Monday, November 3, 2014

FabFri53 and The Card Concept 22 Out on a Limb for a Very Special Card



 
 
 
 
Hello, Friends!
 
This is one of the hardest cards I've ever created.  It took me weeks to decide what I wanted to use to make it and the person it is for doesn't even know me. 
 
I made it for our local newscaster, Dave Benton.  Dave comes into our home every night, so I feel like I know him and can call him by his first name.  Instead of just reporting on the news, Dave recently made the news in September when he shared with all of us that his brain cancer had returned and he only had four to six months to live.  I found the video at this link if you would like to see it.   
 
My parents and I watched the broadcast live and all three of us began to cry at this news.  However, it was Dave's bravery, candidness and ability to share his faith as a born again Christian that touched me more than anything else.  I knew when I saw it that I wanted to make him a card and let him know what an inspiration he was to me.  I just couldn't figure out what to use on the card.  I have been thinking about it since that newscast in September. 
 
When I saw this sketch from Fab Friday, I really liked it and knew I wanted to use it for this special card.  I decided to use an autumn tree because the trees are all turning colors here right now and it is beautiful outside.  This went along with The Card Concept challenge to "Thank Fall."  I chose the clean and layered look.  This means the card has clean lines, lots of layers, designer papers, some colored images, embellishments and some white space.  I decided just to stamp "thank you" on the outside and write my personal message on the inside.
 
 

 

 
 
I literally spent hours working on this card.  I had to turn the sketch on it's side to fit the tree.  The leaves are all on one solid die, so I cut the leaves to leave holes for all of them in the lighter card stock called Sahara Sand.  Then I stamped a linen design stamp on several different colors of card stock and cut the leaves out again so they would have a texture on them.  Then, I put random colored leaves back inside the die cut for an inlaid look.  I cut the tree trunk out and attached it under the leaves.  I tried different patterned papers and went back and forth trying to make up my mind which looked best.  I finally liked how everything turned out, but it seemed like it was missing something.  It seemed too plain or sterile.  It didn't convey my message yet. 
 
Then, I knew what to add. 
 
It needed the little wooden heart at the bottom of the tree.   
 
 

I colored it with a Copic marker so it matched the Cherry Cobbler red leaves on the tree.  I like how the heart blends in but is still on the front of the card.  Because it is a wooden veneer piece, it sticks out a little bit from the card, so it is noticeable but not overwhelming. 
 
Then, I knew my card was complete and it was exactly what I wanted. 
 
Isn't that why we send cards?  To let others know how special they are to us- that they matter, they are valuable, and we care.  Dave is still on the news every day.  More importantly, he and his family are in my prayers daily, and with this card, they now know this. 
 
Happy Stamping, Friends.
 
 
I used the following products to make this card:
 
Lisa Johnson Designs Out on a Limb Stamp Set and Linen Rubber Background Stamp by My Favorite Things
Early Espresso Classic Ink by Stampin' Up
Copic Markers
Cherry Cobbler, Tangelo Twist, Hello Honey, Old Olive, Mossy Meadow, Sahara Sand, Crumb Cake and Early Espresso Card Stock by Stampin' Up
A Perfect Autumn 6x6 Paper Pad by Carta Bella
Lisa Johnson Designs Out on a Limb Die-namics and Rectangle Frames by My Favorite Things
Wood Veneer Hearts by Studio Calico 


My card also fits the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge, Anything Goes. 


 

8 comments:

Kerin said...

Your card is fabulous, and it is no wonder it took you weeks to decide considering it had to be perfect for such a special person to you. You did an amazing job! Thanks for joining us this week at The Card Concept :)

Lin said...

What a beautiful card - the design is so crisp and the colors are perfect for the season. Such a sad story behind its making......Thanks for sharing it all with us at the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday challenge!

Amanda Mertz said...

Beautiful card and I can tell the thought that went into each element; it all works perfectly together. The multi-colored leaves are fab! I know it had to be much appreciated when received! Thanks for sharing at Fab Friday

sue t. said...

I was very touched by your posting. We are card makers and it is what we do and it is how we share our love for one another. I think Dave will cherish your card and that a viewer wanted him to know that they care.Thanks for joining us at the Card Concept!

Jen Carter said...

How cute!! I love the inlaid dies!

Geri said...

My heart was truly warmed when I saw your amazing card and read your post!

Your creation is gorgeous - the colors & texture of the leaves, the design, the wee wooden heart at the base of the tree - beautifully combined to create a card that I'm quite sure was greatly appreciated. Thanks for sharing your story and your card with us at the Card Concept Challenge.

LauraJane:) said...

Absolutely Perfect for the occasion. Yes, this is why we make cards. WELL DONE!
Thanks for joining the fun at The Card Concept:)

Kim said...

What a beautiful card with a beautiful story behind it. <3

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