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Tuesday, January 29, 2013

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

21 comments:

  1. Absolutely stunning my sweet friend!! What a beautiful design!! The swirly frame is so gorgeous!! As always, you embellished perfectly!! The butterfly, bow and flowers are so awesome!! I love everything about this amazing card!! It's elegant and the love and thought you put into it shines through!! Whoever receives it will truly treasure it!! I hope you have a wonderful Tuesday my dear friend!! HUGS!!

    Lisa :)
    A Mermaid's Crafts

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  2. Oh my goodness Karen, you have really deeply touched me with your special card. It really is stunning. I can see how much thought and love you have put into creating this. The colours are perfect and your attention to detail is wonderful. The sentiment is powerful and sure to bring some comfort.
    Take care my kind and generous friend
    Hugs Sue

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  3. Another beautiful posting Karen~ Love the design of your card and that sentiment is just only so perfect. Great sparkly effects and pretty bow & butterfly enhances the meaning of your card.....
    Enjoy your day!

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  4. Stunning Karen, I love the color and design, but most of all the sentiment. It made my day-- We all need to know where our strength comes from. TFS

    DIANA L.
    http://dianamlarson.blogspot.com/

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  5. Your card is absolutely gorgeous, and what a wonderful reason for making it!

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  6. So very elegant and beautifully stated. This is a card that the Soto family can find comfort in for sure Karen. They will be able to tell that you thought of their daughter and sister when you made it for them. It is really special. Thank you so much. You are simply the best.
    Love,
    ~Madison

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  7. My Angelic friend,The Soto family will feel the love of this amazing & very beautiful card.As they look at the card and read the stamped semtiment,they will know that their daughter was and will always be loved & remembered.A very special card my friend....Love that green that you used.There are many shades of green but not as perfect as the one you chose,a perfect view of her eyes,I believe.
    Sending a HUGE amount of my love to you as always,
    Your angelic friend,
    Migdalia

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  8. Absolutely gorgeous and stunning Karen! We all definitely feel the love on all your cards! The frame is gorgeous and LOVE the sentiment:) The butterfly is so pretty, sparkly and beautiful! Another AMAZING card my friend!!!!
    Have a great day!
    Sherrie K
    http://sherriescraps.blogspot.com

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  9. Wow!!! This is beautiful! A gorgeous, touching card.
    Thank you so much for sharing it with us at Make it Monday! Don't forget to leave a comment for another entry and mention you saw them on MIM for a chance at our second prize! Good luck and I hope to see you back soon!
    Rene :D

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  10. A stunning card and one which will be cherished forever by the recipients. Saw your card on MIM and came for a closer look. Hugs Mrs A.

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  11. This is such a gorgeous, gorgeous card, Karen. The lattice frame is gorgeous and the verses are just perfect. You are so incredibly kind to devote so much of your time and energy into creating for others. I know Vicki's family will feel strengthened by the love and prayers that go with the card.

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  12. Karen - this is so so beautiful. The use of the swirls and the peaceful butterfly. The papers are so suited for this wonderful creation and I'm sure that the Soto family will be warmed with this heart-filled gesture. Have a fabulous week. Karon

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  13. This is so pretty, Karen! The Soto family will treasure this. You have added so many details that are going to mean so much to them! You have made so many wonderful, amazing projects for IFLP this month! You put so much love into each one of them and it shows! :)

    Karen
    craftedwithlovebykaren.blogspot.com

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  14. My sweetest Sunshine...there are truly no words that can describe just how special a blessing this creation is. My heart just flies thinking about all the love that it represents and will forever continue to deliver. Sweet Vicki is smiling brighter than ever tonight as she sees all the love that is being given to her family, students and loved ones by gorgeous hearts like our precious Karen. God bless you Sunshine for delivering your rainbow of love through this most incredible gift. I have never seen anything so pretty. It is the most gorgeous combination of the sparkling love of you, God's and Vicki's hearts. Just as Vicki is a hero in all our eyes, so too are you sis. Your love makes you a hero every single day.

    I LOVE YOU SUNSHINE!!!!!!

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

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  15. Stunning card Karen.Elegant and beautiful.
    Jayne x

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  16. Gorgeous card. I love your beautiful gesture and meaning of this card.

    I saw you at Make It Monday. Thanks for inspiration.

    p.s. my projects is 202 if you would like to stop by my blog too.

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  17. Stunning card, Karen! Beautifully designed! I am sure it will bring great comfort. Thanks for sharing it for the Little Miss Muffet challenge!

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  18. Such an absolute stunning card Karen. A beautiful tribute to someone who should still be here. Sorry I haven't been over in awhile but I think of you often and hope you are doing well.

    Lisa

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  19. stunning card, for a stunning lady, I love how you've created such a sympathy card with so much thought for the family- a real card from the heart, thanks for sharing with us at Craft Room Challenge, Debi x

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

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