy & hope. The adorable image will give baby Mason's parent a sense of comfort that he is resting by the lord's side. The beautiful color combo and pattern paper allows you to feel the warmth, love and heart that you filled this card with when creating it. It's just like Lisa says " your love & heart" shines through all your cards.
    Thank you for stopping by and leaving me bloggie love & hugs. I felt everyone of them.
    I hope that you are feeling better. Just incase sending you healing prayers, hugs and smiles and my heart as well.....
    Your angelic friend,
    Millie

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  10. Beautiful post. Thank you for playing at Paper Playtime. Your project is featured on our Facebook Page today and linked to your blog!
    Paper Playtime Challenge Page on Facebook
    :) Janis
    Stampin' Up! Demo Girl

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  11. Oh my goodness Karen this is sto beautiful the image is adorable and the layout and colouring is out standingly beautiful as always your so creative and so inspiring x

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  12. Absolutely stunning! What a wonderful card that is once again filled with so much care and attention and love! Those papers are so wonderful and all the elements brought together to make one amazing creation! Thanks for sharing. Hugs, Karon.

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  13. Such a beautiful card Karen, love the papers and image and the gorgeous butterflies.A beautiful post too..

    Thanks for sharing with us at ‘Make it Monday’
    Luv CHRISSYxx

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  14. Oh such sweetness emerges from such sadness! I dare say that Mason's parents will ever be the same. The pain and sorrow they must endure here on earth right now must be suffocating each and every day. However,your precious creation will be a ray of light in their darkness.
    Be blessed,
    Valerie

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  15. Karen, this is just beautiful and so amazing. Every last detail so well thought out. I love the gold, the glitter, and all the dimensions. Your writing is such the perfect touch. Again, words cannot describe my appreciation. You are simply amazing. Thank you for all the love that pours out of every card you send our way.
    Love, ~Madison

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  16. what a wonderful card and made with a lot of thought thanks for sharing with created with love this week
    Rachel DT

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  17. This is such a beautiful card, Karen! I love the paper you used for the butterflies. The gold and the flowers look so pretty! Such a sweet image too! :)

    Karen
    craftedwithlovebykaren.blogspot.com

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  18. Your card is so amazing and what a touching story. My prayers are with his parents ~ such a tragedy and loss for this world. Thanks for playing with us at Paper Playtime.

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  19. What a beautiful card. I love the gold and the lovely butterflies. I saw it on Make it Monday.

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  20. Hi,
    Just popping over to Congrat you on being the winner over at A Gem of a Challenge :) I wanted to come & see your design, which btw is wonderful. I just love the embossed look. Great colours too. A beautiful creation. Thank you so much for sharing. Such a sad story. I have lost a baby Son, a few years ago now, but he is always in my thoughts. My heart & prayers are with the parents. Such a sad loss. Hugz, Lisa.

    P.S Would love for you to come, visit & like :)

    Dreamtime Designs: www.etsy.com/shop/DreamtimeDesigns
    Blog: http://dreamtimedesigns.blogspot.com.au
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/DreamtimeDesigns
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/DreamtimeDsigns
    Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/LisaWDesigns

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  21. Such a tragic thing to happen but i'm sure this beautiful card, filled with love and thoughtful details will be a comfort to the family. Thanks for sharing with us at NMWC
    Claire xx

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  22. Very beautiful card! so cute and elegant! thanks for playing with "CWLC" this week. Good luck!

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  23. MY SUNSHINE!!!

    *needs a another tissue cause I just read your gorgeous words in this post again*

    I LOVE YOU SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH!!! *hugglers you with all the hugglers my arms can hold*

    I can't even say sis how much this card makes my heart smile. It will deliver so much hope and comfort to the sweet parents of Baby Mason. I can't even fathom what they are going through emotionally, but I know without question that their hearts will be lifted in faith by the love of beautiful hearts like yours, Sunshine. God bless you for helping deliver God's love to them through this incredible gift. It will help them heal more every day sis. Just knowing that they have you beside them praying with them is the greatest gift of all.

    I SOOOOO LOVE MY SIS!!!!!!!

    P.S. Know what sis? For the first time ever I can see ALL of the background of your gorgeous bloggy. I could only see parts of it before because of my narrow screen. Now I can see all of it on my new compy! SQUEEEEEEEEE!!! IT'S AMAZINGGGGGGGG!!! *squishers you forever*

    *forever sparkling flutterby hugglers*
    ~~~ Christina :)

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  24. Karen I shy away from sympathy cards...I just become an emotional wreck! Your card is beautiful and I am sure the light and love it represents will shine through.
    Jayne x

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  25. Oh, this story is heartbreaking!! I simply cannot imagine losing a child.. and so senselessly, too!

    Your card is exquisite - and so obviously filled with love and an extension of comfort to these parents who have taken residence in your heart and prayers. It's perfect, Karen! I've never heard of prayers being stored in golden vials. What a beautiful thought - and how beautiful the gold on your card to represent the prayers you have offered up on behalf of this family. While I'm certain the family continues to experience intense grief, the glimmer of hope offered to them through the prayers offered on their behalf will begin to shine as a sunbeam through their darkness.

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  26. Absolutely stunning card. I'm sure baby Masons parents can feel all the love and prayers that you are extending with the card. Thank you for sharing and joining us at NMWC. Hugs, Velma

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  27. What a tragedy. I'm sure this card will bring some comfort-it's stunning and so serene.Thanks for sharing it at Sarah Hurley's Challenge Blog.

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Thank you for leaving some love! Have a beautifully blessed day. :o)

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