Be Inspired Blog Hop: Sympathy/Get Well

It’s time for another Be Inspired Design Team Blog Hop – what fun! The Be Inspired Design Team is a group of Stampin’ Up! demonstrators from all over the world who are excited to share our themed projects with you. I’m so honored to be a part of this group of talented stampers!

For today’s Be Inspired Hop, we are creating projects that share our sympathy or get well wishes with the recipients of our art. When our friends or family are grieving or struggling, we want to show our love and offer our support – what an unique opportunity to reach out with our craft. If you aren’t starting the hop here, then you probably just popped over from the amazing project shared by my talented Canadian friend Carolynn Sander.

Instead of focusing on a sympathy card for someone who’s lost a loved one, I’ve created a pack of cards they can use to thank everyone who reached out and offered assistance during their time of need. Here’s a look at my card box:Card Box for Stampin' Up! Note Cards, Brian KingAnd here’s a look at the note cards they’ll find inside:

Cards of Sympathy, Joyous Noel Specialty Designer Series Paper, Kindness & Compassion, Stampin' Up!, Brian King

Here’s a closer look at each of the three designs I’ve included:

Cards of Sympathy, Joyous Noel Specialty Designer Series Paper, Kindness & Compassion, Stampin' Up!, Brian King Cards of Sympathy, Joyous Noel Specialty Designer Series Paper, Kindness & Compassion, Stampin' Up!, Brian King Cards of Sympathy, Joyous Noel Specialty Designer Series Paper, Kindness & Compassion, Stampin' Up!, Brian KingTips, Tricks and Reminders

  • Three Products. My project features three products that come together seamlessly in this project. One is from Stampin’ Up!’s 2018 Annual Catalog, and two are from Stampin’ Up!’s 2018 Holiday Catalog. Here’s are rundown of these three must-have products:
    • Stamps. The sentiments on the notecards inside the box are from the Kindness & Compassion stamp set. We all have sets that offer condolences and sympathy, but this set both offers condolences and [uniquely] expressions of gratitude for condolences shown. That makes them perfect for a gift to a loved one who’s experienced great loss. Here’s a look at the gorgeous sentiments in the Kindness & Compassion stamp set:Kindness & Compassion, Stampin' Up! 146729
    • Paper. While Joyous Noel Specialty Designer Series Paper is designed for Christmas projects (the name is a big giveaway), the paper features beautiful patterns in a sophisticated palette of Merry Merlot, Tranquil Tide, Gray Granite and copper foil. These colors are peaceful and calm – perfect to show gratitude for sympathy shown (as long as you maneuver around the reindeer, holly and snowflakes). Here’s a look at the colors and patterns in the Joyous Noel Specialty Designer Series Paper:Joyous Noel Specialty Designer Series Paper, Stampin' Up! 147816
    • Ribbon. I don’t use a lot of ribbon, but I knew I’d be using this Merry Merlot & Copper 5/8″ Reversible Ribbon as soon as I saw it – I just needed the right project. This box needed a belly band, and this ribbon gave me just what I needed. It’s gorgeous, don’t you think? Here’s a look at this gorgeous ribbon:Merry Merlot & Copper 5/8" Reverisble Ribbon, Stampin' Up! 147818
  • Build a Box. While I made 10 cards to include in my box (according to Julie’s design), I can only fit 6 cards (with envelopes) inside. That’s the downside to adding so many layers to my design. 🙂 While the cards inside are the gift I’m sharing with the recipient, the box makes these cards super special. You know I’m no genius with 3-D, so I looked to my friend and team member, Julie DiMatteo, for inspiration. During last year’s OnStage, Julie shared this box she made for notecards and subsequently shared the project in a blog post. I followed her instructions, template and video to make this box (on my first try!). I decorated the box lid with Joyous Noel Specialty Designer Series Paper, bordered with Merry Merlot cardstock. While Julie used magnets to keep her box closed, I used this gorgeous Merry Merlot & Copper Ribbon as a belly band – just slide the ribbon down to open the box’s lid: Card Box for Stampin' Up! Note Cards, Brian KingJulie’s blog post with this project is amazing – here’s the template to make this box with an 8-1/2″ x 11″ sheet of cardstock: Julie's Template for Notecard boxIf you’d like to see Julie’s post with detailed instructions and a great video on how to make this box, CLICK HERE.
  • Color Combination. I’m in love with the colors in the Joyous Noel Specialty Designer Series Papers – the colors for my box and cards were pulled right from the serene, sophisticated shades in this pack of paper. Since my project is not Christmas-themed, I just had to make sure I either used Merry Merlot, Gray Granite and Copper OR Tranquil Tide, Gray Granite and Copper. Every time I tried to mix Merry Merlot and Tranquil Tide, I could hear Christmas bells ringing. If you like the combination of Gray Granite, Merry Merlot and Copper Foil, please save this:Stampin' Up! Color Inspiration: Gray Granite, Merry Merlot, Copper FoilIf you like the combination of Gray Granite, Tranquil Tide and Copper Foil, please save this:Stampin' Up! Color Inspiration: Gray Granite, Tranquil Tide, Copper Foil

