Naturally there are times that we need to send sympathy cards…and most of the time, the timing can be unexpected so my 1^st tip of the day is to have some sympathy cards made up so you can get them out in a timely manner!

I also like to have cards on hand that can be made easily in multitudes…and steps! Making a bunch of cards in a step by step method makes it a fun task!

What so I mean by step by step = that is when I can break down a card…like for this card – say if I were going to make 12 of them…I would in steps…

• Cut my Crumbcake Card stock (6 sheets) and score it!

• I would cut out all of the Always Artickoke pieces with the Labels Collection Framelits

• I would Stamp the focal stamp which is from the wonderful Apothecary Art Stamp Set with Black Staz On Ink on with our Water Color Paper and then cut them out with the smaller Labels Framlit.

• Using the Stamp-A-Ma-Jig, I took the "with sympathy" sentiment from the Loving Thoughts Stamp Set and did a quick stamp and BAM – done!

• Next, I would go back to the Always artichoke piece and pull out the Template to pierce, it is from the Festive Paper Piercing Pack and using the Stampin’ Pierce Mat with the Paper Piercing Tool…I would poke away!

TIP ALERT! – Can you see how large and uniform my piercing holes are? I like to do them this way and how I did it is a 2-step method:

1. I do the initial quick pierce…pierce…pierce all the way around!
2. Next, I go back and really push the stylus down deeply through the mat to get that deep, yet uniform pierce! – Love this look!

• Now to my favorite part…water coloring! Using the Aqua Painter and the inks I used for this card were, Always Artichoke, Perfect Plum and Sahara Sand…This is sooooo fun and the best tip I can give you it just keep practicing!  Did you see a bit of shimmer to the flowers? This was adding just a bit of Dazzling Details to the centers – I love the effect it gives!

• Out come the Stampin Dimensionals! Place them all over the water colored piece and the magic will happen! To me, all cards look better with some depth and dimension!

Are you seeing how you can just do certain steps at a time and then go back and do the next! As for the water coloring…I like to do this if I am watching a TV show and not that the Voice is on – this is my multi tasking…painting and watching tv!

• The envelope was made WOW with the Regals Designer Series Paper Stack and I used the Elegant Eggplant Color…I thought it was nice and rich!

TIP ALERT: Please conserve your paper! You can get 8 liners easily from a sheet of paper….you can get 12 but that is tight! There is no reason why you have to line all the way to the bottom!

Breaking down tasks is the way to go! Many of times when I know I am making a bunch of something, one day I’ll cut my paper, another use the big shot etc…when we try to accomplish too much we get stresses and that’s no fun!

I know it is a sad thing to send a sympathy card but reality is that we have to from time to time! This to me is a beauty and I adore the greens and purples together!

It’s Tuesday and that means more weekly deals! Click here to see what’s on sale this week! My favorite picks….well the Heart Framlits are a must for Valentines…but I ADORE the Merry Mini Pack…makes the added touch everytime…..and the Fun FLowers Bigz L Die….is just simply FUN and makes me smile!

Tomorrow is 3 weeks until Christmas…..SUPER YIKES!

I will be showcasing another Holiday Card for you! As I said before, pace yourself – get a piece of paper out and write down the list of accomplishments you want to tackle for the holidays and then break them down!

Doing this will make you a much happier person!

Need help!?!? Please email me and I will be happy to give you some tips and tricks! There are lots of fun and exciting "happenings" going on with Stampin' Up and you can click here at anytime to get your goodies delivered to your door!!! I say woot-woot!

Enjoy your Tuesday and until tomorrow….