Saturday 11 September 2021

Heartfelt

 


Welcome
Sympathy cards are never easy to make.
That's why I like to keep some on hand and ready to mail out if needed.
Again, this was one done on my Gel Plate using Distress Oxide inks.

I have to share something personal today. Today is tough for me, September 11, 20 years ago. It's the last time I saw my Dad. No, I didn't lose him in the tower collapse but instead, the stress of seeing and watching it on TV and recalling all the memories of being in the 2nd World War stressed him to the point of having a stroke. He died 7 days later. I live in Canada but the loss affected us here too. 
My heart goes out to everyone affected by these terrible events.


So here's what I did to create my card.
  • I started by getting out my Gel Plate, brayer and Distress Oxide inks. (Twisted Citron and  Rustic Wildnerness)  I picked up some grasses while out on a walk too to use on my plate.
  •  I pressed the Twisted Citron ink pad directly onto the plate along the left side, then the Rustic Wilderness along the other side.  Using my brayer, I blended the colours together.
  • I carefully laid on the grasses, then using a piece of white cardstock I rubbed over the plate with a firm hand.  (For those of you with wrist issues, I sometimes use my Speedball Baren to rub over the print.  It is a tool with a handle meant to be used in printmaking.)
  • THIS PART IS IMPORTANT TO GET THE LOOK:  I lifted the paper from the bottom but not all the way off and then removed the grasses leaving the paper still attached at the top.  After all the grass was removed, I laid the paper back down and rubbed with firm pressure, then removed the whole piece from the plate.  
  • I splattered with my black and then white Posca pens and set aside to dry.
  • When dry, I stamped the sentiment then glued it onto a piece of black cardstock, then onto a white card base.

Thanks so much for coming by and taking a look.

Adding my card to these challenges:
Shopping Our Stash- SUMMER LOVIN
Use Your Stuff- ANYTHING GOES
The Male Room- NATURES BOUNTY


Supplies
Stamp- Sympathy (Stampin Up)
Inks- Distress Oxides, Versafine Clair
Paper- white cardstock (Scribes Nook- Waterloo, Ont.)
Accessories and Tools- Gel Arts Plate; Speedball Brayer; Posca pens; grasses from field

16 comments:

Vicki said...

Gorgeous!

marilyn said...

So lovely for a sympathy card (or any other card for that matter!)...Thank you explaining your technique..always appreciated.

Interestingly, on this very sad day, you mentioned your dad the impact on him. Sorry for your loss and the memories this day invokes for you.

Mac Mable said...

I am sending heartfelt hugs to you Karen on this memorable and sad day xx.
Your card is stunning, peaceful and perfect as a sympathy card. As always thank you for the step by steps x.
Sending love Karen and thinking of you my friend x.

Made by Nicolette said...

Very clear explanation, I love the colours and the use of the grasses. Amazing!!

Nora Noll said...

This is STUNNING!! I cannot believe you got that print from using GRASS. It looks amazing!!

jcamp2020 said...

I have not heard of Posca pens before and looked them up on Dick Blick's. Are they that juicy to do splatters? I don't like flicking with the nubs as it tends to ruin them. What tip did you use?

Cathy said...

This is a beautiful card Karen, amazing way to use real grass! Sending hugs on this difficult day too, Cathy x

Bonnie said...

It's been a trying day for so many, Karen! So much loss from that day.

I wish I could get this kind of result with DOX from my gel plate! Guess I need to keep trying!

Christine Alexander said...

Karen I'm loving all your leafy grassy gelli prints ♥

cuilliesocks said...

This is so beautiful Karen, I love the background and image, just perfect for the occasion, Kate x

kiwimeskreations said...

Oh Karen - what a personal loss for you too - I vividly remember the day as the TV channels gave all day coverage here too, way 'down under'.
I love the card you created - the greens are fabulous used like this with the grasses.
Stay safe
Blessings
Maxine

Lori m said...

Karen so sorry about your Dad, I remember the day too well.

Gorgeous card and technique, hugs, Lori m

Mari said...

Thank you for another beautiful card. I really appreciate the detailed instructions you offer…gel
plate printing astounds and confuses me, and I’m hooked!! I was sorry to read of your sad memories of 9/11… I also lost my Mom at that time. I was on a plane headed from West to East Coast at the time of the attacks. A surreal experience for sure. May our sweet memories, and time, help us to remember these special people with a smile in our hearts.

Faith A at Daffodil Cards said...

Another stunning card Karen, I love the grass effect from the grass and the lovely shading it all has. Thank you so much for joining us in our Natures Bounty challenge at The Male Room Good Luck and I hope you will join us in our next challenge.
Faith DT

I'm sorry to hear about your Dad and how the day affected him, so sad. I remember being phoned in work by hubby who was astounded by the events. I ran to see the second plane crash on TV. So awful with an everlasting legacy.
Faith x

Monica C. said...

This is just gorgeous, Karen. The use of the grass is so beautiful.
Hugs Monica

Pat said...

This is a fabulous technique Karen and love the two different greens blended on your gelli plate, and the grasses are beautiful. Who doesn't remember where they were and what they were doing on this truly dreadful day 20 years ago, and am so sorry that this led to the loss of your Dad. x