Stamp Sets: Kindness & Compassion  Papers: Joyous Noel Specialty Designer Series Paper, Gray Granite, Merry Merlot, Tranquil Tide, Thick Whisper White, Whisper White Note Cards & Envelopes  Inks: Merry Merlot, Tranquil Tide  Accessories: Merry Merlot & Copper 5/8″ Reversible Ribbon, Stitched Shapes Framelits Dies, Tailored Tag Punch, Simply Scored, Bone Folder, Tear & Tape, Stampin’ Dimensionals

Card Box for Stampin' Up! Note Cards, Brian King

I’m so glad you stopped by and hope you like my project. I also hope you’ll continue the Be Inspired Design Team Blog Hop to see more projects that I’m sure you’ll love. The next stop is my dear friend from down under, Louise Sharp. Click on the banner below to continue through the hop:

Thanks for stopping by today!

Brian

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In case you get off-track at any point during the hop, here’s a listing of all the participants in this hop:

Here are links to the products I used to create this project:

 

53 Comments

  1. Oh man Brian. Doing this month’s challenge made me realize that I don’t have any current stamps directly related to sympathy… And now… well, I have to get this stamp set! Love your cards – I often give packs of cards to people as well and sympathy is top of the list – thank you is also a super good idea for me to include. It’s always the card that you aren’t in the mood to go get. 🙁 . …. that was a very wordy comment… I must be procrastinating. #sigh

    • Thanks so much, Cathy! They aren’t “fun” stamps to buy, but they are necessary to have. This is a gorgeous sentiment set, and I’m glad you like what I did with it. It’s always fun to hop with you! <3

  2. Brian this project is my kind of project, I often give sets of cards as gifts, however; this set you created is “food for thought” … such a kind, thoughtful, giving gift! This beautiful DSP truly makes these Sympathy/Condolence cards Special.

    Brian because of you I became aware of Julie, she has a keen talent for making 3D boxes/favors. Her instructions are spot on and her smile is contagious. AND, let’s not forget her signature “fluttering fingers”, she must be a joy to have on your team! Julie, we appreciate you!

  3. What a thoughtful as well as beautiful gift Brian, all of the cards are gorgeous and surely will bring comfort and peace to those who need it most.
    Beautiful color combinations too, my friend, elegant and beautiful.
    Thank you for sharing.
    XO

  4. What a great gift idea Brian, and I just love the cards you made with the Merry Merlot, Gray and Copper color combination. SO beautiful!!!

  5. I love this! Thanks Brian! I recently lost my mom and I hated using the funeral bought thank you’s but had no time or energy to make my own. This is a lovely gift for someone during that emotional time! Very Thoughtful!

    • Thanks so much, Judy! It’s a time when no one can sit down and make cards (or shop for decent cards) – yet we have so many people to thank for helping us get through a loss. Glad you like it. <3

  6. This is marvelous!!! I love, love, love, this idea!!! Thank you!

  7. Absolutely gorgeous collection of cards….and a wonderful idea to make such a set!

  8. Gorgeous box and presentation. The cards inside are clean, classic and will be appreciated!

  9. Thank you so much for the shoutout! I absolutely love this card box full of amazing cards – they are all beautiful designs and would be such a treasured gift for someone!

  10. Brian, what a thoughtful gift for someone grieving. One less thing they have to deal with. In addition to cards, I would tuck in enough stamps to cover the number of cards. I don’t have this stamp set but will have to take another look. I love the box and will go check out Julie’s video.

  11. Absolutely a stunning box and cards. That gorgeous copper ribbon makes the box very elegant looking. The recipient of this box of cards is very lucky. Thank you for sharing.

  12. Love your beautiful project, Brian, with the different designs and sentiments. This box of lovely cards is a very thoughtful gift that we all need from time to time. I love the sentiment stamps and will have to give it another look. Have a great day!

