I know that it is hard when you need a sympathy card as many times we find out that we need one and I think that it is good to have some on hand…just in case!

Yesterday John said to me – “I need a sympathy card for a client – can you make me something special” Mission accomplished, as I needed to do it before I went to work!

Here is a great little card that has a clean and simple WOW factor! Actually you could change out the sentiment and put Happy Birthday, Thinking of you etc…

Let’s go….

• Note-cards and envelopes to the rescue…What am I ever going to do if Stampin’ Up! discontinues these gems! Go ahead and cut the mat at ¼” smaller = 3 ¼” X 4 ¾”

TIP ALERT: You have seen me do this a bunch of times and I think that this is the 1^st time I have said this to you…I cut up a whole stack of these mats in Whisper White…Very Vanilla and Crumb Cake as these are the base colors that I seem to “go-to” often! The way I look at it is…a time saver. When you have things at your fingertips – things just come together like peanut butter and jelly!

• The Stamp Set I used was the Stippled Blossoms Set, it is a beautiful set and when you play around with different colors….WOWZERS happens all the time! (please go back to previous posts I have done with the stamp set…they really show you a larger spectrum of the flowers….gorgeous! Just type the stamp name in the search button above!)

TIP ALERT #2 – When you stamp…use the light color 1^st and then go over with the darker one….it is a 2 step process and I HIGHLY recommend that you use the Stamp-a-ma-jig!

• For this card I used the Pink Pirouette 1^st (lighter) and then went over top with the more detailed stamp in Strawberry Slush (darker)

• The leaves were Pear Pizzazz 1^st (lighter) and then Old Olive (darker) next. HOW EASY!!!

• The sentiment came from the hostess stamp set Simply Sketched and using the stamp-a-ma-jig for perfect placement it fit perfectly on the card! WOOT -WOOT – this is just $10.00!!!

• I wanted to add some simple ribbon so you can see in the pictures below how I anchored the ribbon! I am trying to share with you ways to “hide the mechanics” of your card projects! By using simple glue dots on the ends, you can wrap the ribbon behind the mat and have a very clean and professional finish!

• The colors of ribbon I used were the white taffeta Ribbon and then took a piece of the Old Olive 1/8” taffeta ribbon to pull it together with my stamping!

• Add dimensionals to the mat….POOF!!!! Done in no time! What would we do without out Stampin’ Vitamins !?!?!?

• To the envelope we go….I was happy about this! I lined the outside of the envelope with the Strawberry Slush Paper from the In Color Collection and then thought – how about using the Large Scallop Edgelit to add a bit of pizzazz!

I was tickled “pink” with the end result of the envelope and all in all…this is one beautiful, fast, easy card that will touch the heart of John’s client!

You have heard me blog before about the “just in case” phrase that I use – when I say that it is like the “little black dress” ! We need to have some "go to’s" for when we are in need of a quick card to send!

I want you to think about what your "go to’s" are for…

• Birthday Cards
• Anniversary Cards
• Sympathy
• Get Well
• Thinking of you
• Just Because

It’s a great idea to have a file of some of your favorite "go to’s" so when you need them…they are ready! One thing that I am guilty of is that I send my cards out (but trust me – I have a nice stash in a basket) and it’s a good thing I have my blog as I often go back and look at different themes!!!

Enjoy your day…get ready for a fun weekend…stay warm and I thank you for popping by today!

Please feel free to email me and as always, I love your comments…you all make me smile and are my source of inspiration!

Shopping in your jammies while drinking a cup of coffee is also super fun…hit that SHOP NOW button and have fun…remember, Sale-a-bration is coming to a close in 2 weeks…

Until tomorrow!