  13. Such a beautiful and thoughtful gift, Brian. I love this stamp set paired with Joyous Noel. Thanks for the inspiration.

  14. Love love love these! We were on the same wavelength with that DSP. I pondered between those exact three patterns before making my card for today’s hop! Now to make a full set! Thanks for inspiring as always!

    • Thanks so much, Carolynn! It’s such a beautiful pack of papers – I kinda wonder if I decided to just make a batch of cards so that I wouldn’t have to choose. 🙂 Thanks!

  15. So pretty and that dsp has to be held to see how pretty it really is . That ribbon has been calling my name and I love how you used it .
    Yes, you were right to go poking around Julie`s for a box idea . She is the BOX QUEEN !
    This is such a sweet and really thoughtful gift . And I read all of the comments ….
    So sorry Judy ! Thoughts of sympathy sent your way …..

  16. I also make boxes of cards as gifts for friends but the idea of making them for someone who has suffered a loss has never occurred to me. Thank you for making me more aware of a way to help a friend get through a tough time. Your box of cards is exceptional as always.

  17. The DSP is fantastic for this project, I think (at least the patterns you used). The box is stunning too with some luscious ribbon for it. I have a couple sympathy stamps I adore and use but now I need to take a second look at this set and broaden my horizons. I plan on taking your cue and do something similar for people. Only 6 cards due to the luscious layers, well I would rather have that than 10 not as nice. You could always put a note in the box telling the recipient you could make more if they would like. I don’t think I have an absolute favorite out of the three – they are all great. My step MIL might like to have a few sets of these to give to her friends when they have a loved one die. That might make a different type of Christmas present but one that she would use and she could keep a set for herself when the time comes. Thank you Brian for a wonderful idea. I didn’t really need an excuse to buy this paper but now maybe I will need 2 packs of it plus the ribbon!

    • Thanks, Chris! I had no idea that the layers I added to each card would reduce the number of cards I could include, but I’m happy to send six if that’s what it takes. So glad you like the idea. Thanks for your comments.

  18. Beautiful and so very classy as always! Thanks for sharing Brian! Truly an inspiration!

  19. I love this project. I think these make the best gifts to give to really busy people, because they have appropriate cards on hand, and it is mini advertising for the demonstrator! Win Win!

  20. Perfect, Brian! You are very thoughtful to create this amazing gift set.

  21. Thank you, Brian. I just bought this stamp set after my daughter died to make thank you cards for so many people who ministered to our family in countless ways. I have not really made any cards yet though, I can’t seem to find my mojo using this set. Maybe because it’s still difficult for me, but after seeing your samples, I know I will be CAS’ing your cards as a springboard to get me using this set to get out my cards. Thanks for the inspiration! I’m very grateful ?

    • It was so nice to chat with you this evening – I’m so sorry for your loss and wish I’d known. It’s a tough time for everyone involved, and it’s never easy. At the same time, it’s so important to thank those who helped you through this tremendous grief. Much love, my friend!

  22. Wonderful idea and lovely cards!

  23. Beautiful set of cards and box…thanks for the color combos too!

  24. What a beautiful and thoughtful gift to a grieving friend. I wanted to make thank you cards to send when my in-laws passed, but when it’s your own family grieving there isn’t time and not always the energy needed for such a project. This would have been a huge blessing to me. You have inspired me to make a set to have on hand.

    • It’s always a good idea to have these cards on hand, Rachel. They are never easy to make – especially when you are in the middle of the grief. I’m glad you like the project and grateful to you for letting me know how you were inspired. <3

  25. *thud* <—- What a knock out project, Brian. In all ways! Beautiful cards as always AND it is the perfect gift at such a time as grief! Thank you too for the box instructions and direction to a box lover like me; I didn’t know Julie had done a Note Card box and have struggled to figure that out on my own without success. Can. Not. Wait. To see you in Orlando!!!

    • Thanks so much, Celia! I’m so glad you like the project – I enjoyed pulling it together and working with this great box – Julie’s instructions are so easy to follow (if I can do it on first pass…). Thanks for your sweet comments. I am SO looking forward to Orlando. <3

  26. Hello Brian!
    Love what you did with this challenge! It is something I can easily do. I am making sympathy cards to be used at our church and these are elegant, yet easy to put together! Thanks for sharing.

    • Thank you so much for your kind message, Joy! I’m so glad you like the cards – they ARE easy to pull together and (in my opinion) don’t lose a bit of the message they send. Good for you to be making these for your church. <3

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